PORT Stephens Power womens AFL team have crashed out of the Hunter Central Coast Seniors Black Diamond Plate championship race.

A depleted Power line up limped out of the 2024 series following a 37-0 loss to Killarney Vale Bombers in a torrid elimination final last Saturday at Adelaide Street Oval.

Minus a host of key players, the injury-ravaged Port Stephens side won plenty of admirers for their courageous performance in the sudden-death encounter.

NSW Masters representative defender Josie Johnson was one of several Power warriors sidelined for the clash and praised the team for its on-field heroics.

“We battled to the end but just ran out of troops,” the stalwart skipper and defensive tyro told News Of The Area.

“Our aim at the start of the year was to qualify for the finals for a second season in a row which we managed to achieve,” Josie revealed.

“Most of the girls played wounded but showed plenty of raw spirit and tenacity in a bruising game,” she added.

Port Stephens were also without the services of star fullback Sam Furner and forwards Tara Maguire (broken fingers), Kristy Davies (broken ribs) and the talented Jessie Blyth (military training).

They also lost utility ace Dimity Roberts for the second half with a head knock after showing superb form in the opening stanza.

Forward young gun Ella Toscano struggled with injury but tried desperately to inspire her teammates in a physical contest.

Experienced campaigner Mizzy Massiero – with 351 career games under her belt in the Adelaide and Central Coast Hunter competitions – also worked hard in the midfield but succumbed to the physicality of the Killarney Vale side.

The under strength Power were best served by midfield combatants Evie Hol, Hannah McDermott, Chaise Furner, Lauren Kidd and Tamara Stacker.

After a scoreless first quarter the Bombers led 15-0 at the main break before booting three goals in the second period through Megan Jenkins, Georgia Butler and Hollie Flack.

A candid Johnson said the Power hoped to build from their efforts this season and improve on their fourth ranked finish in 2025.

By Chris KARAS