The premiership cup has not yet been lifted but the passing of the baton has already taken place in Outer East Women’s Division 1 football.
Reigning-premier Pakenham won’t take its place in this year’s finals series, finishing fifth, after unbeaten Mt Evelyn handed the Lions a 12.18(90) to 1.1(7) defeat at Mt Evelyn on Friday night.
The Rovers have been a class above all opposition this year, ending the home-and-away season having conceded just 58 points in 13 outings.
They have scored 1229 points themselves, leading to a percentage of 2119.
Lilly Kelly kicked four goals for the winners, while premiership-player Sarah Connelly battled hard for the Lions in her last game before retiring.
Upwey Tecoma will face the daunting task of taking on Mt Evelyn in this week’s second semi-final after the Tigers scored a 14.6(90) to 1.2(8) victory over Belgrave.
Alex Bantock and Jess Occhipinti tuned up in the best way possible, booting five goals each for the Tigers, while Jess Walker capped off a fine season with the only six-pointer for Belgrave.
And the mind games started a week early for Healesville and Olinda Ferny Creek, with Healesville prevailing by 27 points in a curtain-raiser to their first semi-final battle this week.
Madi Cameron was electric for the winners with three goals, while Anna Hughson battled hard for Olinda.
In Division 2, Warburton-Wesburn has almost identically replicated Mt Evelyn’s dominance in Division 1, ending the season with 1148 points for, and just 68 against, after a 71-point victory over Yea.
Madi Ward was brilliant for the red-hot premiership favourites with eight goals, while Emerson Woods was an influential figure around the ground.
Wandin will take on Warburton-Wesburn this week in the grand final qualifier after a 54-point win over Thornton-Eildon.
Danielle Wearne slotted four, and Kiara-Shae Ryan-Bader and Madeline Stokes two each in the comprehensive success.
And Emerald will take winning form into this week’s first semi-final against Yea after hard-fought victory over Officer.
The Bombers led by a point at the final change, but stunning final quarters from Amber Brierley and Paige Nguyen extend that margin in the last quarter.
WOMEN’S FINALS
Saturday 9 August, 2025
Venue: Olinda Ferny Creek
DIVISION 1
QUALIFYING FINAL (1 v 2) 1pm
Mt Evelyn v Upwey Tecoma
ELIMINATION FINAL (3 v 4) 2.50pm
Healesville v Olinda Ferny Creek
DIVISION 2
QUALIFYING FINAL (1 v 2) 11.10am
Warburton-Wesburn v Wandin
ELIMINATION FINAL (3 v 4) 9.20am
Emerald v Yea
