The Kelmscott Bulldogs have claimed the 2023 Perth Football League C3 Women’s Premiership after defeating Manning in a fiercely contested match.
The ball was thrown up and both teams were straight into the contest. Manning applied pressure early and kicked the first goal, with Kelmscott scoreless in the first quarter.
The Bulldogs responded in the second and gained the lead with two goals, as the back line mounted a wall against the Manning opposition.
Kelmscott’s midfielder Anna Shae Michael threw herself into countless contests and was rewarded with a goal, as fellow mid Hayley McHenry intercepted Manning’s attack and returned the football back forward.
With only three points the difference at half-time, Manning found dominance in the third quarter, kicking 1.3 and applying pressure on the Kelmscott backline, and taking the lead once again.
With one quarter to go, and just one goal the difference, the game was for the taking for either team.
With the wind in their favour, Kelmscott ruck Louise Knitter gave it her all and landed the ball in the hands of the midfielders.
Ashley McHenry gathered the football and launched it to the forwards. A goal went to Isabella Indich, and another to Annakia Hansen making it her second for the match.
Manning was desperate to get the ball to the hands of their forwards in the last minutes of the game.
A big run down the wing was intercepted by Bulldogs full-back and vice-captain Akeira Collard who launched at the football, and ran it up the wing just as the final siren sounded. Kelmscott supporters roared at the premiership win.
It was the third Grand Final appearance in a row for the Kelmscott Women’s team.
“It means a lot to coach the girls and to win the premiership, especially in the Perth Football League, and we will keep striving for higher grades,” coach William Hansen said.
“We always knew Manning were going to come back, they had been a very good side all year.
“However, I knew we were a good chance and it was a big effort from the girls and their champion midfield.”
He thanked his fellow assistant coach Daniel Slob, all the volunteers, and team sponsors. Kelmscott 4.8 (32) defeated Manning 3.4 (22) in the WC3 Grand Final at Wyong Reserve. Kelmscott player Anna-Shae Michael was awarded the Best On Ground medal.
Congratulations also goes to Louise Knitter who was crowned the Perth Football League Women’s C3 Best and Fairest on Monday evening.
