Grand Final Previes - Youth Girls (1)

Camberwell and Warrandyte meet at Ford Park on Sunday afternoon in what

promises to be a tight contest in the Youth Girls 1 Grand Final.

The two sides have met twice this season, with both teams claiming one win each.

Their most recent encounter came in Round 13, which saw Camberwell win by 17

points in a low-scoring contest at Lynden Park. Camberwell came out of the blocks

quickly that day, establishing an early lead and controlling the majority of the game.

Warrandyte did not go down without a fight, threatening to wrestle back momentum

through their quick ball transition and tough, in-and-under presence at the contest.

However, Camberwell’s backline held strong to get the four points. They previously

met in Round 2 in another low-scoring contest at Ford Park, where Warrandyte won

by 20 points.

Camberwell and Warrandyte have been the two premier teams in the competition

throughout the season, so it is no surprise to see them playing off in this weekend’s

Grand Final.

Camberwell finished as minor premiers, winning 11 of their 13 games and only

dropping games against Warrandyte in Round 2 and Surrey Park in Round 6.

Camberwell play a skilful brand of football, rarely missing their targets and making

the most of their possession when entering forward 50.

Warrandyte finished second, winning 10 of their 12 games and only dropping games

against Beverley Hills/Whitehorse in Round 11 and Camberwell in Round 13.

Warrandyte are lethal with their ball movement and transition, often catching

opponents off guard following a turnover.

Camberwell’s main strength is their depth, with key pillars across every area of the

ground. Stevie Mendez-Smith is a standout in the backline, rarely losing a one-on-

one contest and consistently using the ball cleanly by foot. Lucia Fusinato is

arguably one of the premier midfielders of the competition. She has an ability to read

the play a split second before her opponent, allowing her to get into the right position

to win the ball and then using it effectively. Esther Sandy is one of the team’s leaders

and provides an important presence up forward, regularly hitting the scoreboard.

Warrandyte’s slick link-up play and clean ball use are second to none and have

consistently won them games throughout the season. They will look to gain first use

from the midfield through ruckman Zara Littlepage, who has been one of the most

consistent performers in the league this season. Her tap work, as well as her strong

marking ability around the ground, makes her one to watch on Sunday.

Warrandyte will also rely heavily on forward duo Taya Davies and Zara Vitiritti. Taya

consistently finds herself in dangerous positions and uses her strength to out-body

opponents and take contested marks inside forward 50. Her ability to hit the

scoreboard will be crucial for Warrandyte, she has kicked 29 goals in 14 games to

date this season. Zara Vitiritti is a crafty small forward who runs all day and uses the

ball cleanly. Her ability to utilise her forward craft, crumb packs and hit the

scoreboard will be something Warrandyte look to throughout the game.

Players to watch – Camberwell

Emily Feltscheer – Plays on ball and forward. Able to show a quick burst of speed

and bring her teammates into play.

Esther Sandy – Camberwell’s most experienced player with a keen eye for goal.

Leads by example and always focused on the team.

Grace Wilson – Athletic, versatile ruck who can run all day and deliver the ball to the

midfield.

Olivia Fleming - Speedy wing with fast reflexes and able to weave out of trouble.

Covers the whole ground with ease.

Stevie Mendez-Smith - Natural ability to read the play and defend against a range of

players. One of the leaders of the team's defence.

Amelie Harris - Fast, tough and fierce. Plays on ball and in defence, able to focus on

any task that helps the team.

Lucia Fusinato – Has all the attributes you would want in a midfielder. Smart, skilful,

clean and tough. Very athletic and runs both ways.

Players to watch – Warrandyte

Zara Vitiritti – Electric small forward who reads the play well and hits the scoreboard.

Zara Littlepage – Very creative player whether through her ruck work or with her ball

usage around the ground.

Eden Ferguson – Midfielder who reads the game exceptionally well allowing her to

create a lot of the team’s offence.

Taya Davies - Highly competitive forward who consistently kicks goals.