The Fremantle Mariners (men’s) and Marlins (women’s) finished the regular season in 3rd and 4th place on the AWL ladder respectively. On Thursday May 2nd, both squads flew to Sydney to embark on the 2019 OVO AWL Finals series, held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
ELIMINATION FINALS:
Pia Rodgers scored three goals for the Marlins and said the team would need to do more on Saturday. “We’re really going to work on our defence and make sure we’re all working together as a team.” Rodgers said.
The Mariners made their intentions clear from the beginning, setting up a 5-1 head start at quarter time. Eight Mariners players shared in the goal scoring but it was Luke Pavillard who led the way with six goals.
SEMI-FINALS:
This meant that we got the chance to claim Bronze in the Grand Final against the Sydney University Lions.
Our skipper Erin Redbond was inspirational, scoring 4 goals and helping drive us over the line. 3 goals to Zoe Arancini and singles to: Kelly Parks, Chloe Nella, Madeleine Quinn, Glencora McGhie and Pia Rodgers.
The Marlins led 8-7 at three quarter time before the Tigers hit the lead for the first time late in the fourth and then moved 3 goals clear. The Marlins composed themselves, and the scores were tied 11-11 late in quarter, and it was looking like the game would go to a penalty shoot-out before Marlins driver Zoe Arancini converted a penalty goal and put the Marlins in front 12-11.
“There was a bit of pressure, but those are the moments you live and train for. The team will benefit from the hard-fought match but there is still improvement needed to win the gold medal match”, said Arancini
GRAND FINALS:
Mariners v Sydney University Lions (Bronze Medal match)
The Mariners made a strong start, and did not let up, leading the game from start to finish, dominating Sydney University with an overall 16-7 result. 4 goals each to Pavillard and Kremers-Taylor; Tomasevic (3); Swift (2); Fannon, Neesham, Prior (1).
⚓️Congratulations on a great season to the Mariners boys, claiming Bronze in AWL Season 2019. ⚓️
Marlins v Queensland Thunder (Gold Medal match)
The Marlins had plenty of opportunities, but could not find the net until the third quarter through goals to Lara Zimmerman and Pia Rodgers. The Marlins trailed 5-6 at 3/4 Time.
The last quarter saw Queensland out to a two-goal lead, only to be dragged back to even with a minute to play through goals to Chloe Nella and Zoe Arancini. Unfortunately for the Marlins, Queensland converted an extra player attack with less than 30 seconds to play and the Marlins lost 9-10.
⚓️Congratulations on a great season girls, claiming Silver for AWL Season 2019!⚓️
Post-game
The girls with their Silver medals