The Hillside Sharks secured their first Essendon District Football League women’s premier division premiership in a nail-biting finish on March 15, 2024. After leading for most of the match, their victory hinged on the final kick of the day. With only seconds left, Oak Park defender Rhianna Nunn earned a free kick from approximately 20 metres out, trailing by five points. Just as the siren sounded, Nunn’s attempt was blocked by teammate Ash Thorneycroft, sealing the Sharks’ win at 3.4 (22) to 2.5 (17).
Hillside coach Blaise Ferraro described the moment as both intense and symbolic. Thorneycroft’s block was particularly poignant, as she had broken her finger in the season’s opening match against Oak Park. “I was making sure that Ash didn’t run over the line,” Ferraro recalled. He acknowledged the storybook nature of Thorneycroft’s play, noting, “It’s a bit ironic that the hand that broke in the first contest of the season… was the hand that saved the day.”
Entering the grand final as underdogs against a determined Kangaroos team, Ferraro felt confidence in his squad. “We had done everything that we needed to do,” he stated, highlighting a calmness within the team. The Sharks dominated the first half, scoring all three goals.
Ferraro recognized that the Kangaroos would mount a challenge, echoing their previous year’s tactics. He urged his players to remain composed under pressure, saying, “Get a break and reset from there.” The Sharks successfully maintained a three-point lead heading into the final quarter, though they faced intense pressure from the Kangaroos.
Despite not scoring in the second half, the Sharks focused on defense, reminiscent of their previous encounters with the Kangaroos. Ferraro believed they had done enough to clinch the victory as the match approached its conclusion. This triumph comes after a difficult season last year, where the Sharks finished at the top but were eliminated in straight sets. “They were really devastated that they didn’t make it last year,” Ferraro reflected, attributing their success this season to resilience and experience.
Key players included Madalyn Kelly, who netted two goals, and Emily Paterno, who contributed the other. Annalise Wilkie was recognized as the best on ground, a testament to her hard work throughout the season. “She wasn’t happy with her season last year… She put in a mountain of work,” Ferraro praised.
The Sharks’ victory marks a significant achievement for the club, which has fostered a strong team dynamic and community spirit. The reserve side narrowly missed out on their grand final for the second consecutive year, but Ferraro noted the positive atmosphere surrounding the club. “The buzz around the club was fantastic,” he concluded, reflecting on a day filled with both triumph and hope for the future.
