Mount Evelyn made it back-to-back finals series, holding on for a fourth placed finish in season 2023.
Senior Women’s
Ladder Position: 4th (5-7, 80.88%)
Best and Fairest: Jess Smith, Georgia Plogesma
Leading Goalkicker: Mackenzie Adams (11 Goals)
Summary:
For the second consecutive year, the Mount Evelyn senior women’s side made the Premier Division finals series.
With a younger side coming into the 2023 season, they still managed to win five games for the year as well as a couple of close losses decided by under a kick.
After 14 rounds, the side held their spot in the top four despite a late scare. Losing to the Pioneers, they relied on the Wolves beating Vermont in the final round to make the top four.
Holding on by percentage, they faced the SBL Wolves in a semi-final at Quambee Reserve. Unfortunately for Mount Evelyn, they came face to face with a red-hot Wolves side that ran out 51-point winners.
Key Players:
Despite missing four matches this season, Jess Smith was fantastic, tying for the club’s senior best and fairest. Joint winner Georgia Plogesma missed three games as well, regularly in the side’s best players.
This year’s leading goal kicker for Mount Evelyn was Mackenzie Adams, with eleven goals in 2023. Her best performance came in the 11-point win over Donvale in Round Six, where she kicked four majors.
Best Win: Round 13 – Mt Evelyn 9.5 59 def. South Croydon Blue 3.6 24 @Cheong Park
In the context of the season, this was arguably the side’s most important win in 2023. With finals still on the line, Mount Evelyn travelled to Cheong Park, needing to knock off the second-placed Dogs.
The result never looked in doubt after a big four goal to one second quarter that saw Mount Evelyn 23 points ahead. They managed to build on that lead, getting the final margin out to 35 points.
Jessica Hoskin and Amelie Moore both starred with two goals each, while the joint best and fairest winners both played important roles.
Off-Season Focus:
There will be another big focus on consolidating this current list that will continue to develop in 2024.
The Under 18A Girls played off in the finals, they’ll be hoping they can transition many of those players into the senior side next year.
There’s no reason why Mt Evelyn can’t be a Grand Finalist in 2024, one of the best young lists in the league.