Some more fascinating results from Round 11 will make the run to the finals intriguing in all three senior women’s competitions.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Banyule produced an important win to keep their 2024 finals hopes alive after defeating Heidelberg by 13 points on Saturday at Warringal Park. Scores were level at both quarter time and three quarter time in what was an entertaining battle between the two sides, before the Bears kept the Tigers scoreless while kicking two goals of their own to finish 4.3 (27) to 2.2 (14) victors. Megan Barnes was outstanding alongside Polly McAuliffe for Banyule while both Emily and Isabella Rowe performed well for the home side.
Diamond Creek Women’s 1 put together a powerful display to prove too strong for Darebin 1, winning by 31 points at Plenty Park Oval. A six-goal to two first half set up the 9.10 (64) to 5.3 (33) triumph, which sees the Creekers within touching distance of their second Division 1 minor premiership in three years. Grace Addamo produced one of her best efforts of the season in a two-goal best on ground performance, with teammate Adele Coppola also impressing. Nikita Magriplis was terrific for the Falcons despite the defeat, kicking four goals.
Montmorency 1 picked up back-to-back wins for the first time since the opening fortnight of the 2024 campaign, blowing past St Mary’s by 24 points at Montmorency Park North Oval. After an even opening term, a two-goal to zero second quarter opened up the game enough for the Magpies to maintain their lead and prevail 7.4 (46) to 3.4 (22). Northern Knights and Carlton VFLW star Hannah Scott made her senior women’s debut for the home side and was a clear standout. The Burra were led by skipper Elyssa Rees.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
Darebin 2 were victorious for the first time since Round 6 following a narrow nine-point win over Montmorency 2 at Montmorency Park North Oval. The Falcons led by seven points at the first change and built on that lead throughout the next two terms. Despite being kept goalless in the second half, the visitors finished 2.6 (18) to 1.3 (9) winners. Aisling O’Mahony and Cassandra-Rita Smith finished as Darebin’s best for the afternoon while Ella Peatling performed admirably for the Magpies.
Ivanhoe had no problems securing their eighth win of the season after defeating Greensborough by 52 points at Ivanhoe Park. The Boro were kept scoreless until the third term while the Ivies registered 21 scoring shots in a brilliant 9.12 (66) to 2.2 (14) triumph. The incredible seasons of Molly Uwland and Anna Williams continued, as they helped lead the home side to victory, with both players also hitting the scoreboard. Amy Vine was a solid contributor for the Boro and kicked one of their two goals.
Breaking away in the final term, West Preston-Lakeside remain on top of the ladder after a 23-point win over Thomastown at Main Street Recreation Reserve. The Bears led at both quarter time and half time before just one-point separated the two sides approaching the final term. The Roosters then took control of the game and kicked three last quarter goals to win 4.10 (34) to 1.5 (11). Sarina Galati and Michelle Millhouse helped lead the visitors to another win while Cara Mazzarella and Chiara Nardo were key to keeping the Bears in the hunt.
The Fitzroy Stars produced one of their best performances of the season to defeat Lower Plenty by 16 points at Montmorency Park South Oval. A huge five-goal second term put the Stars in the box seat and were able to turn a nine-point three quarter time lead into a 7.4 (46) to 4.6 (30) victory. Jessica Bamblett made it consecutive three-goal games, with Leah Seeto also playing well. Bears captain Molly McCormack stood tall and did what she could to help the hosts get over the line.
Ending a four-game losing streak, Mernda impressed to defeat Whittlesea by 29 points at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Eagles were kept to only behinds throughout the afternoon, while the Demons’ advantage continued to increase during each quarter on their way to prevailing 4.8 (32) to 0.3 (3). Madalyn Kelly performed well and was one of her side’s four goalkickers for the match. Gulia Ceravolo also showcased her talents for the home side, while Olivia Hodgson stood out for Whittlesea.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
North Heidelberg’s claimed another important triumph to help their finals chances, this time defeating Wallan by 21 points at Greenhill Reserve. The Bulldogs led by 13 points at half time and never looked back to record a 4.4 (28) to 1.1 (7) win, their fifth of the season. Mikayla Brown put together a best on ground performance and finished with two goals for the second straight match. North Heidelberg captain Teresa Cassar also played great while Chantelle Wiseman finished as the Magpies’ best.
It was an incredibly powerful statement from Panton Hill, who defeated Laurimar by 127 points at Laurimar Reserve. The Redbacks kicked 14 first half goals, including eight in the opening term, and finished with 31 scoring shots in a 19.13 (127) to 0.0 (0) win. Bridie Groves led the way up forward with a huge five-goal performance, while Bianca Walker and Mia Jackson were also strong contributors in the win. Despite the loss, Naomi Whalan was a highlight for the Power.
Hurstbridge’s remarkable winning run continued at Epping Recreational Reserve, as they finished 23-point victors over Epping. The Blues were kept scoreless while the Bridges were able kick away in the final quarter to claim a 3.5 (23) to 0.0 (0) triumph away from home. Kristy Steven starred, as did Natarsha Harrop who kicked two goals to take her 2024 tally to 15. Good performances from Mellisa Barnes and Cate McGarry were a positive for the Blues in defeat.
Heidelberg West took a big step towards securing top spot on the ladder, after coming from behind to defeat South Morang by 10 points at Heidelberg Park. Read the full match report by clicking here.
