The three NFNL Women’s preliminary finals saw two lower-ranked sides progress through to grand finals in an exciting day of football at Epping Recreation Reserve.
ANZ DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S
Diamond Creek Women’s continued its superb finals campaign by defeating Darebin 7.2 (44) to 4.1 (25) in an upset victory. The Creekers came out with all guns blazing, booting four opening-quarter goals, which were bookended by two skilful snaps by Georgia Harvey. The Falcons responded in the second term with the opening two goals via Ellen Buckley and Vanessa Conte. However, Linda Thorp halted the Falcons’ momentum with her second goal, which also gave the Creekers a 20-point half time buffer. Thorp’s third major came two minutes after the main break and extended the Creekers’ lead out to 25 points at three-quarter time. A great team effort by the Creekers resulted in an Amanda Macellari goal and a 31-point lead early in the fourth term. The Falcons scored two consolation goals soon after, but it proved to be too little, too late. Amanda Kennedy and Shae-Lee Murphy-Burke were fantastic for the Creekers, while Falcons captain Mei Griffin and Caitlyn Jeffress finished their seasons with great efforts. Having won three consecutive knockout finals, Diamond Creek Women’s will be aiming to carry its red-hot finals form into the grand final where it will meet undefeated VU Western Spurs.
MC SECURITY DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S
Heidelberg fashioned a stunning 4.5 (29) to 3.3 (21) victory over South Morang. It was a major turnaround by the Tigers after losing by 30 points when the sides met in the qualifying final a fortnight ago. With the opening goal of the match going Heidelberg’s way via Ashleigh Riley, the Tigers were able to take a six-point lead into quarter time. Sarah Barlow then kicked truly from a set shot to extend the Tigers’ lead out to 12 points before South Morang clicked into action. The Lions secured the next three goals off the boots of Cassie Hurst, Kim Kavan and Olivia Dalmau to take a seven-point advantage into half time. Heidelberg forward Emma Rowe brilliantly crumbed a ball off the back of a pack to run into an open goal and give her side a one-point lead at the last change. Fiona Sheehan then stretched the Tigers’ lead out to eight points with a goal midway through the final quarter. South Morang managed to lock the ball in its forward half from that point onwards but was unable to break through Heidelberg’s strong defence, led by Cassia Menkhorst, Megan Harwood and Monique Cook – who strongly held down the fort. Ashleigh Riley and Rachel Sherry continued their excellent finals series to be named among the Tigers’ best players, while Kelly Lynch and Cassie Hurst were great for the Lions. Heidelberg will now make a grand final appearance in its first season in the NFNL Women’s competition, where it will look to upset a dominant VU Western Spurs outfit.
MIRVAC DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S
Greensborough progressed through to the grand final after defeating Laurimar 7.5 (47) to 0.1 (1). Having fallen two-points short of the Power in the qualifying final, Greensborough produced its best football to storm into the premiership decider. Ebony Spencer booted two opening half goals for the Boro to help them on their way to a 16-point half-time buffer. A four-goal third term, including two majors from Rebecca Buckley, stretched the Boro’s lead out to 39 points by three-quarter time. Jessie Hulett’s second goal of the match came in the fourth quarter and put the finishing touches on an impressive performance her side. Meggan Nelsen and Renee Unthank were fantastic for the Boro, while Carly Cooper was named the best performing Power player for a second-consecutive week. Greensborough now faces VU Western Spurs in the grand final. The two sides have had tight battles throughout the season, with both results going the way of the Spurs by 11 points in Round 11 and then six points in Round 14.
