The teams took to the field for Round 10 of the Northpark NFLW competition, producing exciting footy and keeping the race for finals as open as ever.
Kew carried the momentum of their great fortnight of football into a second-consecutive win, defeating Pascoe Vale 17.11 (113) to 3.3 (21). The Bears put the game out of the Panthers reach with a five-goal second quarter that saw them take a 39-point lead into half time. Natalie Gills kicked her second-consecutive bag of five goals and Michaela Harding also put on an impressive display for the Bears. Aisling Summerville and Aimee Whelan stood out for the Panthers.
In the battle for second spot, VU Western Spurs took away the four points with a 3.5 (23) to 2.7 (19) win over Diamond Creek Women’s. The Spurs held a handy 15-lead heading into the final break, but a spirited fourth quarter by the Creekers gave the Spurs a scare. The Creekers were unable to make the most of their opportunities however, kicking 1.5, and falling to third position on the ladder. Sabrin Nyawela and Olivia Storer were pivotal in the Spurs’ win, while Emma Fraser and Shazi Cappello played great games for the Creekers.
Whitehorse stormed to its third win of the season after downing Deer Park 8.6 (54) to 4.3 (27) at Deer Park Sports Oval. With scores tied at quarter time, the Colts broke the game open in the final three quarters – kicking seven goals to three to win by 27 points. Sera Catania and Amelia Dawborn were adjudged best in the win, while Adriana Piva kicked two goals.
In the upset of the round, Darebin produced a 5.7 (37) to 3.5 (23) triumph over Melbourne University. Despite Darebin holding much of the play, a Melbourne University goal in the final minutes of the third quarter kept the pressure on the Falcons – who responded with a strong final quarter. The win keeps the Falcons within one game of the top-five while the Mugar’s loss sets up an important clash against the third-placed Diamond Creek in Round 11. Tamara Olcorn and Alex Reynolds shone for the Falcons while Leah Caluzzi and Ruby Grounds were the Mugar’s best.
Bendigo kept its undefeated record in tact with a 24.8 (152) to 0.0 (0) win over La Trobe University. The Thunder’s 10th win of the season ensures that they remain two games and percentage clear on top of the table. Andrea Walsh kicked six goals and remains the clear leader for most goals this season with 36, and Tiahna Cochrane continued her brilliant form for the Thunder. Tayla Dando and Samantha Greene tried hard for La Trobe.
In Northpark NFLW Division 2, the VU Western Spurs won their fifth consecutive game with a 12.10 (82) to 0.0 (0) victory over Diamond Creek Women’s. The Spurs got off to a flying start, taking a 26-point lead into quarter time, and carried the momentum for the rest of the match. The Spurs now sit a game clear on top of the table with a pivotal match-up against the second placed West-Preston Lakeside forthcoming in Round 11. Tamara Cole played a fantastic game for the Spurs and Nadine Rabah kicked five goals, bringing her season tally to a competition-leading 20 goals. Mischa Morgan-Curry and Alexandria Deacon gave their all for the Creekers.
Kew kept its finals hopes alive with a 4.3 (27) to 2.4 (16) win over Laurimar. In a tight contest, the Bears made the most of their opportunities and took away an important four points to stay in touch with the top-five with four rounds remaining. Erin Murphy kicked all four of the Bears’ goals and proved to be the difference, while Lily Barr and Georgina Wignall also produced strong performances.
South Morang put its name back on the winners’ list, defeating La Trobe University 16.15 (111) to 0.0 (0). It was a terrific four-quarter effort from the Lions, who sit in fourth position on the ladder, with only percentage holding off a fifth-placed Montmorency. Rechelle Mcswain and Cassie Hurst stood out for the Lions, who had five multiple goal scorers. Bailee Carroll and Sarah Lucas were La Trobe’s best in defeat.
Montmorency secured an important four points with a 3.1 (19) to 1.6 (12) victory over Darebin in the round’s top-five clash. The Magpies were able to make the most of their scoring opportunities, while the Falcons will rue a second quarter that saw them produce four behinds from four scoring shots. Lauren Dow and Rhiarn Daley were excellent for the Magpies, while Jem Wilson and Xena Campbell played great games for the Falcons.
