From down on the field to up in the media box, Canberra will be represented in Sunday’s Westfield W-League Grand Final, when Capital Football referee Lauren Hargrave runs the sideline and former Matilda and Canberra United player Grace Gill calls from the commentary box.
Assistant referee Lauren Hargrave was asked on Tuesday to be part of the officiating team for the showdown between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, her first appointment to finals football since picking up the whistle five years ago.
“It’s a very exciting way to top off a very rewarding season,” Lauren said.
“Noting the high quality refereeing panel in the Westfield W-League, it’s an absolute honour to be part of the refereeing team for the grand final.”
Canberra’s three Westfield W-League officials were all selected for finals football, with Delfina Dimoski and Georgia Ghirardello officiating the semi final between Sydney FC and Canberra United.
“It is an outstanding achievement for the ACT team,” Lauren Hargrave said.
“Refereeing is very much a team effort. It may be an individual name but very much a team effort, and I think a lot of it has to do with the ACT referees, the Westfield W-League and the broader support network.
“Many thanks go to them and we really have a great team environment here in Canberra with the referees.”
Meantime Canberra’s Grace Gill will commentate the game on ABC Sport, alongside Westfield W-League presenter, Steph Brantz.
Grace Gill and Steph Brantz the ABC commentary team for the 2020/21 Westfield W-League Grand Final – @gracegill9
Gill has commentated several games throughout the 2020/21 season and said being asked to be part of Sunday’s match is a great honour.
“I’m really excited to be calling Sunday’s Grand Final on ABC,” Grace said.
“It’s something I’ve aspired to do since starting in commentary, so to do so alongside Steph Brantz for the biggest game of the season is a really special achievement.
“This is my 5th Grand Final; three as a player, one on radio and Sunday’s – my first Grand Final on a live TV broadcast.
“I think Sunday’s match will be closely contested. Victory are hitting their stride at the right end of the season, and Sydney are incredibly tough to beat at home.”
The Grand Final kicks off at 4.05pm on Sunday April 11, at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.