After claiming the Herald Sun Shield earlier this month, the Hallam Secondary College senior girls football team is well on its way to claiming more glory.
With a spot in the School Sports Victoria (SSV) state finals up for grabs, Hallam played two games against quality opposition recently and took care of business to book their place in the big dance.
Their first match-up was a quarter final test against Box Hill Secondary College. Box Hill came to play and claimed an early lead, but this Hallam team was determined to not let the opportunity slip and fought back to lead by four points at the main break.
Having nullified Box Hill’s offensive threats, Hallam’s own offence lifted in the third quarter and delivered a game-winning five-goal to zero term. Hallam dominated the centre clearance battle and their willingness to take the game on and play an attacking brand of football paid dividends.
The final quarter was a tight battle, but Hallam was always in control and claimed a strong win, 10.8 (68) to 4.6 (30).
It was a game that seemingly unlocked Hallam’s offensive potential and in the second match of the day – a semi final clash against Yea – Hallam was irresistible.
Hallam not only staunchly defended and ensured Yea didn’t look like scoring a goal, they made the most of their own attacking forays and all but won the game in the first quarter.
It was a devastating quarter of football that saw Hallam kick 10 goals, while keeping Yea scoreless. The ball movement and teamwork was the difference as Hallam ran riot up forward and made Yea pay for any defensive mistakes.
Hallam continued to pile on the pain and eventually ran out big winners, 18.6 (114) to 2.0 (12).
Brooke Struylaart, Emily Browning, Courtney Jones, Lucy Grocock, Shaneece Stratton and Jess Lidsey starred for Hallam over the two games.
Hallam now turns their attention to the state final, which will be played on Thursday 30 August in Craigieburn against Sunbury Secondary College.
In that final, Hallam will be hoping to create some history as they attempt to win their third SSV state final in a row.
