A look back over the weekend’s NFNL Women’s football action, where all teams were vying to go into the Queen’s Birthday break in winning form.
In ANZ Division 1 Women’s, VU Western Spurs maintained its two-game buffer atop the ladder with a 10.15 (75) to 2.1 (13) triumph over Bundoora at Henry Turner Reserve. The Spurs were on top from the outset but had to overcome wayward kicking in front of goal – which included 2.9 in the first term. The ladder-leader’s best players were all in great form, with Tara Morgan, Sabrin Nyawella and Jasmine Maljevac all playing instrumental roles in their side’s sixth-consecutive win. The goals were shared, with six players getting on the scoresheet – which include four players kicking two each. Antonietta Parisi and Molly Cronin were best in defeat for Bundoora, while Emily Barrett and Amy Callaway each kicked a major.
Darebin moved into second spot on the ladder with a gripping six-point win over close rival Diamond Creek Women’s. A three-goal second term set up the Falcons’ 4.3 (27) to 3.3 (21) win at Plenty Park Oval. Ahead by 12 points at the main break, the Falcons were able to thwart off the Creekers’ fightback in the second half and managed to hold on for their fourth win of the season, despite not adding a goal in the third and fourth quarters. Sabine Cowley du Parquet continued her fantastic season and was again named Darebin’s best player, with good support from Amelia Phipps and Stephanie Normington-Dickens, who kicked two goals. Emma Fraser and Kathryn Burns were best for Diamond Creek Women’s.
Montmorency jumped into fourth place with a runaway 11.14 (80) to 2.1 (13) triumph over Bendigo at Weeroona Oval. The Magpies led by just nine points at quarter time, before piling on nine goals to one after the first break. Natalie Tull-Boyle capped a great performance with three majors, while Sophie Foote and Ashleigh Bayes also led the charge for the Magpies. Taylah Manson impacted the scoreboard too and finished with three goals. Hannah Perry and Madeline Holt never gave up the fight for the Thunder, despite the margin stretching out late.
In MC Security Division 2, VU Western Spurs continued its faultless start to 2019 with a 17.10 (112) to 1.1 (7) victory over St Mary’s. The Spurs haven’t put a foot wrong all season and produced their sixth-consecutive triumph in dominant fashion. Kayla Peake capped a best on ground performance with a goal, but she had plenty of good company, with Shanel Camilleri (four goals), Sarah Carland and Kirsten Pocock also producing outstanding games. Stephanie Trkulja and Lucy Petruccelle did what they could against the tide for the Burra in a tough day at the office for their side.
South Morang jumped into third place on the ladder with what could be a season-defining win away to Heidelberg. The Lions won an outstanding contest at Warringal Park by five points, with the final score 6.2 (38) to 5.3 (33). The result helped South Morang jump over Heidelberg on the ladder heading into this week’s break. The usual suspects all played their part for the Lions, with Paris Schmiedel, Cassie Hurst and Demi Hallett all instrumental, while Amanda Laidlaw and Awatea Poutini combined for five goals. The Tigers were well served by Monique Cook and Cassia Menkhorst, while Emma Rowe (three goals) and Ashleigh Riley (two goals) continued their good form in front of the big sticks.
Just as its first division side did, Darebin’s second team also got the points away to Diamond Creek Women’s with a 10.13 (73) to 3.1 (19) win at Plenty Park Oval. The Falcons led by 19 points at half time and then were the more damaging side in a high-scoring second half, that saw the visitors kick eight goals to three. Georgia Cropper played a great game for the victors, as did Jem Wilson and Kristin Stensholt, while Denae Clow and Nikita Magriplis were the major goal kickers. Alice Johnston and Grace Addamo toiled hard all game for Diamond Creek Women’s.
Greensborough sits one win clear atop the Mirvac Division 3 ladder at the Queen’s Birthday break following an impressive 14.8 (92) to 1.0 (6) win over Reservoir at Crispe Park. The Boro were always in control as they stormed to their fourth win of the campaign. Lauren Collis, Jessie Hulett and Kyla Parry all had a major impact on the scoreboard to combine for nine goals, while Sally Rogers enjoyed a great game. Grace Balletta and Stevie Hare tried hard for Reservoir, with Hare kicking the Mustangs’ sole major.
Laurimar remains in second spot after stretching away from Wallan in a 6.13 (49) to 1.0 (6) result at Laurimar Reserve. Scores were level at quarter time, before the Power took control to run away with a 43-point triumph in front of their home fans. Tessa Mitchell and Renee Grant were among the most influential players on the ground, while Sarah Scheggia continued her rich vein of form. Zoe Beattie and Annemarie Barbieri were valiant for Wallan.
Hurstbridge recorded its historic first win in women’s football with a 5.5 (35) to 3.5 (23) victory over Montmorency at Ben Frilay Oval. The win also lifted the Bridges off the bottom of the ladder. Belinda Harris and Teaghan Watt were instrumental in getting their side its maiden victory and each kicked two goals. Hinako Eyre and Lily Brancatisano did their best for the Magpies.
Meanwhile, it was a clean sweep for VU Western Spurs at Henry Turner Oval, with the Spurs’ third side starting the club’s day off on the right foot with a 4.7 (31) to 1.5 (11) win over Mernda. The Spurs led at every break to score their second win of 2019 and move up into third place on the ladder on percentage. Jessica McKenzie, Rachel Battika and Maria Soldatos led the charge in the 20-point win, while Mernda was well served by Teneisha Fiore and Brooke Young.
