After winning all seven of their round robin fixtures, the Queenslanders just came up short in Sunday’s gold medal match at Jubilee Park Stadium in Frankston with NSW Waradas winning a tense final by two goals following overtime.
While the defeat denied Queensland back-to-back titles, it didn’t prevent several Queensland players receiving recognition for their performances over the past week.
Kullilli woman Brianna Martyn, who missed last year’s tournament due to an ACL injury, showcased her midcourt skills in sensational fashion throughout and was fittingly named tournament MVP following the final.
Martyn was also named in the Team of the Tournament alongside Queensland teammates Aaliyah Sheppard (Nunukul/Kanolu), Brook Lacey (Ewamian) and Jayden Molo (Waanyi).
Sunday’s final was a tense and tight affair throughout with Queensland fighting back from a two-point halftime deficit to claw their way in front heading into the fourth quarter.
The Waradas wouldn’t go away however and after a nailbiting term the scores were locked 42-all to send the match into overtime.
Neither team faltered in the added periods but when the clock ran out it was the Waradas who were narrowly ahead with a goal after the final siren by Dharawal woman Charlotte Ryan capping the victory for a gutsy NSW outfit.
