The Southern Saints are through to the VFLW Grand Final, advancing to the big dance for the first time in its history after a comprehensive 20-point victory over Casey.

The Saints controlled proceedings from the opening bounce and never trailed, completing the penultimate step of its remarkable finals run to prevail 5.5 (35) to 2.3 (15) at ETU Stadium. 

Essendon stands as the final hurdle in the Southern Saints’ Grand Final ambitions, with the minor premiers undefeated throughout the year with an astounding 12-0-2 record.

Together We Rise: Become a 2022 Member today

The Saints built their preliminary final win on the back off its dominant contested possession count; the midfield group monstering the tally from the opening moments to effectively win the match before it even began for Casey. 

After a tight first term in which the Demons converted through Cara McCrossan against the run of play, Dale Robinson’s charges produced a two-goal-to-one second quarter to take a commanding 15-point lead into the main break. 

VFLW MATCH CENTRE: View all news, stats and videos from the preliminary final

The Demons kicked the first goal of the final term as they mounted a desperate charge, but the Saints’ defence led by Hannah Stuart (20 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances) and Madison Capsalis (20 disposals, four tackles, five clearances) stood strong to make victory a certainty.

Tayla Kearns (12 disposals, four tackles) and Chanelle Slater were unstoppable up forward, kicking two goals apiece.

Alex Hynes fought hard in the ruck, even through the downpours that filtered through the evening. Photo: Jack Dilks.

A brilliant contested mark from Slater in the goalsquare got the Saints on the board right before the quarter-time siren, with her second after half-time effectively snuffing out hope of a late Casey fightback.

Gabriella De Angelis (17 disposals, eight tackles, three clearances) and Grace Buchan (a game-high 23 disposals, seven marks, five clearances) were industrious all day in getting first use on the ball, while Sarah Black was a presence in the ruck with 31 hit-outs.   

The Southern Saints will contest for this year’s Premiership against minor premiers Essendon, with the 2022 rebel VFLW Grand Final to be played on Sunday June 3 at North Port Oval.

SOUTHERN SAINTS  1.2   3.3  5.5  5.5 (35)
CASEY DEMONS  1.0  1.0  1.1  2.3 (15) 

GOALS
Southern Saints: Kearns 2, Slater 2, De Angelis
Casey Demons: McCrossan, Mitchell

BEST
Southern Saints: De Angelis, Buchan, Stuart, Capsalis, Kearns, Black, Neaves 
Casey Demons: Johnson, Chaplin, Wales, Horne, Fairchild, Brown, McCrossan

EXPLORE