Northern Beaches Blues win club’s first women’s premiership Coffs Coast Sport Sport by News Of The Area - Modern Media - September 7, 2022 The Northern Beaches Blues women celebrate their premiership win. Photo: Green Shoots Marketing. THEY say there’s a first time for everything. And the Northern Beaches Blues have proven this in emphatic style, winning the club’s first AFL North Coast women’s premiership. The Blues won their first women’s flag with a 27-point win against the Coffs Harbour Breakers in their grand final at the Ce.x Coffs International Stadium. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The Breakers become the fourth club to win the women’s premiership, following on from the Sawtell/Toormina Saints (2018), Port Macquarie Magpies (2019), and Coffs Harbour Breakers (2020). It’s the second premiership the Blues have won since the club returned to senior football in 2019. Wet weather conditions made for a bruising encounter, turning the season decider into a tough, physical contest. The first half was a tightly contested affair with scoring at a premium, as the Breakers took a one point lead into quarter time and the Blues a two-point lead into halftime at 10-8. A crucial goal from Blues co-coach Alana Hanson just before three quarter time gave her side a 9-point lead heading into the final quarter. And the Blues players stood up when it mattered most, as three final quarter goals sealed the premiership win. Co-coach Alana Hanson said it was a win for all the female players at the club. “It’s not only great for the current players, but all the young juniors coming through the club,” she said. “First only happens once, and being our club’s first women’s premiership winners, you’ve set a benchmark and something for the younger players to aspire to.” She said it was her side’s ability to win the hard ball and depth as a team which got them over the line in the decider. “We have some really good in and under players, and a lot of good players that get in and win the ball,” she said. “We have a big spread of good players and a really strong, even line-up that simply puts in the effort for reward. “Everyone has a job and does it well and contributes.” Blues president Jackson Horrocks said the first women’s flag meant a lot to the club. “The girls have been amazing, and it’s a reward for their effort and a good reward for the club’s volunteers and committee,” he said. “It’s good for the Northern Beaches community, and it will build some momentum into next year.” By Aiden BURGESS