A league record crowd and ideal playing conditions served as the perfect arena for the Goulburn Murray girls decider against Shepparton United, the Magpies also benefitting from home ground advantage at Moama Recreation Reserve.
Moama got its work done early and kept the Demons at arm’s length throughout the second half to record a 7.5 (47) to 3.4 (22) win.
“I couldn't be any more proud of the girls; they really wanted it today,” Moama coach Kate Christie said.
“I know Shepparton United really wanted it, they got done last year, but I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of girls and they were hungry for it.
“They got the job done and they got it done nicely.”
Moama had the best of the early pressure, opening its account with a minor score before Shaleah Cooper slotted the first major of the game.
Although the Magpies continued to earn strong field position, a clinical Demons counterattack from defensive 50 saw Zara Findlay kick her side’s first major.
Moama would kick two further goals, each the product of good movement within forward 50 and continued to dominate field position
Good containing defence prevented clear scoring opportunities when United did get down the other end and, although Findlay had another attempt at a set shot on the siren, it sailed wide, the Magpies going into the first break ahead 19-7.
The second period started primarily as a midfield slog, neither side able to spend significant time in attacking range.
When Moama did get some pressure late in the quarter, it capitalised first through Ruby McLeod before Cooper bombed another through from range.
The Magpies’ sixth in the dying seconds had the home team well in the ascendancy at the main break, leading 39-8.
Moama was back on the attack after the break, but wasn’t rewarded with a goal and it was United that kicked the first of the half through Tabitha Ingham.
The Magpies managed a quick response to quell the Demons’ comeback hopes, but another major, this time from Lacey Wellington, kept their momentum going.
The Demons had Moama’s defence under the pump in the final quarter, but the Magpies’ backline stood tall and, while neither side found the goal, it was enough for Moama to claim its maiden flag.
Zahra Kelly, who actually started the year with the Demons, picked up the best-on-ground medal for the champion Magpies.
“For her to come along and play for us halfway through is absolutely amazing and she really wanted it,’’ Christie said.
“If anyone deserved to win that, it was Zahra.
“I couldn't think of any better person to get the game medal either, so full credit to Zahra, she was really hungry for it and I felt sorry for any opposition player who was on her to be completely honest.”
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