The Billabong Crows delivered a commanding performance on March 16, 2024, defeating Brock-Burrum by a significant margin of 78-22 in the first elimination final held at Walbundrie. Goal attack Bethany Moloney emerged as the standout player, demonstrating remarkable skill despite challenging windy conditions.
Moloney’s composure was evident throughout the match, contributing significantly to her team’s success. She worked effectively with her twin sister, Brooklyn Moloney, enhancing the Crows’ offensive strategy. Crows’ coach Beck O’Connell praised Bethany’s performance, noting, “Her work rate up the court was awesome, and her accuracy was second to none; she was absolutely brilliant.”
O’Connell highlighted the impressive teamwork displayed by the Crows, emphasizing their commitment to a strong start. “We went out with the ambition to go really hard from the first whistle and have a really solid first 15 minutes,” she stated. The team’s execution of this plan helped establish a solid foundation for their victory.
The match was marked by challenging weather conditions, with strong winds affecting play. O’Connell acknowledged the difficulties faced by all shooters, stating, “It was incredibly windy, so for any shooters across the day to be able to accommodate the wind is an absolute credit to them to be able to maintain their accuracy under those conditions.”
Brock-Burrum’s season concluded with this match, marking the end of a remarkable journey that saw them rise from an 11th-place finish in 2024. O’Connell recognized their efforts, saying, “It’s a huge credit to them. They really fought hard until the final whistle, and I think it’s a testament to Gary and Ange Kavanagh. If they can keep that core group together, they will certainly be a team to watch in the coming years.”
The Crows now advance in the finals, buoyed by their confidence and teamwork, setting their sights on future challenges.
