The Junee Diesels have made history, securing their place in their first ever Group 9 women’s tackle grand final with a thrilling win over the Southcity Bulls at Harris Park on Sunday.
The Diesels prevailed in a tightly contested preliminary final, holding on after a late Bulls try to secure their place in the decider, where they will take on Wagga Brothers.
Junee opened the scoring when Annabelle Willis put in a well-weighted kick for Emily Edson, who crossed to give the Diesels an early advantage.
Southcity hit back quickly, but Junee responded through Haileigh Neaves, who sliced through the Bulls’ defence off the back of a scrum to put the Diesels back in front.
The Bulls refused to go away, scoring again before half time to reduce Junee’s lead to just two points, with the Diesels taking a 12-10 advantage into the break.
Junee came out strongly after half time, with Emma Hickey producing another of her trademark long-range tries to extend the Diesels’ lead.
The Diesels then stretched their advantage further through some clever combination play between Willis and Neaves, before Willis delivered a long ball to Ellouise Drew, who finished the move in the corner.
With five minutes remaining, Southcity crossed for another try to set up an exciting finish.
But the Diesels held their nerve in the closing stages to secure the win and, in doing so, book a place in history as Junee’s first women’s tackle side to reach a grand final.
Junee will now face Wagga Brothers in the decider, with the two sides having split their two regular-season clashes at one win apiece.
Brothers then got the better of the Diesels in their major semi-final clash, setting the stage for an intriguing grand final as Junee looks to turn the tables and claim revenge when it matters most.
Diesels Road To The Grand Final
Round 1 – Bye
Round 2 – Bye
Round 3 – V Young 38-12
Round 4 – V Southcity 8-10
Round 5 – Bye
Round 6 – V Tumut 40-0
Round 7 – V Brothers 8-10
Round 8 – V Temora 50-12
Round 9 – Bye
Round 10 – Bye
Round 11 – Bye
Round 12 – V Young 30-10
Round 13 – V Southcity 10-18
Round 14 – Bye
Round 15 – V Tumut 42-10
Round 16 – V Brothers 28-10
Qualifying Final – V Southcity 20-8
Major Semi Final – V Brothers 6-18
Preliminary Final – V Southcity 22-18
Junee eye history in women’s tackle grand final
History awaits the Junee Diesels this Sunday when they take on Wagga Brothers in the Group 9 women’s tackle grand final at Geohex Stadium.
Having already secured the club’s first ever appearance in a women’s tackle grand final, the Diesels will now be looking to cap off their historic season by claiming the premiership.
There has been little to separate Junee and Brothers throughout the season, with just two points separating the sides at the end of the regular season.
The two sides also finished the regular season with one win apiece from their two clashes, before Brothers claimed an 18-6 victory over Junee in the major semi-final.
That result forced the Diesels to take the longer route to the grand final, but they responded with a thrilling 22-18 preliminary final win over the Southcity Bulls to keep their premiership hopes alive.
Junee’s road to the decider has included wins over Young, Tumut and Temora, while the Diesels also defeated Brothers 28-10 in their second meeting of the regular season.
Much of Junee’s success has been built around the combination of co-captains and halves Haileigh Neaves and Annabelle Willis, who will again be crucial to the Diesels’ chances of controlling the game and creating opportunities in attack.
Emma Hickey will also be one to watch, with the edge forward and coach heading into the grand final as the winner of the Weissel Medal after being judged the competition’s best and fairest player.
Standing in the Diesels’ way will be a Brothers side boasting plenty of attacking firepower.
Hooker Milly Lucas, who finished runner-up to Hickey in the Weissel Medal, will be a key player around the ruck, while centre Abby Jordan and leading try scorer Jorja Brennan will provide plenty of attacking threat.
With the sides so evenly matched throughout the season, there is little to suggest Sunday’s decider will be any different.
For Junee, the grand final represents an opportunity to finish what has already been a historic season on the biggest stage.
Player Profiles
Tarah Bouffler – Fullback. Has great hands and speed to burn. Very safe at the back.
Abbey Field – One of the best finishers in the team, known for scoring tries but is also tough in defence.
Ellouise Drew – Solid ball runner, rugged defender and reliable.
Kate Foley – Although small in stature, an aggressive defender and as tough as they come.
Chelsea Crowder – Deceptively quick and agile, growing in confidence every week.
Haileigh Neaves – Co-Captain. Great vision in attack and one of the best defenders in the competition.
Anabelle Willis – Co-Captain. Skillful, with a solid kicking game. One of the leaders in this team who wears her heart on her sleeve.
Christina Judd – Tough middle who gets through her work and is always wanting to improve on her performance.
Emily Edson – The cheekiest player in the team, full of confidence and silky skills. Can kick a goal from just about anywhere on the field.
Taylah Wright – First season of competitive tackle. Loves a tough carry and doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
Grace Robertson – Strong, tough and loves knocking people over in defence.
Emma Hickey – The coach and leader of this team. The game hinges on her involvement. Tough in defence and loves scoring a try. The reigning Weissel Medallist.
Claire Foley – Tough like her father, has no regard for her body and loves the contact.
Annie Holden – Returning from a serious injury, which is a credit to her dedication to the team and club.
Lillee Edwards – Loves a tough carry from the back fence and is extremely versatile.
Jensy Dickson – Also in her first year of rugby league. Super fit and a tenacious defender.
Milly Moon – Another player who plays a number of positions and does what the team needs without hesitation.
Bobbi Goolagong – Strong carries out of trouble. Pairs well with Emma Hickey in both attack and defence.
Madison Smith – Gundagai born and bred, brings the Tiger attitude of never giving up and getting the job done.
Matika Simmons – Another one of our speedsters. Scored a number of long-range tries in critical moments throughout the season.
Grace Brabin – One to watch. Loves the rough and tumble of rugby league and is not afraid to stand up for herself.
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