Bloods give their all

TERANG Mortlake’s under 18 female football side was unable to repeat its winning qualifying final performance against Cavendish, going down by 21 points in last weekend’s grand final.

By wd-news

The Bloods earnt their spot in last Sunday’s premiership game after a successful home and away season saw them finish second on the Western Victoria Female Football League ladder with seven wins and two losses under their belts.

The Bloods defeated Cavendish 5.10.40 to 3.5.23 in the qualifying final on July 20; Jada Mahony kicked three majors for the day while Maddison Wallace contributing two goals to the board.

Unfortunately for the Bloods, Cavendish turned the tables last Sunday, kicking 3.6.24 to the Bloods’ 0.3.3.

Among the best for Terang Mortlake were Maddison Wallace, Mayci Dwyer, Chloe Bell, Jessica Bell, Tayla Bell and Indiana Cameron.

According to Bloods coach Kelvin Bell, the more experienced side won on the day.

“It certainly wasn’t the result we were hoping for but the girls can all be very proud of their efforts, not only for reaching the grand final but for their entire season,” Bell said.

“To finish second on the ladder and to make the grand final is a huge achievement and no doubt they’ll all learn a great deal from last weekend’s match and I’m confident we’ll come back even stronger next season.”

Bell made special mention of the efforts of Maddy Wallace and Mayci Dwyer.

“Maddy was solid in the backline and we really relied on her all over the ground throughout the day,” Bell said.

“And Mayci was strong in the ruck and really stood up.

“We finished second on the ladder last year as well, but we got knocked out in the first semi-final, and the previous year we lost to South Warrnambool in the grand final.

“We’re certainly right up there with the best and I’m confident a premiership flag is not far away.”

Looking ahead to season 2026, Bell is confident the Bloods can retain the majority of its players.

“We will probably lose about five girls because of their age and a further three or four have indicated they may not play again but we’ve got some bottom aged players keen to come through.

“The future is certainly looking bright for the women’s football program at the Bloods.”