A one-point thriller between two of the competition’s oldest foes headlined the weekend’s action across the three Mirvac NFNL Women’s divisions.
Diamond Creek Women’s maintained its unbeaten start to 2021 by the barest margin, with the Creekers prevailing 7.5 (47) to 7.4 (46) over Darebin at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Creekers looked to have the game safely in their keeping early in the third term, before a four-goal blitz by the Falcons had the scores level at the final break. The sides traded goals in a tense final quarter, with the Creekers ahead by a solitary point when the final siren sounded. Lauren Durante had a day out for the Creekers and finished with two important goals, with Shae Audley again among the best players. Tamara Olcorn was brilliant for the Falcons, as was Peppa Poultney in her return from VFL and NAB League commitments.
Lower Plenty returned to the winners’ list with a 28-point triumph over West Preston-Lakeside at J.E. Moore Park. The Bears kept the scoreboard ticking over across all four quarters in the 5.11 (41) to 2.3 (15) triumph. Ruby Panozzo played her best game of the season and deserved best on ground honours. She had great support from regular contributors Ashleigh Smith and Megan Maxwell. For the Roosters, it was Michelle Millhouse who again led the way. The 2019 NFNL representative has been named in her side’s best players in all five games this year.
A dominant showing from skipper Tayla Dinuccio and forward Aleisha Casley propelled VU Western Spurs to a 96-point win over Bundoora, ahead of a bye this weekend. The Spurs were red-hot from the outset and piled on six-goals in the opening term to take control of the contest. Casley finished the day with seven majors, to take her season’s tally to 23 in six matches, while Deena Bassett and Rebecca Foggie each booted three goals. Brieanna Musgrave continued her strong form for Bundoora, while Emily Barrett and Kellie Moorcroft also showed great signs.
Montmorency was in imposing form on Friday night, downing Eltham 8.11 (59) to 1.0 (6) at Eltham Central Park. The Magpies dominated the opening half to lead by 45-points at the main break, however the Panthers were much improved in the second half and managed to contain their visitors after half time. Ashleigh Setches was a standout for the Magpies, who were also propelled by great performances from Taylor Langford and Shae Collinson. Alla Goodison produced a solid game for Eltham, along with Bonnie McDonald.
Heidelberg and Whittlesea had to contend with tough conditions in their match at Warringal Park on Saturday morning, with the Tigers winning a tough slog 2.1 (13) to 1.3 (9). The sides traded a goal apiece during the first quarter, but on a heavy surface the scoring become difficult over the second and third terms. A fourth-quarter goal to Heidelberg broke the deadlock and helped the home side record its third win of the campaign. Once again it was Mia Tascone who led the Tigers’ charge, while Melanie Ratcliffe was exceptional for the Eagles.
Mirvac Division 2 Women’s again enjoyed several close results, which included St Mary’s securing a hard-fought six-point win over Darebin at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Burra opened a 14-point lead in the first half then managed to hold on for a 3.4 (22) to 2.4 (16) victory despite not registering a major in the second half. Elyssa Rees and Ebony Clayton were instrumental for the Burra, while Emily Ivanka helped ignite the revival for the Falcons and finished with a goal.
It was a similar tale at Ben Frilay Oval, where Hurstbridge opened a 21-point advantage at half time, before holding on for a nine-point triumph over Diamond Creek Women’s. The Bridges enjoyed a strong start and booted 3.5 to 0.2 in the opening half, before winning 4.7 (31) to 3.4 (22). Heidi Cummins was Hurstbridge’s best player for the second-successive week, while Danielle Pike also impressed. Olivia Papaleo and Brittany Apted were best for the Creekers.
Montmorency proved too good for Wallan in the clash of the Magpies at Wallan Recreational Reserve, with the visitors running away with an 8.15 (63) to 1.0 (6) victory. The result maintained Montmorency’s unbeaten run in season 2021, with the club registering five wins and a draw from its opening six games. Ebony Harris featured prominently in the win at Wallan, while Nicole Brattusa booted a game-high three goals. Wallan was well served by Terrie-Ann Haydon and Kelly Lennox.
In Mirvac Division 3 Women’s, VU Western Spurs opened its account with a 3.4 (22) to 2.0 (12) over Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve. The Spurs booted a goal in each of the opening three quarters, before locking the game down in the last quarter to register their first win of the year. Emma Taylor and Emma Wheeler were influential in securing their side the victory, while Mikayla Kotas continued her rich vein of form for the Power, while Tiahn Cowan kicked both goals.
Banyule stretched its advantage at the top of the ladder with a percentage-boosting win over Reservoir. Rebekah Di Paola had a day out for the Bears, booting seven goals in the 89-point win at Beverley Road Oval. Samantha Temple and Bethany Stonehouse were also prominent as their side notched its fourth win of the campaign. Despite their side being comfortably beaten, both Skye Carroll and Jaydah Hope performed well for the Mustangs.
Fitzroy Stars made it three wins on the trot to move into second place on the ladder, with a 29-point over Mernda at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. The Stars booted four goals to one in the opening half to take a 23-point advantage into the main break and stayed in control throughout the second half. Leah Seeto was again brilliant, with Valiecia and Shona Kelly-Briggs also among the better performers for the Stars. Jaime Otene performed well for Mernda and Shenay Reeves kicked two goals.
