By JARROD POTTER
THE STATE championship has returned to Hallam Senior College’s senior girls football team following back-to-back wins on Tuesday over Ballarat High School and Greensborough High School.
The tough clash against fellow School Sport Victoria senior girls’ premiership favourites Ballarat came down to the predicted nail-biter.
A tough contest throughout the first term gave neither side a great advantage, as Hallam and Ballarat both nailed a goal. Hallam pushed away in the second and held the lead til the final siren.Ballarat fought back through the third, but had no answers for the run-and-carry of Hallam’s Karly Tapner and Katie Angelis.
A final term arm-wrestle gave neither side too many chances. Hallam’s three points proved enough as the school repelled Ballarat’s constant attacks. Earning passage to the grand final, Hallam’s 3.4 (22) was enough to knock off Ballarat 3.2 (20). Best players were Lauren Hojnacki, Katie Angelis, Teagan Sheldon, Karly Tapner and Jenna Edwards.
The final was against Greensborough High School but after a six goal first term spree, the match was all but over.
Hallam continued to fire off their scores and take an emphatic state triumph 12.5 (77) to Greensborough 3.2 (20).Best players were Karly Tapner, Lauren Hojnacki, Cass Meads, Taylah Clayton, Bobbi Pollard, Maddi Martin and Katie Angelis.
Beaconsfield’s Lauren Hojnacki received the medal for Hallam’s best player of the series as the lead out forward/ruck shone wherever she was needed on-field.
After last year’s semi-final defeat by a point, Hallam coach Brett Alexander was thrilled a better result eventuated and the program’s standing at the top of the state was returned.
“I know it did for me,” Alexander said. “The girls that were still in the program from last year, the Year 12 girls especially, to finish on a positive note at their time here at Hallam, we were driven to achieve that.
“To draw Ballarat in the semi-final – the two best teams in the state – the grand finalists basically.”We found ourselves in that position this year and we’ve secured four out of five in a row, so it’s very satisfying.
“I’m privileged to have some of the most talented girls in the area – they gelled really well and execute the drills and tactics excellently and it makes a big difference.”
Hallam’s girls depart next weekend for Queensland to play in a tournament against some schools from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane and Hallam is keen to defend the shield it won at last year’s tournament.
There are a few spots left for the 2015 AFL girls program at Hallam Senior College. For more information on the program, contact Brett Alexander on 0407 824 140.
“Anyone who has an interest in football – there are skilful players like Beaconsfield’s Tyla Hanks I’d love to get across – but there are girls that should apply for next year who are only just learning the game,” Alexander said.”We try to accommodate everyone from state level players to those in their first year – promote girls footy and give them a great opportunity.”
A great number of Hallam Senior College students will feature in the South East Juniors grand finals on Sunday as Beaconsfield faces Cranbourne in the Youth Girls 1 grand final at Casey Fields’ VFL Oval.
