‘Plucky Pies Clinch 2018 Premiership

Glenorchy took out the 2018 Wrest Point Tasmanian State League Women’s Premiership after overcoming the ‘Roos in an enthralling, hard-fought Grand Final, writes TSL W Digital Reporter Olivia Clayton.

Glenorchy 6.1 (37) got the upper hand in the fourth quarter to defeat Clarence 5.5 (35) in the Grand Final at UTAS Stadium in a fascinating, intense contest that lived up to the status of the season’s deciding fixture.

Those in attendance were treated to a physical match from the get-go, with lots of bumps and contests and swings in momentum. Jacinta Limbrick kicked the first goal of the game for Clarence, which was followed by a goal from Glenorchy’s Mackie Sutcliffe.

Elise Barwick kicked another for the Pies after she was awarded a free kick, and Limbrick got her second for the game after she tapped in through right in front of the goal line.

The opening term was played at a frenetic intensity, with both teams easing into the occasion of playing off in the biggest match of the season.

Clarence, fresh a Semi Final victory over Glenorchy and the following week’s bye, took a two-point advantage into the first break and quickly increased this to eight when Nicole Bresnehan kicked her first less than two minutes into the second term.

But, as happened in the opening term, Glenorchy found a response, with Sandy Eaton ensuring the Magpies trailed by two points at half time.

Glenorchy got off to a strong start in the third term, with a Hannah Smith major putting the side in front for the very first time, but Clarence star Maddy Smith, who had battled a shoulder injury in the opening half, threatened to blow the game apart with two goals and a behind in a short period of time to hand the ‘Roos a 10-point lead at three-quarter-time.

Natalie Daniels gave Glenorchy hope when she kicked a goal to put the Pies just four points behind early in the term before both sides threw everything at the contest as the clock ran down.

With  five minutes left to go, Thomasa Corrie won a big one-on-one contest on the wing, driving the ball forward to Natalie Daniels, who gave off a smart handball to Mackie Sutcliffe, who nailed the goal – handing Glenorchy the lead.

Hannah Smith kicked a behind just before the quarter’s end, with Clarence continually being denied by the Magpies across half forward, ensuring Glenorchy were crowned by 2018 premiers with a two-point win.

Glenorchy’s accuracy in front of goal (6.1) was particularly impressive in such a fiercely contested outing.

Glenorchy coach Craig Grace was full of praise for his team, and Clarence after the match.

“It was a great contest and a fantastic showcase of women’s football,” Grace said.

“We thought we had more of the ball than Clarence for most of the game and believed at three-quarter-time that we just needed to change a few things structurally going forward.”

The Magpies had winners across the park, with Jade Williams across half back and prime movers Sarah Skinner, Elise Barwick, Zabreena Manjerovic and Brieanna Barwick all impressing, while dangerous half forward Mackie Sutcliffe, with her two crucial goals was rewarded with best afield honours.

“Mackie was fantastic and really stood up in the big moments of the game. Given this was Mackie’s first season at state league level she has been great and I think she still has plenty of improvement in her game.”

“Jade Williams played really well through the backline and we felt she was our best player on the day,” Grace said.

Clarence Football Club                   2.2,  3.2,  5.4,  5.5  (35)

Glenorchy Football Club                 2.0,  3.0,  4.0,  6.1  (37)

GOALS

Clarence Football Club : J. Limbrick 2, M. Smith 2, N. Bresnehan

Glenorchy Football Club : M. Sutcliffe 2, H. Smith, E. Barwick, N. Daniels, S. Eaton

BEST

Clarence Football Club : L. Ochayi, J. Limbrick, N. Bresnehan, M. Smith, R. Long, T. Ford

Glenorchy Football Club : J. Williams, M. Sutcliffe, Z. Manjerovic, B. Barwick, S. Skinner, E. Barwick