The penultimate grading round of the ANZ NFNL Women’s competition produced a mixed bag of results.
Diamond Creek Women’s 2 made it two wins on the trot with a 5.4 (34) to 2.6 (18) victory over the previously undefeated VU Western Spurs 3. Heading into half-time with an 11-point lead, the Creekers consolidated the win with a two-goals to one third term. Madison Brooks was best on ground for the Creekers, while Olivia Caruana contributed three pivotal goals. Rachel Battika and Rachel Bailey did their best to keep the Spurs in the match.
Playing at home at Henry Turner Reserve for the first time this season, VU Western Spurs 2 produced a 7.11 (53) to 0.0 (0) win over Darebin 2. A fast-starting Spurs outfit secured four opening-quarter goals and carried the momentum with them for the rest of the match. Standout performances by Ella Banfield and Sarah Carland set the tone for the Spurs, while Nikita Magriplis and Jem Wilson continued their good form for the Falcons.
Montmorency 2 recorded its first win of the season, defeating a gallant Hurstbridge 5.6 (36) to 2.8 (20) at Montmorency Park. Nicole Blythe gave the Magpies the ideal start with an electric display that saw her produce three opening quarter goals and her side eventually took an 18-point lead into half-time. A Makaela Egan goal saw the Magpies stretch their lead out to 24 points in the third term, but the Bridges responded via a Rebecca Hayes goal to close the gap to 16 points and give themselves a chance heading into the final term. Teaghan Watt snapped a goal to bring Hurstbridge within nine points but the Magpies closed the match out strongly, with a post-siren Shelby Rhodes goal putting the finishing touches on a great Magpies performance. Jordan Schultz and Amber Vincent were fantastic for the Magpies, while Mischa Morgan-Curry and Belinda Harris were Hurstbridge’s best.
St Mary’s backed up it great Round 2 performance with a 3.7 (25) to 1.7 (13) win over Laurimar. Controlling the opening half of the match, the Burra were rewarded with an 18-point half-time lead. The Power hit back in the third quarter, but missed opportunities saw them add only 1.5 to the scoreboard and the Burra were able to hold onto a seven-point advantage heading into the final change. With the only major of the final term going the Burra’s way, the Power were unable to close the gap and eventually fell 12 points short. Maddison Savvidis and Stephanie Trkulja were great for the Burra, while Sarah Scheggia and Tessa Mitchell fought hard for the Power.
Eltham returned to the winners’ list with a 2.5 (17) to 0.3 (3) win over Heidelberg at Eltham Central Park. The Panthers secured two vital goals early via Alannah Murray and Georgia Williver to take a 14-point lead into the main break, before the game unfortunately ended prematurely in the third term due to an injury. Claudia Williver and Leah Darcy backed up their strong performances to again be named among Eltham’s best, while Cassia Menkhorst and Alexandra Mcbroom were the Tigers’ best.
Greensborough secured its second win of the season with a dominant 16.12 (108) to 1.1 (7) victory over Wallan at Greensborough War Memorial Reserve. With nine goal scorers, four of which hit the scoreboard multiple times, the Boro proved to be unstoppable around the big sticks. Kyla Parry was named best afield with three goals, while Rebecca Buckley kicked four majors. Olivia Attard and Amy Pickering tried hard for the Magpies.
VU Western Spurs 1 made it three from three this season after overcoming a previously undefeated Diamond Creek Women’s 1 7.7 (49) to 1.1 (7) in a much-anticipated match-up. Three opening-quarter goals ensured that the momentum went the Spurs way early and the Creekers were unable to grab it back for the rest of the match. Alyssa Mifsud was best afield for the Spurs with four goals, while Lauren Anthony was also a key performer in the 42-point win. Carla Visona and Alicia Maskell were highlights for the Creekers.
Reigning Division 2 premier West Preston-Lakeside rediscovered its superb 2018 form with a 6.5 (41) to 0.4 (4) win over Bundoora. Not only was it the Roosters’ first win of the season, but it also inflicted the defending Division 3 champions with their first ever loss in women’s football. A stunning opening term from the Roosters saw them pile on four goals and they continued to run away with the match thereafter. Qwai Sibbald and Catherine O’Bryan continued their impressive form for the Roosters, while Monique DeMatteo returned with three goals. Antonietta Parisi and Kellie Moorcroft played their roles for the Bulls.
Darebin 1 made it back-to-back wins with an 8.10 (58) to 0.1 (1) victory over South Morang at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. The Falcons were consistent the entire game and controlled the play from the opening bounce, with three opening quarter goals that set the tone. Vanja Smiljanic and Sabine Cowley Du Parquet led the way for the Falcons, while Demi Hallett and Cassie Hurst tried their best for the Lions.
Montmorency 1 bounced back from its Round 2 loss to secure a 13.11 (89) to 0.1 (1) win over Bendigo at Montmorency Park Oval. Magpies full-forward Madison Bayes struck the first blow, kicking truly for her first of three after taking a great mark in the goal square. It was all Magpies from there as they took control of the match and played a great style of football. Ashleigh Setches (three goals) and Sophie Foote were brilliant for the Magpies, while Georgia Gordon and Hannah Perry battled hard for the Thunder.
Mernda returned home to Waterview Recreation Reserve to defeat Reservoir 7.9 (51) to 0.0 (0). Reservoir were unable to re-produce their great form of last week as Mernda took the game on to secure their maiden win of the season. Bernadette Azzopardi and Amanda Hodgson found plenty of the ball for Mernda, while Christine Al-Mourani and Karley-Page Coombs couldn’t have tried any harder for Reservoir.
