Senior women’s football made a welcome return on Sunday following a competition break the weekend prior.
There were two thrillers in ANZ NFNL Women’s Division 1, including Keilor winning its tenth game of the season in a 13-point triumph over VU Western Spurs. Trailing the top-three clash by one point at half time, the Blues booted the only two goals of the second half to move one step closer to securing the minor premiership. Sabrine Navarro and Nicole Zammit were instrumental in getting their side across the line at Henry Turner Reserve, while Brittany Wunhym and Lauren Anthony were best for the Spurs on a big day for the club – who celebrated NAIDOC Week by donning a wonderful indigenous jumper, designed by Spurs and Western Bulldogs player Elise Muller.
The result was even closer at Plenty Park where Darebin secured its fifth win of the campaign with a 3.4 (22) to 2.8 (20) victory over Diamond Creek Women’s. The Falcons were held scoreless in the opening quarter but produced their best football in the second term, when they piled on 2.4 to take an eight-point lead into half time. Coline Duquet continued her scintillating form to guide the Falcons to the win, while Shannon Egan again starred. Alicia Maskell and Linda Thorp (two goals) gave their all to try to will the Creekers over the line.
Bendigo demonstrated its scoring prowess by booting 24 goals in a massive win over Whitehorse at Queen Elizabeth Oval. Ahead by 61 points at half time, the Thunder didn’t relent in the second half and added seven goals in the third quarter, and a further eight in the last to storm to the biggest win of the season. The goals were shared among a dozen players, led by skipper Andrea Walsh, who kicked seven, and star forward Bella Ayre, who slotted five. Billie-Lee Humphry enjoyed a stellar day and capped her performance with a goal. Kaitlin Richards, Tara Reiter and Amelia Dawborn never stopped trying for the Colts.
The top three sides all stamped their authority with big Round 12 wins in ANZ NFNL Women’s Division 2. This included ladder-leader West Preston-Lakeside extending its unbeaten streak to ten games with a 9.19 (73) to 3.0 (18) home win over South Morang. After a tight first term, the Roosters piled on seven goals to two in the final three quarters to finish with a 55-point triumph. Qwai Sibbald was the standout and finished with two majors, while Sarina Galati, Chloe Kalanj and Dialla Fayad (four goals) also played leading roles. Sarah Tarrant and Melanie Ratcliffe were best for the Lions, who remain in fifth place on percentage.
La Trobe University kept hold of second place with a 10.13 (73) to 1.1 (7) win over Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve. It was a day to remember for Samantha Greene, who booted eight goals to etch further ahead at the top of the goal kicker table. Kate Bond was again exceptional as her side notched its sixth win on the trot. Ellie Koiker and Molly Cronin were again best for the Power.
VU Western Spurs took a major step forward in its hunt for a double chance in the finals – downing fourth-placed Montmorency by 80 points at Henry Turner Reserve. The Spurs kept their in-form opponents goalless in a clinical display. Ashleigh Ashman and Sophia Power led the charge for the Spurs, while Stacy Rigon and Jessica Heath shared seven goals. Ashleigh Bayes and Molly Reinke offered plenty of resistance for the Magpies.
In ANZ NFNL Women’s Division 3, VU Western Spurs confirmed its finals place by claiming a 31-point home win over Mernda. The Spurs led by two goals at the main break and continued to stretch their advantage in the second half to secure their sixth win of the season. Eden Cassar, Kirsten Pocock and Rebecca Bliss were best in an even display for the Spurs, while Mernda was well served by Kaylee Axon and Natalie Todaro.
St Mary’s overcame a strong first-half challenge from Eltham to claim its tenth win of the year in a 6.9 (45) to 2.1 (13) triumph at Eltham Central Park. The fifth-placed Panthers were within 10 points of their second-placed opponent at half time but couldn’t keep pace in the second half. Jessie Bickerton and Alanna Quigley played strong games for the Burra, while Stephanie Trkulja’s three goals were vital. Krystal Cullinan and Jacki White were named best for Eltham.
With just two rounds remaining in the home and away season, the final fortnight includes some crucial games that will help to determine the final make-up of the top five in all three competitions.
