Competition returned across all three Mirvac NFNL Women’s divisions, following a three-week layoff.
The first game back was played under lights at Warringal Park, where Heidelberg prevailed in a tough scrap against West Preston-Lakeside. In tough conditions, the Tigers won a low-scoring game 1.1 (7) to 0.5 (5), with Isabella Hayes’ goal in the second term enough to get the home side across the line. Hayes was among the best for the victorious Tigers, with Mia Tascone again prominent. Rachele Carrozza and Ashleigh Snow were industrious for West Preston-Lakeside.
Eltham jumped up to fourth spot on the ladder with a 28-point win over Whittlesea. The 6.6 (42) to 2.2 (14) provided the Panthers with their fifth win of the campaign as they continued their charge for a finals place. Jacki White was superb and finished with an equal season-best four majors, which took her season tally to 16. Jasmine Tilley was also brilliant for the Panthers, while Alannah Murray booted two goals. Abbie Barnes played a great game for Whittlesea, while Brielle Kinnear kicked both goals for the away side.
Great anticipation surrounded the clash between VU Western Spurs and Darebin and the game at Henry Turner Reserve did not disappoint. The contest was a genuine arm wrestle, with the lead never more than a goal at any of the quarter breaks. Darebin led by three points at the last change and held the lead right through to the final two minutes, when Aleisha Casley snapped through her second goal to hand the advantage to VU Western Spurs. The home side was able to hold on in the tense final moments to secure a three-point win. Natalie Pearce and Jessica Kinssman were outstanding in victory, while Darebin was superbly led by Susan Cadman and Julia Phung.
The three-week layoff did nothing to halt Diamond Creek Women’s momentum, with the ladder-leader extending their unbeaten run to eight games after downing Montmorency by 40 points. The Creekers trailed at quarter time and scores were level at the main break, before Diamond Creek Women’s took a stronghold on the game in the second half. The Creekers booted 6.4 to zero over the third and fourth quarters to move three wins clear atop the ladder. Shae Audley was at her dominant best, while Monique DeMatteo and Emma Wilson were also influential and combined for five goals. Montmorency was well served by Molly Reinke and Ashleigh Bayes.
Greensborough returned to the winners’ list with arguably its best performance of the season against Lower Plenty. The Boro broke the game wide open after a tight first term, booting nine goals to two across the final three quarters to secure a 59-point win. Meg Nelsen and Lauren Collis found plenty of the footy, while Jessie Hulett and Zoe Pannam shared seven of their team’s 11 majors. Ashleigh Smith and Ella Gray never gave up for Lower Plenty despite the margin blowing out.
Diamond Creek Women’s took a big step forward in its quest for a top-three finish in Mirvac Division 2 Women’s. The Creekers won a three-point thriller over Hurstbridge at Plenty Park Oval, prevailing 5.6 (36) to 4.9 (33). The second-placed Bridges held a seven-point lead at quarter time, but the home side was able to get on top during the second quarter to take nine-point lead by half time. The sides shared two goals apiece during the second half, however Hurstbridge may feel they missed some opportunities to score a come-from-behind win, after kicking 2.7 to 2.1 in the final two quarters. Jasmine Hallett and Brittany Apted were named best for Diamond Creek Women’s in the important victory, while Hurstbridge was propelled by strong showings from Belinda Harris (two goals) and Keely Fitzgerald.
Fourth-placed St Mary’s remains in the hunt for a double chance in the finals after keeping Darebin goalless in a 33-point win at Whatmough Park. The Burra made a fast start and kicked two early goals. They maintained that lead across the second and third quarters, before sealing the win with two majors in the final term. Elyssa Rees and Brigid McEntee continued the strong form that saw them lead the Coaches MVP voting across the opening seven rounds, while Charlotte Evans played her best game of the season. Jessica Marks and Ruby Cray were best for the Falcons.
Montmorency remains unbeaten after a dominant win over Wallan at Montmorency Park North Oval. After a relatively competitive first term, the home side broke away to record their seventh-successive win this campaign. Shelby Coall had a day out and booted six majors, while Sian Capito chimed in with four goals. Maree Stephenson battled gamely for Wallan, while Maddison Ford booted the visitor’s sole major.
Fitzroy Stars remain atop the Mirvac Division 3 Women’s ladder after securing a three-goal win over third-placed Mernda. The Stars started well and took an 18-point lead into quarter time, after registering six scoring shots to none. Mernda staged a strong comeback and cut the deficit to just four points heading into the final quarter. But it was the Stars who lifted in the fourth term, booting two unanswered goals to win 5.10 (40) to 3.4 (22). Kristen Atkinson capped a great performance with a goal, while Thamar Atkinson was also outstanding. Awek Dut and Chloe Villiva led the way for Mernda.
Banyule remains within reaching distance of the Stars in second place on the ladder after recording a big win over Reservoir at Beverley Rd Oval. The Bears flew out of the gates to be 31 points ahead at quarter time and never relented throughout the match. Rebekah Di Paola had a huge game and finished with a season-high eight goals. Her big haul took her to 23 goals for the season. Beth Stonehouse, Keely Walsh and Samantha Temple also excelled for the Bears. Rosemaree Busuttil was best for the Mustangs and booted a goal.
Laurimar secured its second win of the season in a five-point triumph over VU Western Spurs at Henry Turner Oval. It was a close battle all day, however the Power were able to keep ahead throughout the day to claim their first win since the grading rounds. Kiera Hunter was best on ground and had good support from Mikayla Kotas and Vicki Tsoulias. Sophie Rohkamper and Emma Wheeler stood out for the Spurs.
