Tara Murray
Point Cook Centrals have learned a lot in the last two weeks as they won through to their first Western Region Football League women’s grand final.
The top team throughout the division 2 season, the Centrals lost their final round match against Caroline Springs, their first loss of the year.
They then found themselves 12 points down against West Footscray in their semi final on Saturday.
Coach Leanne Meyer said the resilience the group has helped them turn things around and make it through to the final day of the year.
“It’s super exciting and a little bit surreal,” she said. “It’s certainly an exciting time for the club.
“For this particular group they’ve had five forfeits against them throughout the year which impacts on match fitness.
“They have been really tough physically and mentally and this is a reward for the resilience they have shown.”
Meyer said the final round loss was the rocket some of the girls needed, to show them that four points and wins don’t come easy.
The side then moved onto the semi final against West Footscray. Centrals found themselves down by 12 points at half time.
“For a lot of them, they were playing in their first final, so there were a lot of nerves,” she said.
“You can teach people skills, but it’s hard to teach them emotions and getting out of their own heads.
“At half time I said to them, they need to play their best. It’s not about the outcome, but each individual plays their best team game.
“Finals football is just football.”
Four goals in the third quarter left the Roosters stunned, with Centrals leading by 15 points at the last break.
They would kick the only goal of the last quarter to seal the 6.7 (43)-3.5 (23) win.
Sharni Currie and Jen Plumb kicked two goals each for Centrals. Leah Moss was named their best.
Centrals have the weekend off before facing the winner of West Footscray and Caroline Springs in the grand final.
Caroline Springs beat Wyndhamvale, 10.23 (83)-2.1 (13) in the other semi final.
Meyer said the week off would be nothing new for the side and they would treat the next couple of weeks like normal.
“We still want the girls to enjoy the lead up and still remember footy is fun regardless of the outcome.”
