Julia Keymer part of Suburban Lions history after they win Women’s Premier League title in a thrilling finish

Albany hockey star Julia Keymer will hold a special place in the story of the Suburban Lions Hockey Club after being part of a historic grand final win earlier this year. Keymer, who hails from the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association, played for the Lions in their Women’s Premier League division one premiership triumph. The grand final win on September 16 was even sweeter for Keymer and her teammates, given the club had not previously won a division one women’s title in their 100-year history. The 25-year-old has been a part of the club for about six years since moving up to Perth from Albany and overcame some heartache of her own, following a knee reconstruction in 2020. Keymer fought back from the serious injury to play in the top division in the past two seasons and now is a premiership player, which she says is an incredible feeling. “It was the club’s first Women’s Premier League premiership in its 100-year history,” she said. “The club was only promoted into the top grade in 2018, so to have followed that journey over the last six years has been really exciting and rewarding for sure. “(It’s) something I won’t forget anytime soon.” The grand final victory was no easy feat, as the Lions had to work their way through a form slump in the second half of the regular season. “This season was a bit of a rollercoaster, after winning the first 12 games straight, the rest of the season saw us lose a number of players to injury and overseas commitments,” Keymer said. “We had points deducted, had a couple of draws and losses and ended the season in third place. “We went on to win our elimination final in penalty shootouts, and our preliminary final 3-1 to get into the grand final.” The Lions and Vic Park could not be separated at the end of regular time and then extra time but the Lions claimed the semifinal 2-1 in penalty shootouts. In the preliminary final against Hale it was goals from Amy Lawton, Alice Arnott and Georgina Dowd that helped the Lions book their place in the decider with a 3-1 victory. The women’s division one grand final was a cracker, neither side giving an inch but there was still no score after both regulation and extra time. The Lions held their nerve against UWA in the shootout, to emerge with a epic 7-6 win. “The grand final was a tense one,” Keymer said. “We faced UWA who are a pretty strong and decorated club. “The game ended 0-0 after regulation time, and there was also no score in extra time so we headed to penalty shootouts and two rounds of shootouts later we came out eventual winners 7-6.” Keymer played for the Tigers in the LGSHA before heading to the city and said she is loving the opportunity to play at a high level. “One of the best things about playing in Perth is the opportunity to play with past and present high level and international players, both Australian and overseas players,” she said. “Being exposed to high level coaching from a number of experienced coaches and players is a similarly amazing opportunity. “I play largely through the midfield line, with a bit of time in defence too. “Being part of the leadership team this year has been a great experience, seeing first hand how much effort and time goes into creating a cohesive and successful team in high level sport. “It’s been an incredible group to be a part of alongside so many passionate and genuine people.”