The race for finals across the three NFNL Women’s divisions remains wide open after Round 10 produced an interesting bag of results.
ANZ DIVISION 1
Montmorency jumped into third position after a 7.10 (52) to 2.1 (13) win over West Preston-Lakeside at Montmorency Park. After taking only a six-point lead into quarter time, the Magpies found a new gear to kick five of the next six goals to run away 39-point winners. Ashleigh Bayes and Sophie Foote led the way for the Magpies, while Monique DeMatteo and Rechelle McSwain continued their consistent form for the Roosters. The Magpies remain at home in Round 11 to play Bundoora who will be on the road for the third consecutive week, while the Roosters host a Bendigo outfit fresh off the bye.
Darebin reinforced its hold on second place with a 10.11 (71) to 1.2 (8) win over Bundoora at A.H Capp Reserve. Playing in her 100th football game, Amy Callaway secured the first goal of the match for the Bulls, before the Falcons grabbed a one-point lead via Alexandra Pronesti’s first of two goals. The Falcons dominated the play from quarter-time onwards, controlling the ball around the contests and hitting the scoreboard regularly. Mika Suzuki and Ocearna Nabelski were the best performers on the day, while Candice Dyson and Molly Cronin continued to impress for the Bulls. In what looks like being the match of the Round 11, Darebin squares off against the fourth-placed Diamond Creek Women’s at A.H Capp Reserve. The Falcons came away seven-point victors the last time they met.
VU Western Spurs continued their winning ways with a 9.19 (73) to 0.1 (1) victory over Diamond Creek Women’s at Henry Turner Reserve. After a fast-starting Spurs outfit controlled the opening quarter to take a 22-point lead, the Creekers were unable to get back into the game. Kym Gillam-Downey was fantastic for the Spurs, while Caitlyn Brown chipped in with three goals in a great display. Shae-Lee Murphy-Burke and Linda Thorp were gallant for the Creekers. The Spurs will enjoy a break next week after assembling a perfect record so far this season.
MC SECURITY DIVISION 2
Darebin returned to the winners’ list and consolidated third spot on the ladder by defeating St Mary’s 8.10 (58) to 3.5 (28) at A.H Capp Reserve. The Falcons got out to a 16-point lead at quarter-time, before the Burra closed the gap to 11 by half time. The home side stepped up a gear in the third term, kicking four goals to stretch their lead out to an unassailable 35-points. Susan Cadman was named the best Falcon for a second-consecutive week, while Nikita Magriplis celebrated a truly outstanding milestone, booting her 200th goal. Janine Green and Amy Mitchener were excellent for the Burra. Darebin now hosts Diamond Creek Women’s, while fifth-placed St Mary’s faces a tough task against second-placed South Morang at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
VU Western Spurs stormed to its 10th-consecutive victory, dominating Diamond Creek Women’s in a 20.25 (145) to 2.4 (16) at Henry Turner Reserve. In another commanding display, the Spurs had match winners all over the park and with 12 goal kickers, including three from Ella Banfield, they proved to be simply unstoppable. Danielle Mazzocca was best afield for the Spurs, while Cara Edwards tried hard for the Creekers. The Spurs now head into their bye with an unblemished record.
South Morang held onto second position with a 6.8 (44) to 0.1 (1) win over Eltham at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. After coming away with just a single-point victory the last time they met, the Lions put the game to bed much earlier this time – opening up a 38-point three-quarter time lead and holding their opposition scoreless until the final term. Lions stars Cassie Hurst and Demi Hallett were brilliant once again ,while Ellen Horsley and Maegan Devine were solid for the Panthers. Eltham hits the road again to play Heidelberg in what is an important clash for both sides in Round 11, with the Panthers currently sixth and the Tigers in fourth spot.
MIRVAC DIVISION 3
Laurimar overcame VU Western Spurs 1.2 (8) to 1.1 (7) and both sides now have 5-5 records, along with Montmorency as the race for a double chance in the finals heats up. The Spurs’ healthy percentage is currently keeping them in second spot, ahead of the Power in third and Magpies in fourth. Nicole Aldridge kicked the Power’s only goal in the first quarter and her side managed to hold the Spurs completely scoreless until the final term, when Trinda Lampard nailed a goal. However, time was on the Power’s side and they held on for the win. In-form pair Tessa Mitchell and Renee Grant were crucial in getting the Power over the line, while Ashleigh Ashman and Ashleigh Ford couldn’t have done any more for the Spurs. In a massive clash, the VU Western Spurs host ladder-leader Greensborough next week, while Laurimar plays fifth placed Wallan.
A full of confidence Montmorency defeated Reservoir 6.5 (41) to 5.5 (35) at Montmorency Park. After taking a 19-point advantage into half time, the Magpies still held a comfortable three-goal lead at the last change. Despite winning the final quarter 3.1 to 1.1, the Mustangs were unable to completely close down the Magpies before the siren. Taeana Wootton-Tasker was fantastic for the Magpies, while Sian Capito’s three goals proved to be crucial. Brooke Nam and Alessandra Galletti played important roles in getting the Mustangs back into the game. Montmorency now meets Mernda, while Reservoir will look to bounce back at home against Hurstbridge.
Greensborough returned to form after its unexpected defeat last round to grab a 6.9 (45) to 3.7 (25) away win over Hurstbridge at Ben Frilay Oval. The Boro led by just nine points at three quarter time but kicked away in the last term with the only two goals to take a 20-point victory. Ebony Spencer was great for the Boro, while Jessie Hulett provided a massive contribution with four goals. Danielle Pike and Jaimee Corcoran were the Bridges’ best.
Wallan assumed fifth position from Mernda with a tight 1.5 (11) to 1.4 (10) victory at Wallan Recreation Reserve. In a low-scoring affair, the Magpies kicked the all-important first goal of the match in the opening term, before Mernda stole the lead back to grab a two-point half time lead. Wayward kicking saw the Magpies manage only five behinds for all their dominance in the third term but it proved to be enough as Mernda managed only two minor scores themselves in the second half. Jaime Otene and Olivia Attard hit their straps for Magpies in the tight contest, while Amber Board and Teneisha Fiore battled hard for Mernda.
