Round 5 of Northpark NFLW produced results that had a huge impact on the look of the ladder in both Division 1 and Division 2.
In Division 1, the VU Western Spurs secured a 9.9 (63) to 3.7 (25) win over Darebin at A.H. Capp Reserve to remain undefeated. The Spurs got off to a flying start, kicking 4.2 to zero in the first quarter to immediately put scoreboard pressure on the home team. The Falcons were unable to track them down for the rest of the match. Emily Stanyer was best afield for the Spurs and Aleisha Casley kicked three goals. Shannon Egan and Tamara Olcorn were fantastic once again for Darebin.
Kew made it two wins on the trot with a 12.12 (84) to 0.3 (3) victory over Deer Park at Victoria Park. A dominant first quarter, where Kew kicked 5.4 unanswered, set the tone for the match and the Bears played consistently great footy for the entire match. Roisin Lambert kicked five goals in a best on ground performance and Sarah Yule also made an immense contribution with three goals.
In a top-four clash, Diamond Creek Women’s got back on the winners’ list with a thrilling 4.10 (34) to 5.2 (32) away victory over Melbourne University. After kicking four goals straight to take an 18-point lead into quarter time, the Creekers struggled to make the most of their opportunities thereon, only adding six behinds for the rest of the match. Melbourne University fought back strongly, kicking two final quarter goals to finish within touching distance, however the early deficit proved insurmountable. Jessica Provan and Karly Cobern were fantastic for Diamond Creek, while Prudence Cordes and Alexandra Gittings were Melbourne University’s best.
Bendigo ensured that it remained atop the ladder with a 12.7 (79) to 2.7 (19) win over Pascoe Vale at Raeburn Reserve. After a tight first quarter, the Thunder proved too potent for the Panthers, adding multiple goals in each quarter to extend their winning streak to five. Kodi Jacques delivered another stellar performance and Tiahna Cochrane was also great for Bendigo. Bridgette Aparo and Kaitlyn Stone tried hard all day for Pascoe Vale.
Whitehorse secured its second win of the season with a 15.11 (101) to 6.1 (37) triumph over La Trobe University. The Colts were particularly dominant in the first and fourth quarters, kicking five goals in each. Abbey Tanner and Monique Trusler were fantastic for Whitehorse. Claudia Gunjaca was La Trobe’s best and Samantha Greene kicked a game-high four goals.
In Division 2, Round 5 kicked off with the game of the round between the top two sides. Darebin overcame the VU Western Spurs 4.3 (27) to 2.11 (23) to remain the only undefeated side in the competition. Despite having seven more scoring shots, the Spurs struggled to capitalise and were unable to track down the 10-point lead the Falcons set up going into the final half. Jem Wilson and Toni Alexandrow were instrumental in getting the Falcons over the line. Kerrie Clarke and Serena Francke were great for the Spurs and kicked a goal apiece.
West-Preston Lakeside maintained its position in the top four with an 11.13 (79) to 0.0 (0) win over Kew. The Roosters carried their amazing form away to Kew and got off to a fast start, scoring 4.1 (25) in the opening quarter. Monique Dematteo was best afield for the Roosters for the third week running with four goals and Sarina Galati was great as well. Zo Gladstones and Florence Stewart tried hard for Kew.
Whitehorse secured a handy four points, defeating La Trobe University 5.14 (44) to 3.2 (20) at Springfield Park. Despite inaccuracy in front of goals, Whitehorse produced a strong four-quarter effort to hold its opponent to just five scoring shots. Ebony Jones and Cassandra Jones were the winning side’s best, while Darci Tierney and Kimberley Nash were excellent for La Trobe.
South Morang backed up its Round 4 win to defeat Laurimar 2.7 (19) to 2.3 (15) in a tight contest. Laurimar took an eight-point advantage into the second quarter but South Morang fought back to secure a four-point victory and jump into fourth place on the ladder. Amanda Laidlaw and Sarah Tarrant were outstanding for the Lions, with Courtney Corr and Molly Cronin best for the Power.
In an important match for both sides, Montmorency defeated Diamond Creek Women’s 6.5 (41) to 5.6 (36). In a hard-fought battle, Montmorency’s three-goal second quarter proved to be the difference, despite the Creekers’ efforts in the final half. The result kept the Magpies within a win of the top four. Nicole Blythe and Rhiarn Daley were outstanding for the Magpies. Georgia Page and Stacey Cross were the Creekers’ best.
