COACH Jason Armistead has paid tribute to his leaders as the Geelong Falcons tuned up for the NAB League Girls finals with a 47-point win over Murray Bushrangers at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval, 8.6 (54) to 1.1 (7).
The Falcons, who were coming off their first loss since 2017, conceded the first goal of the match but didn’t allow the Bushrangers another major.
Once again it was the likes of captain Lucy McEvoy, Paige Sheppard, Luka Lesosky-Hay and Abbey Chapman leading the charge for Geelong.
“I actually spoke after the game about how well our leaders have been taking this group forward,” Armistead said.
“Even last week, when the game wasn’t going our way, they just kept at it.
“They’ve really taken over the team as well, which is great from our side of things as coaches.
“They’re driving things out on the ground and it’s showing in the way they’re playing.”
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Armistead says it was close to the ideal preparation for next week’s semi-final, which is likely to be against Eastern Ranges.
“We sent our team out roughly how we want to go into the first final, and they executed really well today,” he said.
“They played a lot more attacking and freer; it was really good to watch.”
Mia Skinner also impressed with three goals, which should be enough to win her the competition’s leading goalkicker award.
While Gabbi Featherston and Jeremi Robinson battled hard as they shared ruck duties following the withdrawal of Skyelee Hovey from the selected team on Friday.
The Falcons semi-final opponent and venue will be confirmed early in the week.
Twitter: @tom_king79
Geelong Falcons 1.2, 4.3, 5.3, 8.6 (54)
Murray Bushrangers 1.1, 1.1, 1.1, 1.1 (7)
Goals; Geelong Falcons: M. Skinner 3, J. Hecker, L. McEvoy, P. Sheppard, D. Smith, T. Hassett
Murray Bushrangers: O. Barber
Best; Geelong Falcons: L. McEvoy, P. Sheppard, L. Lesosky-Hay, M. Skinner, A. Chapman, D. Smith
Murray Bushrangers: M. Brown, O. Barber, C. Mailer, K. Skepper, M. Trethowan, K. Adams
