ANZ NFNL Women’s Review – Round 13


Published on Monday, July 23, 2018

The penultimate round of the home and away season saw the top sides fine-tune ahead of the finals series.

VU Western Spurs assured itself a double chance in the ANZ NFNL Women’s Division 1 finals, courtesy of a two-point win over Diamond Creek Women’s at Henry Turner Reserve. The Spurs trailed at the first three breaks but managed to find the lead in the last quarter to secure the 4.7 (31) to 4.5 (29) victory. Katarina Rebuffo and Kym Downey were among the key contributors for the Spurs, while Taylor Moss kicked two goals. Despite not holding on, the Creekers again showed they can match it with the competition’s best sides ahead of the finals and will take plenty of positives from the defeat. Kylie De Bruyn and Neve O’Connor were outstanding, while Linda Thorp kicked a game-high three goals.

Keilor claimed the minor premiership in its first season in the competition with a 51-point win over a determined Whitehorse at Joe Brown Reserve. The Blues opened a 20-point lead in the opening term, however the Colts put up a great fight during the middle two quarters – booting two majors and holding their more fancied hosts to three. Keilor was able to break the shackles in the last quarter and kicked three unanswered goals to win 9.10 (64) to 2.1 (13). Wright twins, Sarah and Gemma, were again standouts for the ladder-leader and received great support from Taylor Jones and Tatiana Zahra (three goals). Elizabeth Bonnett, Tara Reiter and Briana Holland ensured the Colts provided plenty of resistance. Whitehorse will host Darebin in the final round, where it will aim for its first win of the season.

Bendigo booted five unanswered goals in the second quarter to take a 43-point lead into half-time against Darebin at A.H. Capp Reserve. However, the match was much closer after the main break, with both sides kicking five goals each, as the Thunder prevailed 11.10 (76) to 5.4 (34). Kodi Jacques was dominant and featured in the Thunder’s best players for the fourth time in six matches in 2018. Olivia Mcevoy continued her good form, while Yasmin Colley’s three goals were the most of any player. Laura O’Malley featured in Darebin’s best players for the fourth time in the past five matches, Shannon Egan was again outstanding, while Stephanie Normington-Dickens kicked two goals.

West Preston-Lakeside extended its winning streak to 11 games by recording a 41-point victory over La Trobe University in the ANZ NFNL Women’s Division 2 top-of-the-table clash. La Trobe had won six games on the trot heading into the match and made a promising start, with Samantha Greene kicking the only goal of the opening quarter. However, West Preston-Lakeside gradually got on top to maintain its perfect season. Leading by 11 points at three quarter time, the Roosters piled on five unanswered goals in the final term to run away 7.6 (48) to 1.1 (7) victors at Naughtin Oval. It was the usual suspects in Catherine O’Byran and Qwai Sibbald who led the way for West Preston-Lakeside. Kate Bond and Stephanie Castagnini again performed well for La Trobe.

South Morang won its first game since Round 3 with a spirited 30-point triumph over Darebin at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Lions now sit a win and percentage above Laurimar in fifth place and are in the box seat to play finals football ahead of a Round 14 clash with the Power. The Lions trailed early against Darebin but had their noses ahead by seven points at the final break. They then slammed on four goals to none in the last term to win 6.5 (41) to 1.5 (11). Cassie Hurst was best afield with three goals, while Molly Neylon was best for the Falcons.

Bundoora locked in a first-place finish in ANZ NFNL Women’s Division 3 after overcoming a strong challenge from VU Western Spurs at Henry Turner Reserve. The third-placed Spurs were within 11 points of the unbeaten Bulls at three quarter time, before the ladder leaders booted four goals to one in the last term. Sianne Clancy continued her red-hot form for Bundoora, while Bridgette Taylor-Gray capped a fine performance with a goal. Jessica Heath was best for the Spurs and booted three of her side’s four goals.

St Mary’s won its ninth game with a breakaway 46-point victory over Greensborough at Whatmough Park. Ahead by 13 points at the main break, the Burra kept their visitors scoreless in the second half, while piling on five goals of their own to win 8.10 (58) to 2.0 (12). Emily Bannan played her best game of the season and was best afield for St Mary’s, while Michelle Reid kicked three majors. Giusseppina Tarantello performed well for Greensborough and kicked both her side’s goals.

La Trobe University jumped one game clear of bottom spot after beating Mernda by 19 points at Naughtin Oval. In a low-scoring game, La Trobe held the lead all day and prevailed 3.8 (26) to 1.1 (7) to secure its third win of the campaign. Nina Cowie, Anna Mitchell and Claire Henderson were major contributors in the triumph, while Janelle Duncan, Chloe Roy and Natalie Todaro never stopped trying for Mernda.

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