Ellex Best leaps to deny a Tarrawingee score. Photos: Garry Jones
B Reserve - Qualifying final vs Tarrawingee
The Panthers entered their qualifying final against Tarrawingee with a point to prove.
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After falling short against the Dogs throughout the home-and-away season, the side came into the contest with no expectations other than to play with grit, determination and a never-say-die attitude. That mindset paid off from the outset.
Kirsty Hanrahan made life difficult for the Tarrawingee shooters.
The Panthers produced a blistering first quarter, setting up the win with relentless pressure and precise ball movement. In the shooting circle, the duo of Brooke Bradshaw and Bri McNair were in outstanding form, finishing with accuracy and composure that left the Tarrawingee defenders searching for answers.
The midcourt trio of Catherine Dennis, Bec Mathieson and Chloe Dods were equally influential, applying fierce pressure on any loose ball and transitioning swiftly into attack. Their work ensured the Panthers maintained momentum, holding a seven-goal buffer at half time.
Chloe Dods formed part of a brilliant midcourt at the weekend.
Defensively, Taitum Hemming and Kristy Hanrahan combined brilliantly. Hemming, in particular, showed her trademark determination, picking off multiple intercepts and disrupting the Dogs’ attacking rhythm.
With tactical changes and fresh legs injected throughout the match, the Panthers continued to ask questions of their opposition. Joey Gall, Ellex Best and young Eleanor Renkin all stepped up in key moments, making vital contributions in the closing stages of each quarter.
Bec Mathieson was vital in the midcourt.
As the match wore on, the Panthers’ confidence grew, and they surged home to claim a convincing 14-goal victory. It was a complete team performance, with every player playing a crucial role in what was a well-deserved and hard-fought win.
The victory was made all the sweeter given the Panthers’ previous battles against the Dogs, and the side will now look to take this momentum into their clash with Whorouly next Sunday on Whorouly’s home soil.
Score: Panthers 47 defeated Tarrawingee 33
Best players: Taitum Hemming, Catherine Dennis, Bri McNair
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