Injuries, youngsters and late drama: how Hotspurs won the flag

Albury Hotspurs celebrate its Albury Wodonga Football Association Division 1 women's grand final victory. Picture by Phoebe Adams

Albury Hotspurs has held its nerve in a dramatic Albury Wodonga Football Association Division 1 women's grand final, edging Melrose 2-1 in a tense contest that went down to the final minutes.

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The Hotspurs appeared destined for victory when Ruby Snowdon produced a brilliant strike in the 85th minute to double her side's advantage.

But Melrose refused to surrender, with Lilly Melbourne responding just two minutes later to set up a frantic finish.

Melrose pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the Hotspurs defence held firm to secure a hard-earned premiership.

Albury Hotspurs start its celebrations after the final whistle. Picture by Phoebe Adams

Football manager Brad Howard said the victory meant even more to a group determined to reclaim the silverware after a period of dominance without a corresponding number of Cups.

"The girls had won three AWFA Club Champions prior to this season with Melrose taking it out," Howard said.

"But they only had one Cup to show for it for that period of dominance.

"So the girls had the motivation to get their hands on the Cup again this season.

"So it meant so much more to them when they were able to get the victory on Saturday night."

Ava Tuksar, Rylee Steele, and Sian Van Gastel with their medals. Picture by Phoebe Adams

Albury Hotspurs made the ideal start when Sian Van Gastel broke the deadlock in the 17th minute.

The early goal settled the Hotspurs and gave them an important foothold in the grand final, with the home side also looking dangerous from several early corners.

"It was crucial to get off to a good start with Sian Van Gastel scoring in the opening 20 minutes," Howard said.

"That was great and they were looking dangerous from a few corners they had early and the girls were finally able to capitalise on that."

Maya Davis in action for Melrose. Picture by Phoebe Adams

Melrose refused to let the contest slip away, however, and continued to threaten as the match wore on.

Howard admitted the final stages became particularly nervous after Melrose hit back.

"Alex Davis' goal was absolute top draw and Melrose had a couple more opportunities to score," he said.

"They had a couple of more opportunities that could have fell their way."

Hotspurs Rylee Steele and Melrose Alex Davis battle it out. Picture by Phoebe Adams

Just when Melrose appeared capable of forcing an equaliser, Snowdon delivered the moment that looked to have settled the contest.

"Ruby Snowdon's final goal was incredible and a great strike," Howard said.

Yet the drama was far from over.

Melbourne's 87th-minute goal immediately gave Melrose hope and transformed the closing stages into a desperate battle for survival.

The Hotspurs managed to withstand the late onslaught, preserving their 2-1 advantage until the final whistle.

Hotspurs Ava Tuksar and Melrose Amy Payne in action during the grand final. Picture by Phoebe Adams

Howard said the composure shown under pressure was particularly pleasing given the youth of the Hotspurs squad.

"There were only six girls remaining from the Cup winning side two years ago, so there has been a high turnover," he said.

"More juniors have come through the ranks of the Hotspurs female program to be able to support the players the club has lost."

The grand final side was also relatively young, with four players pulling double duty after featuring in the under-16 grand final earlier in the day.

Amelia Evans, Harper Howard, Mia Harding and Isabelle Muntz all played in both grand finals, with Harper Howard just 14 years old.

The younger players were complemented by the experience of Van Gastel and Jess Paynter, who are both in their mid-30s.

And the players had to overcome significant injury concerns to get there.

Alex Davis in action for Melrose. Picture by Phoebe Adams

Ava Tuksar carried a knee injury into the grand final and is booked for surgery in the coming weeks, while Paynter remarkably played the entire 90 minutes after dislocating her knee and suffering an MCL injury the previous week.

"So that was extraordinary to see those efforts," Howard said.

Tuksar's performance was even more remarkable given she was named best player on the ground.

Daisy Tuksar finds some space for Hotspurs. Picture by Phoebe Adams

The premiership was the product of a significant investment in the women's program, with Howard pointing to the commitment made well before the season began.

"Unlike a lot of other female teams, these girls actually train and start early in the pre-season," he said.

The Hotspurs also claimed the Riverina Cup again this year and trained twice a week under the leadership of Ruairidh McInnes and Justin Wild.

Howard said the pair introduced some tactical changes which helped the group evolve.

"They certainly work well together as a group and have got the experience of Sian Van Gastel and Jess Paynter who are in their mid-30s and complemented by the young girls who come up through the junior ranks."

Hotspurs Rylee Steele looks for a teammate. Picture by Phoebe Adams

The Hotspurs' belief in their premiership prospects grew as the season progressed, but missing out on the Club Championship ultimately provided an unexpected source of motivation.

"I think there were excuses they weren't able to win the Club Championship because of injuries," Howard said.

"But some late inclusions got the majority of the squad back for the grand final."

One of those inclusions was Rylee Steele, who returned after 12 months on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury.

"With limited minutes she was really able to add to the side," Howard said.

Emily Fardell in action for Melrose. Picture by Phoebe Adams

The Hotspurs entered the grand final with a different mentality to previous seasons.

"They had a steely resolve that they wanted to get their hands on that Cup again and missing the Club Championship was the motivation they needed," Howard said.

"They felt they weren't the hunted this time but more the hunters."

That mentality proved decisive as the Hotspurs held their nerve when it mattered most, surviving Melrose's late charge to reclaim the Division 1 women's premiership.

Howard was also quick to acknowledge Melrose's contribution to an outstanding season.

Hotspurs Rylee Steele and Melrose Alex Davis battle in out during the grand final. Picture by Phoebe Adams

"Melrose were deserved Club Champions and were amazing on grand final day," he said.

"Teagan Riochardson and Amy Payne were a handful for the Hotspurs defence and the side had a wonderful season under coach Adam Waters."

But when the final whistle sounded, it was the Hotspurs who could celebrate - their blend of experience, emerging junior talent and sheer determination enough to deliver a 2-1 grand-final triumph.

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