A review of the Round 11 matches in the ANZ NFNL Women’s competitions.
The top-three sides in Division 1 all scored comfortable wins to confirm their status as premiership contenders heading towards the finals.
Ladder-leader Keilor maintained a 10-point buffer atop the ladder with a commanding 15.7 (97) to 0.3 (3) win over Whitehorse Colts at Springfield Park. The home side put up a strong challenge in the first half and managed to keep the Blues to five goals up until half time. However, Keilor put the foot down in the second half to storm to a big win. Gemma and Sarah Wright were once again unstoppable for the Blues and shared five goals, while Brooke Todero led the scoring with four majors. Amelia Finnegan and Briana Holland never stopped trying for Whitehorse.
Bendigo exacted immediate revenge on Diamond Creek Women’s with a 11.7 (73) to 3.2 (20) win at Queen Elizabeth Oval. The result was a reversal of last week’s outing between the sides, which the Creekers won by six points. The Thunder won all four quarters to end a two-game losing streak. Jacqueline Radnell had an impact in her first game of the year, while Isabella Ayre and Yasmin Colley also excelled. Karly Cobern’s red-hot form continued despite her side suffering its first loss in three weeks, with the Creekers star named in her side’s best for the eighth time in 2018.
VU Western Spurs etched closer to a double-chance in the finals by romping to an 18.11 (119) to 3.1 (19) win over Darebin at A.H. Capp Reserve. Leading by 16 points at quarter time, the Spurs piled on seven goals in the second term to put the result beyond doubt by half time. Olivia Storer led the way in victory, while Aleisha Casley kicked a season-best five goals. Julia Phung and Mei Griffin were among Darebin’s better players.
South Morang and Montmorency played out the closest game of the round in Division 2, with the Magpies overcoming inaccurate kicking at goal to prevail 3.16 (34) to 2.2 (14) at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. The Magpies broke the game open with a three-goal to nil third quarter. Megan Allan was the dominant player on the ground for the Magpies was named in her side’s best players for the third-straight week. Sarah Tarrant was best in defeat for the Lions.
West Preston-Lakeside moved a step closer to clinching the minor premiership, keeping Laurimar scoreless in an 86-point triumph at J.E. Moore Park. The unbeaten Roosters set the tone early with a five-goal first quarter and were unrelenting thereafter. Catherine O’Bryan snared three goals in a best on ground showing, while Dialla Fayad booted a team-high five majors. Tenille Webb and Molly Cronin were the Power’s shining lights in defeat.
VU Western Spurs kept pressure on third-place Montmorency with a percentage-boosting 15.15 (105) to 2.0 (12) win away to Darebin. Stacy Rigon had a day out with six majors for the Spurs, while Paige Cooper and Brittany Salt (three goals) were equally dominant to hand their side its sixth win. Darebin never stopped trying and managed two goals in the final term via Carla Panozzo and Ashlee Milich.
Bundoora reaffirmed its status as premiership favourite with a dominant win over in-form Greensborough at Beale Reserve. The Bulls produced arguably their best performance of the season in the 107-point victory, which maintained their perfect record in their inaugural season in the competition. Rainbow Ebert was again outstanding for Bundoora, while Jemma Cremore, Chloe Moorcroft and Amy Callaway shared 10 goals. Kelly Mullins and Kathryn Webb tried hard in a tough match for Greensborough.
Eltham took a big leap towards finals football with a 40-point win over Mernda. The Panthers kept the Demons scoreless to secure their fourth win of 2018 and now sit two wins clear in fifth, with three rounds to play. Leading by 15 points at half time, Eltham kicked clear in the second half – led by strong showings by Caitlin Wheeler and Jacki White. Rhiannon Burleigh also had a great game, capped by three goals. Natalie Todaro and Shelby Nanscawen were Mernda’s best players.
St Mary’s looks set to secure a top-two finish after downing VU Western Spurs in the second versus third clash at Whatmough Park. The Spurs kicked the only goal of the first quarter, however Burra finished with the final four goals to prevail 4.8 (32) to 1.0 (6). Chloe Robinson and Serena Francke kicked two goals apiece for St Mary’s, while Matilda Blakey and Morgan Harriman also performed well in an important game. Elisa Denton and Kirsten Pocock were best in defeat for the Spurs, who will now turn their attention to retaining third place and a double chance in the finals.
The ANZ NFNL Women’s competitions will enjoy a break this weekend, ahead a return to action on July 15.
