Warrnambool makes first Deakin University Female Football League under 18 final

The Blues have booked their spot in their first Deakin University Female Football League under 18 finals series.

Warrnambool, under the guidance of co-coaches Gerard Duynhoven and Eve Auslebrook, squeezed into the top-four after beating Hamilton Kangaroos by one point on Sunday.

The result sent the Kangaroos - grand finalists in the competition's first two seasons - tumbling out.

The third-placed Blues will play fourth-ranked Stawell in an elimination final on Sunday at Hamilton's Pedrina Park with top-two sides South Warrnambool and Horsham Demons to play off for a direct passage to the Friday, August 2 grand final in Hamilton.

Duynhoven said Warrnambool, which finished the 11-team competition with an 8-2 win-loss record, was rapt with its progression.

"We've been together for three years now and we only lose one player (Lucy Moloney) next year," he said.

"All the rest are still bottom-agers which is good."

He said the players' development had impressed him, particularly their handball and run and carry.

But seeing the enjoyment on their faces is the biggest highlight.

"The girls don't take it as seriously as the guys and they enjoy it a lot more," he said.

"They are just happy to be out there."

Duynhoven and Auslebrook, who is playing seniors for DUFFL club South Warrnambool, have a long connection which has helped them team up as co-coaches.

"I don't like seeing her in a South jumper," he joked.

"I coached her in the under 14 boys at Warrnambool many years ago, so it's good to get her back to Warrnambool."

Captain Molly O'Brien - the daughter of Blues senior coach Matt - will be one of their prime movers in the cut-throat final.

Top-age talent Lucy Moloney and sister Sarah Moloney, forward Catie Ragg and defender Gabby Hearn will also play crucial roles against Stawell.

South Warrnambool-Horsham Demons will play at 10.30am with the Warrnambool-Stawell match to kick off at 12pm.

Both games are at Hamilton's Pedrina Park.

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