The women’s outfit is now free and clear to the grand final on September 7 against the winner of the preliminary final between Bega and the Tathra Eagles. 

Eden’s top goal scorer Kamilla Grubesic opened the scoring after consistent attacks on goal from the Killer Whales midfield and strikers. 

Grubesic received a lovely square ball from left midfielder Nikki Doyle and made no mistake, turning on her opponent and driving the ball low into the bottom left of the goals. 

Mel “The Machine” Mitchell sent some beautiful corners across to find Deb Heron’s head on two occasions, one flew just high and the second was denied by the crossbar. 

The Killer Whales seemed in control and continued to pressure Bega’s defence, but were unable to capitalise. 

Bega began to work their way back into the match and managed to even the score before half-time with the Devils awarded a penalty for a tackle on the edge of the box. 

They made no mistake to square the score. 

Eden was determined to not make any errors in the second half and it didn’t take long for Heron to open the lead again, chipping over the keeper. 

Unfortunately for the visiting Killer Whales, a long-range shot from a free kick soared just out of reach of Tanya Waites in the goal box to equalise. 

It was Eden’s striker veteran Amber Seckold who sealed the victory with just seconds to spare before extra time, scoring from a Mel Mitchell corner in a goal mouth scramble. 

“Kamilla and Amber were inspirational up front, never giving up and putting their body’s on the line to match Bega’s ferocity in defence,” coach Deb Heron said. 

“Kate and Mel Mitchell were also outstanding in midfield and their form will be invaluable as Eden attempts to secure consecutive premierships.”

After the game Heron said she was proud of the effort from her team. 

“We showed real character and team spirit today, we’ve come from behind a couple of times this season, but you never know how the pressure of finals is going to affect everyone on the day.

“It was a tough match but we managed to get through with the win and without any injuries so that’s a huge bonus.”

The Killer Whales ladies can now enjoy a week to recuperate ahead of the grand final showdown on September 7.  

“The week off on Sunday will do us good with Bhud Clark and Mel Mitchell both still recovering from illness and Kim Peters and Amber Seckold will benefit from a rest with a few little niggles,” Heron said.  

“We’ll be fighting fit and ready to tackle either Bega or Tathra in Merimbula ... and Tathra are a chance of an upset.”

Meanwhile the men’s squad fell out of contention after losing to the Devils in their clash through an unfortunate turn of events.

Despite a loss, club president Adam Donaldson said he was pleased with the season. 

“We finished third out of seven teams in the regular season,” Donaldson said. 

“One of the things I’m quite proud of is we had the best defensive record – we only gave away nine goals all season. 

“There is great camaraderie, we’re upset that it is over, but we’re keen for next year,” he said.”

It was the Killer Whales who opened the scoring through a long-range shot that soared over the Bega keeper. 

A tackle on the Bega striker led to a direct free kick just outside the Eden box. 

Unfortunately for the Killer Whales, the Devils found a gap in the wall and slotted the ball in the corner of the net. 

Shortly after the half-time break, a second tackle saw Eden’s Blake Russell sent from the field. 

Playing a man-down for the remainder of the game, Eden was under increasing pressure from the Bega attack. 

They scored again shortly after using the player advantage off a loose man. 

However, Eden rallied and defended well for the final 30 minutes, but was unable to convert any of its attacking raids to go down 2-1. 

Donaldson also emphasised a growth in the club with about 130 registered players this year. 

“We really have a lot of younger kids coming through,” he said.