EASTERN Ranges have finally broken through for their maiden Coates Talent League flag after falling short in their previous two Grand Finals, running out 38-point victors over Dandenong Stingrays in today’s Grand Final at IKON Park.

Both sides were playing off for their first CTL premiership. Oddly, it was the first time the pair had faced off this season, which provided the contest some added intrigue. Although many queries about the game were put to bed within the opening 20 minutes. 

Eastern were dominant in the first, Scout Semple setting the tone early in the piece, scoring the first goal within a minute. The ball was camped inside 50 for the Ranges for the majority of the opening term, but Dandenong battled valiantly, repelling a deluge of inside 50 entries – 17-4 for the quarter – until Mathilde Wilkinson broke through for the second. Zoe Vozzo followed up shortly after to give Eastern a three-goal lead at the end of the first quarter. 

Dandenong’s leading goal kicker Evelyn Connolly drilled the Stingrays first at the five-minute mark of the first. Eastern then answered back through Briannan Lambe and then snared another buzzer-beater from Zoe Wilkinson to maintain a strong lead heading into the halftime break. 

The Stingrays’ hopes of a comeback were dented within the first few minutes of the second half, with forward spearhead Connolly suffering an injury that saw her helped off the ground and unable to continue. She ended the season with 30 goals. Dandenong saved their best for last, kicking three of their four goals in the final quarter, but the lead proved insurmountable. 

Ranges’ captain Tayla McMillan was ever productive with 29 disposals and was subsequently named Player of the Match. Her midfield counterparts, Jordyn Allen (20 disposals) and Emily Rankin (25), were two of the other most influential players on the ground. Bottom-ager Brylee Anderson also thoroughly impressed with 21 disposals and a goal. 

Meanwhile, Stingray’s captain and resilient defender Charlotte Hewitson provided sturdy resistance throughout, ending up as her side’s leading ball winner (20 disposals). Talented utility Mizuki Brothwell was another shining light for Dandenong. She will be looking to impress at the upcoming draft combine, along with a slew of her combatants, on October 3 in Melbourne. 

EASTERN RANGES 3.2 I 5.4 I 9.8 I 10.8 (68)
DANDENONG STINGRAYS 0.1 I 1.2 I 1.3 I 4.6 (30)

GOALS:
Eastern Ranges: Zoe Vozzo 2, Brianna Lambe 2, Zoe Wilkinson, Mathilde Wilkinson, Scout Semple, Brylee Anderson, Perri Goulding
Dandenong Stingrays: Evelyn Connolly, Kiara Triep, Makhaela Bluhm, Nalu Brothwell

BEST:
Eastern Ranges: Tayla McMillan, Brylee Anderson, Emily Rankin, Jordyn Allen, Josephine Bamford
Dandenong Stingrays: Mizuki Brothwell, Matilda Argus, Charlotte Hewitson

BEST ON GROUND: Tayla McMillan (Eastern Ranges)