Coaches Notes: U12 Girls Div 2 Grand Final
A 2-point win over Newport in the first final sent us straight through to the Grand Final. When Newport knocked off Williamstown in the prelim, we were confident we could give them a shake, having beaten them the week before. But nothing could prepare us for the challenge that lay ahead - players overseas, injuries and sickness all hit hard.
Alyssa and Sienna Galle headed overseas after starring all year, Lily Davison injured her ankle just days before the game, and key players Eva McManus and Ella McGowan were wiped out with the flu all week....Far from the ideal prep. Thankfully, Maisie Smith from the U10s was able to step up, giving us a bench of two fit players.
Despite it all, the girls embraced the moment and were buzzing to be there. We were the only St Bernard’s junior team into a Grand Final this season - something to be really proud of, and carried the theme “Be Fearless” into the big day. We deserved to be there, and there was nothing to fear.
In perfect conditions at the Snake Pit and in front of a big home crowd, the girls gave everything. We matched Newport in the first quarter, trailing by just 2 points at the break. We let a few slip in the second but were still right in it, only 3 goals down at half time. In the second half, Newport’s full-strength side took control. By three-quarter time we were 37 points down, and with the girls out on their feet, Newport piled on another five goals in the last quarter to finish 73-point winners.
There were still some massive efforts. Scarlett Calleja was ferocious with her tackling, Georgina Cruise worked tirelessly in the ruck, and Eva Guardabascio presented strongly up forward. In defence, Amani Idris, Olivia James and Sammy Miller never stopped trying, while Sophia Konstantinidis played a selfless role on their best player. Special mention to Eva and Ella, who pulled on the jumper despite being clearly unwell - the ultimate Selfless act from our SLAY motto.
The scoreboard didn’t tell the story. The girls were brave, relentless, and wore the St Bernard’s jumper with pride. They left nothing in the tank.
Looking back, what a season it was. 6 girls played their first-ever year of footy, 13 will stay down in U12s again next year, and to finish runners-up with so much fun, growth and improvement along the way, meant we walked away feeling like winners.
Big thanks to all the supporters, volunteers and the club for putting on such a great finals series. Bring on 2026!