Three year wait is over for Grafton Youth Girls

In the Youth Girls Grand Final, Grafton Tigers finally tasted Premiership success at the third attempt when a first half blitz set up the win over Bellingen Bulldogs.

The Tigers kicked the only two goals of the first quarter, then added two more in the second term. Bellingen opened their account late in the quarter to settle the nerves, but a three goal third quarter by the Tigers virtually iced the match. The Bellingen girls dug deep in the final stanza to outscore their more experienced rivals but the Tigers’ lead proved insurmountable.

The Tigers’ victory sees them complete an undefeated season and wrap up the Premiership victory that has been three years in the making. This is a fitting reward for a player like Chelsee Ryan who has been a driving force behind the team and who moves into the Women’s ranks next season.

Bellingen fell one match short of the ultimate fairy tale having only entered the competition for the first time this season. With so many girls who were new to the game and who are age eligible to play again next season, the Doggies are a rising force in Youth Girls footy.

Mackenzie Bagnall was everywhere the ball was for Grafton and was deemed her team’s Best on Ground. Bonnie Malt was the Bulldogs Best on Ground for her never say die attitude which epitomised the Dogs’ effort.

The Grand Final performance of Mackenzie Bagnall (Grafton) was reflective of her entire season, for which she was rewarded with the Nikki Wallace Medal for Best and Fairest. Nakaya Walker (Macleay Valley Eagles) also had an outstanding season to take out both the runner-up in the Best and Fairest and the Rising Star award for best bottom age player.

Grafton Tigers 7.2 (44) defeated Bellingen Bulldogs 2.5 (17)

Congratulations to all involved with Junior footy in 2019. We look forward to seeing everyone back for an even bigger season in 2020.