AUSSIE RULES: Gunnedah Bulldogs AFL women’s Poochettes side is one step closer to premiership glory.
In its major semi-final of the 2022 AFL North West women’s competition last weekend – at Tamworth’s No. 1 Oval – a dominant four quarter effort from the Poochettes saw the Gunnedah side defeat arch-rivals, the Inverell Saints, 8-11-59 to 3-5-23.
A first and second quarter blitz from the Poochettes on their Saints’ opponents set the tone for the 36 point victory, enroute to becoming the first women’s side through to the grand final in season 2022.
Coach Jakob Vearing was ecstatic in his side’s effort to earn its spot in the big dance.
The final will again be played at the same venue in Tamworth on September 10 due to the Tamworth Swans men’s victory in their major semi-final.
An even spread of players had their moments over the four quarters as the side thoroughly examined the premiership aspirations and credentials of its rivals, the Inverell Saints.
“They [Poochettes squad] thoroughly deserve it,” Vearing said after the major semi-final victory.
“We played a brilliant brand of team footy today, and have done all year to be honest.
“They’re a hard working group and commit to each other week in week out – that shone through again today.”
By the final siren, the Poochettes had marched their way to the big dance of the 2022 AFL North West women’s grand final – their second in three years and first since the 2020 flag triumph.
For the third time in four matches against the Saints, they were triumphant in what is fast becoming a fierce rivalry between the two sides.
Despite finishing minor premiers in season 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the north west region, cutting short the competition without a finals ball bounced.
Finishing minor premiers in 2021, the Poochettes were devastatingly cut short on their premiership charge, meaning in 2022 they are hungry for premiership success, in a bid to repeat their maiden 2020 flag.
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