TWO early goals from Ellen Liston proved the difference as Billabong High School claimed the opens girls AFL state title at Robertson Oval on Thursday.
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Liston kicked two goals in the space of a minute early in the final as Billabong High School edged out fellow Riverina rivals Hay War Memorial High School in the final, 2.6 (18) to 1.1 (7).
After coasting through to the final undefeated, Billabong shot to the lead with two goals in the first five minutes of the affair.
Jordan Jolliffe snapped a good goal with less than 30 seconds remaining in the first half to help Hay get back within seven points at half-time.
Billabong then dominated the second half only to waste several opportunities but it mattered little as they held on for a comfortable victory.
For Billabong, it was a second state title in as many years after the school claimed the under 15 title in 2015.
Billabong coach Rachael Terlich said the girls deserved it.
“We’re very proud, this is two years in a row so we’re absolutely stoked,” Terlich said.
“Most of this team played in the 15s state final last year and won it so it’s really good to see them come up and win the opens one.”
Terlich said the girls love the chance to play the sport.
“They love their footy and netball but all they want to do is play footy because they can tackle,” she said.
“We had four girls in the state team last year, and two again this year, and one Elise Parker, is an All-Australian so we love our footy out our way.”
Melanie Wright, Elise Parker and Nakita Singe were three of the standout performers for Billabong.
Ruby and Hannah Stewart were best for Hay.
Full-time
BILLABONG HS (18)
2.2 2.6
HAY MEMORIAL HS (7)
1.1 1.1
Goals: (Billabong) E Liston 2; (Hay) J Jolliffe.
Best: (Billabong) M Wright, E Parker, N Singe, I Cottrell, A Lieschke, K Jackson; (Hay) R Stewart, H Stewart, L Tassell, C Slattery, D Crighton, G Beath.