ANZ NFNL Women’s – Round 9 Review


Published on Monday, June 18, 2018

Author : Jacinta Frazzetto

Round 9 of the ANZ NFNL Women’s competitions pitted finals contenders in head-to-head match-ups that proved to have a huge effect on ladder positions across the three divisions.

In Division 1, the VU Western Spurs defeated second-placed Bendigo 3.8 (26) to 1.4 (10) in an upset win that reinforced the Spurs in third spot. The Spurs showed they were ready to play in front of their home fans, taking a 17-point lead into quarter time, before Andrea Walsh slotted a second-quarter goal for the Thunder to close the lead to 11 points by half time. Both teams struggled to convert in tough conditions and the only goal of the second half went the Spurs way and proved to be the sealer. Kym Downey and Alex Mills produced their best performances of the season for the Spurs, while Abbey Hay and Jacinta Louttit were great for the Thunder. The Spurs will now head into their match against ladder-leader Keilor full of confidence while the Thunder will look to rebound against Diamond Creek Women’s at Plenty Park Oval.

Diamond Creek Women’s returned to the winners’ list with a 3.5 (23) to 0.5 (5) win over Whitehorse. The Creekers kicked two first quarter goals and took a 14-point lead into the main break. A third goal to the Creekers after half time stretched the lead further and despite the Colts having opportunities in the final term to apply scoreboard pressure, they were unable to convert, and the Creekers held on to win the match. Neve O’Connor and Kaitlin Smith were excellent for the Creekers, while Amelia Dawborn and Morgan Khan were the Colts best. Whitehorse will continue its search for its first win against Darebin at A.H Capp Reserve.

Unfortunately, the match between Keilor and Darebin at Joe Brown Reserve was abandoned without play due to the ground being flooded by lashing rain. The game will be deemed a draw, with both sides awarded two points.

In Division 2, the VU Western Spurs bounced back from a close Round 8 loss by defeating South Morang 8.9 (57) to 0.2 (2). First quarter goals by Sarah Ronayne and Stacy Rigon gave the Spurs the momentum and they carried it with them throughout the match. Stacey Smith was named best afield with two goals and Hayley Stanford was also fantastic for the Spurs, while Jacinta Campbell and Alisha Pryde continued their great from for the Lions. The Spurs will travel to C.T Barling Reserve to play La Trobe in Round 10, while the Lions will enjoy a bye.

Darebin secured its first win with a 5.6 (36) to 1.5 (11) victory over Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve. The Falcons adjusted better to the wet conditions, kicking 4.1 (25) in a terrific first quarter that set up the win. Falcons Laura and Karly O’Malley had plenty of the ball, while Molly Cronin and Tenille Webb stood out for the Power. Darebin now hosts undefeated West Preston-Lakeside, while Laurimar faces Montmorency in an important clash for both sides’ finals hopes.

La Trobe University secured its fourth-consecutive win, defeating Montmorency 4.7 (31) to 3.6 (24). In a tight first half, the Magpies took a seven-point lead into half time. La Trobe rebounded in a gutsy third term display that saw them add three goals and were rewarded with a handy 12-point three-quarter time lead that the Magpies couldn’t chase down in the final quarter. Teresa D’Angelo and Emily Turnbull played pivotal roles in getting La Trobe back into the match while Sarah Townsend and Teisha Parkinson were solid for the Magpies. The win keeps La Trobe a game clear in second position and they now host third-placed in a key match on Saturday.

In Division 3, Eltham took away the four points in an important match against VU Western Spurs, winning 3.5 (23) to 1.1 (7). With the Panthers kicking three unanswered goals and taking a 22-point lead into three-quarter time, the Spurs were faced with a tough assignment and couldn’t hunt down the visitors, despite a Rebecca Bliss goal in the final term. Anna Makela provided plenty of drive for the Panthers, while Kate Cardamone kicked two vital goals when the match was up for grabs. Ashley Gulka and Rebecca Bliss stood tall for the Spurs. Eltham next travels to Yulong Reserve to take on Bundoora and VU Western Spurs will play La Trobe University at C.T Barling Reserve.

Greensborough made it two wins on the trot with a convincing 6.12 (48) to 0.2 (2) win over La Trobe University. After a goalless first quarter from both sides, the Boro clicked into gear and piled on six goals in a row to run away 46-point winners. Giuseppina Tarantello thrived in the tough conditions for the Boro, while Anna Mitchell tried hard for La Trobe. The win maintains fourth place for the Boro and they will look to consolidate their spot against Mernda at Greensborough War Memorial Park.

Bundoora kept its undefeated record intact with a gripping 4.6 (30) to 4.1 (25) victory over second-placed St Mary’s. After the Burra kicked the opening goal, the Bulls responded with two of their own in the second quarter to take a nine-point lead into half time. The third term was see-sawing, with both sides kicking two goals each. The Burra fought hard to secure the all-important first goal of the last term but couldn’t hit the front as the Bulls defence held strong. Sianne Clancy and Bridgette Taylor-Gray continued their hot form for the Bulls, while Michelle Reid and Kerry Crockett battled hard for the Burra as their six-game winning run came to an end.

Related News