The Tathra Sea Eagles have booked their spot in the SCAFL Grand Final with a dominant 17.11 (113) to 1.1 (7) victory over the Eden Whalers in Narooma.
Tathra burst out of the blocks, as the midfield dominance began early and continued throughout most of the day.
Hannah Centra was involved early for the Sea Eagles, kicking a spectacular goal off the outside of her boot to get them going.
It would prove to be a fruitful quarter for Tathra, as they kicked five goals to nothing to take a 34-point lead into the first break.
Eden needed to hit back hard in the second, but the Sea Eagles wouldn’t let them as they continued building their lead.
Tarni Evans dominated in the ruck and around the ground, sparking several attacking raids that bore goals for Tathra.
It may have been Tathra’s defence that was most impressive though, as they held last year’s premiers to zero points in the first half.
This defensive performance helped Tathra to a 9.6 (60) to 0.0 (0) lead at half time.
Anyone would have forgiven Tathra for taking their foot off the gas in the third quarter, but the side was out to avenge last year’s grand final heartbreak.
The Sea Eagles’ slammed on another six goals in the third, including two to Chloe Pellow, as they put the game well and truly out of reach for Eden, leading by 99 at the final break.
Eden picked up their performance in the last quarter, as Kate Mitchell got them on the scoreboard with a late goal, but it was always going to be Tathra’s day.
Coach David Howard was pleased with the display, and said his side all played to instructions.
“We have a very versatile side,” Howard said. “The girls have been training hard, and I can’t think of a single player who didn’t have an impact on today’s result.”
The Whalers will play Pambula in next weekend’s preliminary final in Merimbula, while Tathra can enjoy a week’s rest before the grand final.
