Island U17 girls back-to-back Premiers

A beautiful day in Koo Wee Rup, with the sun beaming down for the Under 17’s Grand Final.

It was Phillip Island verse Korumburra, and it was a fitting contest for the occasion.

Phillip Island girls started strong.

The energy was high and skill level matched.

Goal accuracy from Lily along with accurate passing and feeds from Tilly helped establish a four-goal lead at the end of the first quarter. 10 -6.

From the onset of the second quarter, Korumburra came out dominating in defence, working hard to flood the midcourt and prevent the Island from their classic game.

Sophia, Isla, Sienna and Jazzy worked hard defensively and the pressure that both teams applied was intense.

Korumburra was lifting and Phillip Island’s work rate was strong.

They drew the lead at half time16-16.

Third quarter, to some known as the premiership quarter, took a range of turns.

Spectators, coaches and the crowd went into the next gear as the game hit its peak.

Korumburra stepped onto the court, meaning business.

Their goals were sinking, defence was strong, and they took full advantage of every opportunity. After five consecutive goals in a row Korumburra were able to get the lead out to four, but the Island weren’t giving up.

A swap with Ruby into goals and Meika as WA, changed the direction of the game.

Maya wasn’t holding back in terms of physicality and the mid court change proved to be a highly successful one.

Phillip Island chipped away, one goal at a time to claw their way back to a three-point lead at the end of the third quarter 28-25.

The last quarter of the Grand Final and coaches asked the girls to work hard, work together and enjoy this final quarter.

The Island girls stepped onto the court radiating energy and positivity.

Lily’s leadership skills were invaluable, and Ruby’s enthusiasm was contagious.

The defensive combination of Isla and Sophia was solid, and they ensured that Korumburra needed to work tenfold to score.

Intercept after intercept contributed to a series of conversions.

Phillip Island created their own momentum, with Tilly, Maya and Meika, playing with a lot of freedom and not letting fear hold them back on their passes or attempts to win the ball.

Lily and Ruby’s shots were on and in the end, it was all Phillip Island.

The Island girls ultimately winning the 2023 Grand Final by ten goals.

Final score: Phillip Island: 39 def Korumburra: 29.