The first post-grading round across the NFNL Women’s competition began with a bang across all three divisions.
In ANZ Division 1 Women’s, Diamond Creek Women’s travelled to Weerona Oval and defeated Bendigo 4.14 (38) to 1.0 (6). Inaccurate kicking by the Creekers saw the Thunder trail by only 11 points at the main break, despite the visitors amassing seven scoring shots to one in the first half. While the Creekers were again inaccurate in the second half, they continued to control the play and take the win. Dianna Haines and Stacey Cross were the Creekers best, while Katelyn Hazlett and Sarah Last stood out for the Thunder. The Creekers return home to face old foe Darebin next week, while the Thunder host Montmorency.
Darebin returned to the winners’ list by defeating West Preston-Lakeside 9.4 (58) to 2.4 (16) at A.H Capp Reserve. The fast-starting Falcons hit the scoreboard early, with five opening quarter goals setting up the win perfectly. The Roosters were held goalless in the opening three quarters but fought the game out well to win the final term. Laura O’Malley and Rachel Harris were fantastic for the Falcons, while Chloe Kalanj and Michelle Millhouse were the best performing Roosters. The Roosters have the bye to recoup and bounce back in a fortnight’s time.
VU Western Spurs overcame a gutsy Montmorency 8.1 (49) to 5.6 (36) in an entertaining battle at Montmorency Park. The Magpies secured the first goal before the Spurs hit back with the next two, including a great conversion from Aleisha Casley which gave the visitors a four-point quarter-time lead. The Spurs carried this momentum into the second term, adding three goals to their tally to take a 21-point lead into half time. Casley’s second goal from the top of the goal square early in the third term stretched the Spurs lead to 27 points before the Magpies caught fire, piling on three goals to close to within seven points at the final change. Taylor Moss grabbed the all-important first goal of the fourth term for the Spurs, but the Magpies got back within seven via a Natalie Tull-Boyle snap. However, the Spurs were able to ice the game, kicking the final goal of the match. Aimee Whelan and Lauren Murphy were crucial in getting the Spurs across the line, while Sophie Foote and Megan Allan led the way in the Magpies’ fightback. The Spurs face Bundoora at Henry Turner Reserve next weekend, where the Bulls will return from the bye.
In MC Security Division 2 Women’s, Darebin proved too potent for Eltham, winning 10.11 (71) to 1.5 (11) at A.H Capp Reserve. The Panthers were unable to make the most of their opportunities in the opening term, putting 1.5 on the scoreboard, but up the other end the Falcons added 2.3 to grab a four-point advantage. It all went the Falcons way from then onwards and they ran away with the win. Kristin Stensholt and Molly Neylon were great for the Falcons, while Leah Darcy and Jacqueline Hardiman were solid for the Panthers. The Falcons hit the road to face Diamond Creek Women’s at Plenty Park Oval next week, while the Panthers have the bye.
Heidelberg continued its great form and claimed its third win of the campaign with a 13.15 (93) to 0.3 (3) triumph over Diamond Creek Women’s. The Tigers proved to be unstoppable across the ground and played brilliantly to the final siren. Annalise Turner and Isabelle Drapac found plenty of the ball for the Tigers, while Emma Rowe booted seven goals. Kaitlyn Auchterlonie and Olivia Murphy battled hard for the Creekers. Heidelberg will look to carry this form into its match against South Morang at Warrigal Park next weekend.
VU Western Spurs maintained their impeccable start, defeating South Morang 5.15 (45) to 0.0 (0) for a fifth-straight win. After holding only an eight-point lead at quarter time, the Spurs began to hit the scoreboard more frequently and put the game away despite inaccuracy. Kirsten Pocock and Rebecca Foggie were impressive for the Spurs, while Paris Schmiedel and Cherie Hallett played their roles for the Lions. The Spurs will host St Mary’s at Henry Turner Reserve next round, with the Burra returning from this weekend’s bye.
In Mirvac Division 3 Women’s, Montmorency fought out a 2.1 (13) to 0.3 (3) win over VU Western Spurs at Montmorency Park. With the only two goals of the game coming via Magpie duo Taeana Wootton-Tasker and Eliza Wood, the home side was able to grab the four points. Sienna Gunning and Ellen Brasier were enormous for the Magpies, while Alycia Morgan and Madeleine Bennetts performed well for the Spurs. The Spurs will look to hit back when they return home to face Mernda next week, while the Magpies confront Hurstbridge at Ben Frilay Oval.
Laurimar secured its second win of 2019, defeating Hurstbridge 4.7 (31) to 3.8 (26) after staging a remarkable comeback. The Bridges kicked the only goal of the opening term to hold an eight-point advantage at quarter time. The Power then responded with a goal of their own to tie the scores at half-time. Hurstbridge enjoyed the best of the play in the third term and booted two goals to take what looked to be a healthy 13-point lead into the last change. However, the Power found another gear to kick the final three goals of the match and run over the top of the Bridges in what was a great contest. Sarah Scheggia and Jazmin Hall were key players in the Power’s comeback win, while Natarsha Harrop and Melissa Martini couldn’t have done any more for the Bridges. The Power will now look to build on their win when they face Wallan at Laurimar Reserve.
Wallan produced great football to defeat Reservoir 4.6 (30) to 2.5 (17) at Wallan Recreation Reserve. The first half saw both teams miss some opportunities in front of goal as the Magpies led by a solitary point at half time. A two-goal third term helped the Magpies stretch out their lead to 13 points and they held on for the win. Olivia Attard and Amy Pickering were excellent for the Magpies and each kicked a goal, while Brooke Nam was best for the Mustangs with two goals. Reservoir will look to turn its fortunes around against Greensborough at Crispe Park next up.
Greensborough sit atop of the ladder after a 4.11 (35) to 1.2 (8) victory over Mernda at Waterview Recreation Reserve. Jessica Hardy, Ebony Spencer and Jessica Neale continued their great form for the Boro as they helped steer their side to its third win of the year. Melanie Webb and Natalie Todaro were Mernda’s best, while Kyra Rule kicked the Demons only goal.
