LEOPOLD coach Aaron Greaves believes his side has the capability and potency to go all the way to a grand final this season.

In their first finals appearance in 11 years, the Lions won their way through to a preliminary final, defeating St Mary's by nine points 12.12 (84) to 11.9 (75) at Skilled Stadium yesterday.

"We've had the belief from the first final that we are in it to win it, we're not just happy each week to keep pushing on," Greaves said.

"It's a great feeling for us to win a second final and again win another close game, it shows how much we've learnt and how far we have come over the course of the year."

After losing six games by a goal or less during the home and away season, the Lions have turned their fortunes around this finals campaign to be a major contender for the ultimate prize.

The Lions have taken big strides this season under Greaves and will now come up against South Barwon on Saturday for a spot in the grand final against Bell Park in a fortnight.

Last time Leopold met South Barwon, the Lions fell short by one goal back in round 16.

However, Greaves said his young side held no fears of coming up against the defending premier on Saturday.

"It presents itself another great opportunity for us and they are a side that we respect a lot," he said.

"We will set ourselves to try and work really hard on the recovery to make sure we can get the bodies as good as we can and have a crack at South Barwon in a preliminary final."

The C Grade Preliminary Final certainly did not go to plan! After a brilliant first half of good, solid team netball and a handy 4 goal lead we unfortunately could not maintain our form. St Joseph's came out firing and quickly turned the lead to a deficit and then they were just too quick to stop, running away to a 8 goal win. Although bitterly disappointed with the result we can acknowledge that we were beaten by the better side on the day and they were the deserving winners. We had a fabulous season and set ourselves up well in the 'home and away' for a tilt at the title. Unfortunately this challenge ended one week short. The girls are congratulated for a fabulous year. Their commradery, passion and commitment cannot be question and they certainly gave the year all they had. Hopefully next year we can bring home the flag!

It was a very exciting night at the GFL Vote Count night last week. Our results were amazing with four top five finishes in four grades. It's a great reflection of the fabulous year we have had. Bek Spencer (D Grade) finished 4th on 19 votes and was runner-up in the D Grade 'Hot Shots' award. Sarah Jeffreys (C Grade) finished 5th on 17 votes with Nic Clark not far behind on 13 votes. Kim Abbott (B Grade) finished 4th on 19 votes with Chloe Fagan on 16 votes. Kirsty Fagan finished the year on 14 votes in A Grade with Ebony Hansen on 12.
The highlight of the night though was Libby Elliott who was the first Leopold player to win a senior 'Best and Fairest' medal! Libby won the C Grade medal on 23 votes, tying with South Barwon's Abby Koehler - ironically both girls are GK for their respective clubs!!! Libby has had an absolutely brilliant year, leading from the front and playing a true captain's role. Congratulations Lobster on your marvellous win. Everyone at the club is so proud of you!

Late breaking news!

Under 17 Div 2 player Maddie Luppino has just won the League Best and Fairest. Well done Maddie! The Under 17 Div 2 Team also won the Spirit of Sport Award for the Team of the Year. Well done Girls!