GIVEN their domination of the competition this season, the Bendigo Thunder are poised to win the first Northern Country Women’s League premiership on Sunday.
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But don’t say that to coach Alan Last.
“We’ve had a good run coming through the season on top of the ladder, but we certainly won’t be taking Sunday’s game lightly,” Last said this week.
“We’re under no illusion that we’ll have to be at our best on Sunday.”
The Thunder reserves host the Benalla Saints in the grand final at Weeroona Oval from 2.30pm.
The only loss against the Thunder’s name was when they were stripped of their points for playing an unregistered player against Kyneton in round three – a game they won by 85 points.
The dominance of the Thunder is highlighted by the fact in 11 games they have conceded just 13 goals, while kicking 151 and boasting an average winning margin of 86 points.
Sunday’s team features eight players in their first season of football.
“They are a fantastic group of girls who have done everything I’ve asked,” Last said.
“The new girls are all really sporty and have taken to the game well. We’ve got great scoring power in the team, but also a really good defence.”
The team is captained by Erin Ross, who won the NCWL goalkicking with 47.
Meanwhile, the game will also include a full contingent of female umpires – Bronte Annand and Adelaide Annand (central), Tacy Bacon and Niah Langree (boundary) and Mikayla Ford and Samantha Bramley (goal).
• Season results:
Rd 1 – 5.9 (39) d Benalla Saints 2.6 (18).
Rd 2 – 24.10 (154) d North Bendigo 0.1 (1).
Rd 3 – 12.13 (85) d Kyneton 0.0 (0) – lost points for unregistered player.
Rd 4 – 13.20 (98) d Echuca 5.1 (31).
Rd 5 – 13.11 (89) d Kerang 0.1 (1).
Rd 6 – 14.8 (92) d Shepparton 0.2 (2).
Rd 7 – 10.9 (69) d Mooroopna 3.2 (20).
Rd 8 – 22.16 (148) d North Bendigo 0.0 (0).
Rd 9 – 14.21 (105) d Kyneton 0.0 (0).
Rd 10 – 11.10 (76) d Kerang 2.1 (13).
Second semi – 13.11 (89) d Benalla Saints 1.0 (6).