Bello ends long Premiership drought with Youth Girls win

Bellingen Bulldogs Youth Girls team became the club’s first Premiers in many years when they overcame a highly resilient Sawtell Toormina Saints team.

Playing in their second Grand Final in as many years, the Bulldogs girls showed their mettle in the aptly named Premiership quarter, coming out after the half time break to kick three goals to one and open a 26 point lead at the last break. The job was completed in the last stanza when the Doggies posted a further three goals against one from the Saints to seal a 38 point win.

The Saints had an incredible year, winning every match in the home and away season. They faced significant challenges in the past two weeks with one player hospitalised in a serious car accident and their leading player ruled out on the morning of the match with injury. Despite this the Sawtell girls gave an outstanding account of themselves and will be a force to be reckoned with again next season.

Best on Ground for the Premiers was Teneika Coltman, while Lilli-Yana Moody capped a fantastic debut season with the same award for the Saints.

To watch a replay of the Youth Girls Grand Final click here. Go to the AFL North Coast Facebook page to see a Footy Show interview with some of the stars of the match.

Bellingen Bulldogs 8.7 (55) defeated Sawtell Toormina Saints 2.5 (17)

Poppy Johnston (Sawtell Toormina Saints) was awarded the League’s Best and Fairest, known as the Nikki Wallace Medal. Mackenzie Bagnall (Grafton Tigers) was the runner-up in the Best and Fairest, and Deja Barlow (Bellingen Bulldogs) was the Rising Star as the best young player in the competition.