Being the last match before finals, it was a must play game for the Saints, having not played for four weeks due to byes and a forfeit.
With Finley-Cobram’s numbers short, the Saints loaned a player a quarter to the opposing team, but it did little to stem the Saints’ dominance.
And while the ground was heavy due to the recent weather, Benalla was still able to use the ball well in difficult conditions.
Benalla started strongly, scoring two goals within the first five minutes.
But Finley was quickly able to respond, scoring two of its own, including one from Saints player Olivia Antonello on loan.
Benalla was able to get back on top before quarter-time, kicking another two majors, before adding five unanswered goals in the second.
The Saints returned from the major break more determined than ever and with strong teamwork and plenty of hard work, outscored Finley in the remaining two quarters to wrap up their season in third place with an 8-2-1 record.
Saint Sam Pritchard was a dominant force down forward with five goals, while Olivia Antonello kicked four.
Returning under-16 Victoria Country representative Keeley Skepper kicked two majors and joined Pritchard and Antonello in the best.
A spokesperson for the Saints team said the club appreciated that Finley made up a composite team with Cobram to provide the girls with a game.
They also wanted to thank volunteers Kyle and Alan, who have umpired all of the Saints’ home games after the league did not appoint any for them.
The Saints will play off in the first week of finals this weekend, with a venue to be advised.
Final score: Benalla Saints 14.7 (91) d Finley 4.4 (28).
Goal-kickers: S. Pritchard 5, O. Antonello 4, K. Skepper 2, M. Cronin 2, K. Anderson, K. Ward.
Best: S. Pritchard, I. Symes, A. Buka, M. Gray, O. Antonello, K. Skepper.
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