The 2021 NFNL Women’s season kicked off, with Round 1 of grading highlighted by the introduction of four new clubs entering the competition.
During the opening four rounds of the season, all 23 teams will start the 2021 season in the one grading competition before being placed in three divisions.
The opening match of the season saw two of the newest clubs pitted against each other, with Banyule making a winning start to its women’s football journey – recording a 16-point triumph over Fitzroy Stars at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. The Bears booted the only three goals of the opening half and were able to stave off a third-term fightback by the Stars to run away with a 5.8 (38) to 3.4 (22) victory. Keeley Welsh was best for Banyule, while Brynleigh Taylor and Rebekah Di Paola chimed in with two goals apiece. Former Richmond-listed tall Natarsha Bamblett excelled for the Stars.
Montmorency 1 proved too good for St Mary’s in an 82-point result at Whatmough Park. The Magpies piled on five goals in the opening term and didn’t look back on way to a big opening-round win. Jemma Laffey was best afield with five majors, while Chloe Robinson and Emily Beanland also enjoyed strong showings. Emily Bannan was best for St Mary’s.
Plenty Park hosted a double header between two of women’s footy’s biggest rivals. In the early game Darebin 2 proved two strong for Diamond Creek Women’s 2, keeping their host scoreless in a 25-point triumph. Inaccuracy in front of goal denied the Falcons a bigger win, however it was an impressive display first up. Holly Allen and Ruby Cray made great starts to the season, while Karly O’Malley and Emily Ivanka kicked majors. Jessica Fitzgerald never stopped trying for the Creekers.
The result was flipped in the second game of the afternoon, with Diamond Creek Women’s 1 powering to a 7.3 (45) to 4.5 (29) win over Darebin 1. Trailing by eight points at quarter time, the Creekers kicked into gear with a four-goal second term and held sway for the rest of the match. Former Carlton midfielder Shae Audley was a class above in a best on ground performance, while Stacey Cross and Georgia Tait (four goals) were also instrumental. Lilly Primerano and Georgia Wilson (two goals) stood out for the Falcons.
West Preston-Lakeside and Bundoora played out a thriller, with the Bulls prevailing by three points. The match was played directly after the senior men’s clash between the same clubs at J.E. Moore Park and the crowd was treated to a gripping contest. The Roosters got the early jump and raced away to a 15-point lead in the first term, however the visitors wouldn’t be denied and gradually worked their way back to score a gutsy win. 2018 Division 3 Women’s best and fairest Rainbow Ebert excelled in her return to Bundoora and was ably assisted by Candice Dyson. Rebecca McDonagh led the way for West Preston-Lakeside.
Lower Plenty made a massive statement in its inaugural women’s match, running away with an 82-point win over VU Western Spurs 2 at Montmorency Park South Oval. The Bears flew out of the blocks to take a 31-point lead into quarter time, courtesy of a five-goal opening stanza. Lower Plenty’s 12 goals all came in the opening three quarters, before the Spurs managed to put the clamps on in the final term. A host of youngsters led the way for Lower Plenty, with Trinity Mills and Milla Fereday combining for nine goals, while Northern Knights representative Mikayla Plunkett also excelled. Jacinta Ganino and Christina Polatajko never gave in for the Spurs.
On Sunday, Montmorency 2 made it a perfect weekend for the Magpies – keeping Reservoir scoreless in a 35-point win at Crispe Park. The Magpies did their work early, with four of their five goals coming before the main break. Ebony Jane Ozimek and Tahlia Morgan had impressive games, while Olivia Antonella was the game’s only multiple goal scorer. Reservoir was well served by Natalie Murray.
Eltham overcame a quarter-time deficit to score a 29-point win over Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve. The Panthers managed to keep the Power scoreless across the final three quarters in the 4.11 (35) to 1.0 (6) result. Claudia Williver was outstanding, while Jackie White’s three-goal haul helped give the Panthers the edge. Ashtyn Wharton was Laurimar’s best, while Alicia Pangbourne kicked the game’s opening goal.
VU Western Spurs 1 remain unbeaten since 2018, with the Spurs scoring a big win over Heidelberg at Warringal Park. After a competitive first term, the Spurs were able to kick away and went on with the job with a four-goal to nil final term. Aleisha Casley kicked a competition-high six goals in the opening round, while Brittany Wunhym and ruck Sabrin Nyawela also excelled. Heidelberg was well served by Mia Tascone and Megan Harwood.
Despite being held goalless in the opening half, Wallan managed to come away from Waterview Recreation Reserve with the four points, courtesy of a 10-point win over Mernda. In a low-scoring encounter, a goal in each the third and fourth quarters were enough for the Magpies to claim the win. Brooke Garland and Kerrie Curran had solid matches, while Maddison Ford and Tahlia Jones kicked goals. Bernadette Azzopardi was best for Mernda.
Reigning Division 3 Women’s premier Greensborough overcome competition newcomer Whittlesea by nine points at Whittlesea Showgrounds. The Boro were wasteful in front of goal but eventually got the edge in the 2.9 (21) to 2.0 (12) result. Rita Slewa and Olivia McFawn were instrumental in getting the Boro across the line. Tiana Markey and Jacinta Waring-May impressed for Whittlesea in the club’s inaugural match.
Image taken by Troy Austin Photography
