SWAN Districts overcame a goalless first three quarters to secure a place in the WAFL Women’s Preliminary Final thanks to a one-point win over East Fremantle at Steel Blue Oval. Just a week after knocking off the Sharks by four points in the last round of the season, Swan Districts ground out a come-from-behind victory thanks to two last quarter goals, 2.4 (16) to 2.3 (15).

In a nail-biting finish that any other week would have been match of the round, Swan Districts came from two goals down at the final break to boot 2.1 (13) to 0.0 (0) in the last term to storm over the top of the gallant Sharks who had battled well for four quarters. East Fremantle’s defence held up so well for the most part, with only a couple of decisive touches from Carys D’Addario being the difference.

While partner-in-crime Jaime Henry was best on ground across four quarters, D’Addario’ elite footy IQ and execution under pressure helped the West Australian Under 18s MVP set up both of her side’s majors in the last quarter. First was a brilliantly timed handball out of a forward stoppage to a running Kayley King, before a long delivery to the top of the goals which enabled inclusion Adi Griffith to slam home the go-ahead major midway through the quarter.

While East Fremantle had its chances in the last seven minutes, the Sharks could not get enough repeat possessions and turn their transitional running into scores late. A few times when it looked like the Sharks were out, Swan Districts would intercept and force it back into the the away side’s defensive half. The last role of the dice saw Sharks skipper Ashleigh Gomes coming out of defence but her kick straight down the corridor looking for a hard-running teammate was read perfectly but the experienced Emma Humphries.

The Swan Districts winger’s kick went back inside her team’s forward 50 and from there, the third placed team was able to hold on for the last minute, signalling an outstanding win. Though the Swans did not look like it for three quarters, containing the Sharks to just two goals was crucial in the comeback.

Those majors came from a set shot off the boot of Leanne Gubbins and from a close range kick from Anjelique Raison after her opponent slipped, to give the Sharks a 10-point lead early in the second term. The defensive work of teenagers Maya Louvel-Finn and Madison Evans was paramount in saving the day time and time again. East Fremantle had its chances to put the game beyond doubt in the second half, but could not drill the final nail in the coffin.

However Swan Districts also had its chances to get closer with competition leading goalkicker Taylah Edwards missing a few gettable set shots throughout the match. Fortunately though, her side would have the last laugh, with Griffith’s goal enough to seal the narrow one-point win.

Henry (34 disposals, two marks, eight tackles and four inside 50s) was enormous, while D’Addario had 26 disposals, three marks and four inside 50s to go with her two goal assists. Humphries (17 disposals), Summer Ajduk (16) and Tamzyn Beros (14 disposals, six tackles and six hitouts) also found plenty of the ball and was lively, with Naomi Baker laying seven tackles to go with 18 touches too.

For the Sharks, ruck Brooke Repacholi (34 hitouts and eight tackles from 13 disposals) was everywhere, with skipper Gomes (16 disposals, eight tackles) and Noa McNaughton (16 disposals, five tackles) leading East Fremantle’s disposal count. In defence, Louvel-Finn (12 disposals, four marks and six tackles) and Evans (11 disposals and three tackles) were also among the better Sharks, was was Jae Flynn who had 11 touches, three marks and three tackles.

Swan Districts moved through to the WAFLW Preliminary Final to take on Subiaco for a spot in the decider, while East Fremantle’s season – and run of three consecutive grand finals – is over.

SWAN DISTRICTS 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 2.4 (16)
EAST FREMANTLE 1.0 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 (15)

GOALS:
Swan Districts: K. King, A. Griffith
East Fremantle: L. Gubbins, A. Raison

RMC BEST:
Swan Districts: J. Henry, C. D’Addario, E. Humphries. S. Ajduk, T. Beros
East Fremantle: B. Repacholi, M. Louvel-Finn, M. Evans, N. McNaughton, A. Gomes