Goodwood Saints and Hope Valley face off to decide who goes through to the grand final while one of either Edwardstown or Woodville South will have their season ended
By Michelle Wakim

Hope Valley v Woodville South

To cap off the home-and-away season, Hope Valley defeated Goodwood Saints in what should have secured Valley top spot and a week off; however, Valley made the mistake of playing an ineligible player. This resulted in Valley’s win being revoked, ridding them of top spot – granting it to Goody instead – and forcing them to suit up for this week’s battle. Nevertheless, last week’s drama was benched, and they met Woodville South for the first final of the Division 5 competition. Woodville remained scoreless in the first quarter, with Valley not giving them a sniff and scoring three goals four for themselves. This momentum came to a stand still in the second term as Hope Valley were unable to add to their score, while Woodville upped their ante, kicking one goal four. Then came the Premiership Quarter, the one that often distinguishes the top sides: Valley ran away with it, extending their lead to 31 points. Woodville didn’t have much to say for the rest of the game, offering up one more goal, which didn’t go unanswered. Valley were able to walk away with a 39-point win. Woodville’s season is not over yet, as they now must compose themselves for next week’s battle against Edwardstown. Emily Koch, Melissa Norman, Ella Vitucci, and Monique Annese made up the best for Woodville, with Evelyn Holt and Koch sharing the two goals between them. Hope Valley are scheduled to face Goodwood Saints next week who will be coming in with fresh legs. Although Valley may be the favourites, this first final has made their road to the big dance harder than it should have been, particularly on their bodies. Best on for Hope Valley were Alannah Pix, Hayley Taheny, Tyra Pix, Catelyna Lawless, and Sarah Fry. Goal scorers were Taheny with four, and Abbey Mozuras and Jaimee Lake with two each. 

Edwardstown v Henley

In this qualifying final, the scoreboard reflected the absurdity and cruelty of finals footy. Henley seemed to have it made from the first bounce, scoring one goal one in the first quarter while Edwardstown remained scoreless. This trend continued. In fact, Edwardstown didn’t score until the final quarter – but what a score it was! After three quarters of hard work, Henley went into the final term with a 13-point lead. Then, in some twist of fate, Henley found themselves at the losing end of this final, falling short by three points after Edwardstown made a four-goal comeback. Devastation would have been rife amongst the Henley team, with 20 minutes of football and less than a goal putting an end to their finals hopes. Games like this demonstrate how football can both mend and break hearts, depending on which side of the result you fall on. Best on for Henley were Tracy Marks, Lucinda Gray, Lauren Cavanagh, Zenah Elmassih, and Ella Hoffmann and goal scorers were Gray, Hannah Jones and Lily Armstrong with one each. Next week Edwardstown meets Woodville in a semi-final. The chance at a prelim will undeniably drive both sides, and the game will certainly be one to watch. Elizabeth Drake, Jessica Daw, Heather Rosenzweig, Eboni Frankel, and Taylor McAvaney made up Edwardstown’s best. Frankel, Samantha Jones, and Drake all kicked one through the big sticks. 

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