Brisbane have won their way through to another Hockey One women’s grand final, but it took a nervy penalty shootout win against Perth on Saturday afternoon to do so.
Tied at 2-2 after regular time, the Blaze put on a clinical shootout display and converted all four of their attempts.
But they also got a huge helping hand from goalkeeper Emily Kingston who made two brilliant saves to deny the Thundersticks.
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It moved the Blaze through to a third consecutive grand final, where they’ll face the winner of NSW and Canberra in the hope of avenging last year’s loss in the final.
Rebecca Greiner looked to have put the Blaze through eight minutes from time with a long-range effort for a 2-1 lead, only for Perth’s Penny Squibb to equalise with a similar strike just three minutes later.
Perth keeper Elizabeth Duguid produced a magnificent save in the final minute to keep her side in the contest, but couldn’t deny a clinical Brisbane in the shootout.
The Blaze led earlier inside four minutes when striker Dayle Dolkens poked one home from close range as they made the early running.
The cagey affair wouldn’t see another goal until the third term, Perth’s Line Malan finding her side’s way into the contest with an opportunistic effort.
It was a much-improved effort from the Thundersticks who were brushed aside by Brisbane 6-3 just a week ago.
Hockeyroo Rosie Malone copped a ball to the face on the stroke of half-time with blood pouring from her nose but returned to action for the Blaze late in the third term.
Grand Final Day – Sunday 26 November
11:30am AEDT / 10:30am AEST / 8:30am AWST | Women’s Third Place Playoff
12:30pm AEDT / 11:30am AEST / 9:30am AWST | Men’s Third Place Playoff
3:30pm AEDT / 2:30pm AEST / 12:30pm AWST | Women’s Grand Final
5:30pm AEDT / 4:30pm AEST / 2:30pm AWST | Men’s Grand Final