Saints claim back-to-back Women’s crowns
Inverell's playing coach Georgia Chappell and captain Clare McCosker hold aloft the Josh McKenzie Cup after the Saints won the 2025 AFL North West Women's Grand Final against Gunnedah. Photo: Brad Greenshields
IT WAS a typically tight tussle between Inverell and Gunnedah but it was the Saints who prevailed to win the Grand Final and back-to-back premierships.
The match turned out to be a dour contest with both teams only scoring one behind each in the second half as the Poochettes threw everything they could to try and gain the lead while the Saints desperately held on to the lead they established in the first half.
After just 12 minutes it looked anything like an even contest with Inverell captain Clare McCosker kicking the opening two goals of the Grand Final and the Saints racing out to a 15-point lead.
Laura Ewington replied for the Poochettes to open Gunnedah’s scoring with a goal after the quarter time siren, taking advantage of a 50 metre penalty and breathing life into Gunnedah’s efforts.
Inverell defeated Gunnedah 3.6 (24) to 2.2 (14) in the 2025 Women’s Grand Final.
McCosker restored the 15-point advantage for the Saints with a mark on the lead and goal just one minute into the second term.
Half way through the second quarter Ewington kicked her second and the half time break saw the Saints holding onto a 10-point lead.
The second half was full of pressure with neither side prepared to give the other an inch.
Such a strong contest is expected in Grand Finals but the pressure combined with the odd patch of drizzle made scoring difficult.
2025 GRAND FINAL DETAILS
INVERELL 2.3 3.5 3.5 3.6 (24)
GUNNEDAH 1.0 2.1 2.1 2.2 (14)
Goals – Inv: Clare McCosker 3. Gunn: Laura Ewington 2.
Best on Ground: Sarah Drew (Inverell)
Sarah Drew from Inverell was named as the best player on the ground in the 2025 Women’s Grand Final. She was presented her award by David Lowell representing AFL North West NSW ball sponsor Squadron Energy.
