ROWVILLE Secondary College piled on five consecutive goals across the first half of its 51-point victory over Sacred Heart College in the Herald Sun Shield Intermediate Girls Division 1 final yesterday. Going in as heavy favourites with an all-star Under 16s midfield containing Vic Metro and Vic Country representatives, Rowville missed a few gettable chances, but dominated forward half possession to win, 9.19 (73) to 3.4 (22).

One of those Victorian representatives in Ella Bologa earned best afield honours with her work through midfield simply sensational. She teamed up with her Narre North Foxes teammate Lily Brittain who broke lines and caused all sorts of problems from the middle to attack.

Despite the stacked midfield, Sacred Heart College – based in Geelong – turned up from the opening bounce, booting a surprising first goal via skipper Sienna Schmidt. Though that gave the illusion of a tight contest, Rowville quickly got the ball in the hands of the players that could do the most damage and went away with it.

Rowville booted the next five goals of the contest, and though Sacred Heart did finish the second half strong, still trailed by 27 points at the main break. Katalinah Tsoukalas was proving a problem with two of her three majors coming before half-time, while Eliza McConnell had also kicked two and missed a sitter which hit the post. It mattered little though as Rowville kept up the pressure after half-time.

Eastern Ranges pair Kyra Simmons and Tillie Baldwin provided important height through midfield and attack respectively, while Tylah Frankenberg was providing supporting run to the likes of Bologa and Brittain. If it did go near the defensive half, skipper Billie McCulloch would mop it up and restrict Sacred Heart’s flow.

A pair of majors to Jemima Hood did give the Geelong-based side a spark in the second quarter, but the team could only manage two behinds after half-time with Rowville booting an inaccurate 3.8 (24) which saved the margin from being larger.

Sacred Heart did have an even spread across the board with Amelie Ruyg, Isabel Toohey and Violet Miers among players who popped up for some important moments. But the class of Rowville was too much, boasting half a dozen potential draft prospects of the future, headlined by Bologa and Brittain.

ROWVILLE SECONDARY 3.5 | 6.11 | 8.13 | 9.19 (73)
SACRED HEART COLLEGE 1.0 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.4 (22)

GOALS:
Rowville:  K. Tsoukalas 3, E. McConnell 2,T. Baldwin 2, E. Bologa, S. Roden
Sacred Heart: J. Hood 2, S. Schmidt

RMC BEST:
Rowville: E. Bologa, L. Brittain, K. Simmons, T. Frankenberg, K. Tsoukalas
Sacred Heart: J. Hood, S. Schmidt, A. Ruyg, I. Toohey, V. Miers

Best on Ground: Ella Bologa (Rowville Secondary College)

SCOUTING NOTES:

Rowville Secondary College:

#1 Ella Bologa

A brilliant performance from the Vic Country rep who ticks a lot of boxes in her profile. She can do damage with her disposal going forward, is capable of hitting the scoreboard, but can also set others up or create potential scoring chains. Missed a couple of shots on goal which were not too far away, but her delivery inside 50 was delightful. Bologa did kick one major off a clever snap in the opening term.

#2 Katalinah Tsoukalas

Finished the game with three majors and was a deadeye from her set shots. All three of her goals came from marks and subsequent set shots, and though she had less opportunities after her third which came in the premiership quarter, was lively and the most damaging forward by the end of the game.

#6 Tylah Frankenberg

The hard-running wing complemented the work of Bologa and Brittain with her ability to cover the ground and link up well between the arcs. While a number of players from Rowville were known coming into the match, Frankenberg was one who really stood out and held her own in a quality lineup. Her athleticism and work rate were key traits in the game.

#7 Eliza McConnell

Looked the most likely to kick a bag inside 50 for Rowville, and finished with two majors and a poster, the latter of which she really should have nailed. Her first was a clever snap early in the second term, before making it two with the last kick of the half from a set shot. Floated in and out with others having opportunities later, but played her role effectively.

#10 Kyra Simmons

At 177cm, the onballer will pose a few questions to her opponents of the future with the Eastern Ranges tall also pushing forward and being a target in the front half. She had a few chances on goal but could not quite capitalise. Still, Simmons possesses a nice long kick, good hands and has the size that her other quality teammates lacked.

#21 Tillie Baldwin

Was the third head of the Rowville attack, and kicked two goals in the match. An imposing figure in side 50, the 184cm key position prospect is too tall and strong to be outmarked, and presents well on a lead. She kicked a second term shot out on the full, but managed to fill her boots with the couple of majors, one of which was a clever soccer goal after hitting the post from longer range moments earlier.

#22 Lily Brittain

Rode shotgun with Bologa to control the midfield and there were several times where Brittain hit the pack at full speed to collect a ball one-touch and burn off anyone near her. Having represented both Vic Country and Dandenong Stingrays already, the talented small’s attack on the contest is known, and she has the explosiveness and decision making to back it up as well. A star of the future.

Sacred Heart College:

#6 Sienna Schmidt

The Sacred Heart skipper tried her heart out all game and kicked a brilliant bouncing goal in the opening two minutes to provide a spark to her side. She loomed large for the underdogs and got her hands on the ball when she had her opportunities, being one of the better players in defeat.

#15 Jemima Hood

Announced herself with a couple of second term goals and helped set up the one to Schmidt. Her first major was as easy as you would like waltzing into the goalsquare off a handball chain, while the second one came following a holding the ball free kick and subsequent set shot. A smart and dangerous forward.

#17 Amelie Ruyg

Really liked her ability to sidestep opponents and get her hands free from would-be tacklers in order to dish off and provide release for her teammates. She mopped up at half-back and sent the ball down the field, with a number of clearing kicks turning defence into offence and was one of the shining lights.

#19 Violet Miers

Showed a strong aerial ability in the match and a willingness to take the game on by foot. In an even team performance, Miers had a couple of plays that stood out, and she was able to put the ball into advantageous positions in the attacking half of the field.