Round 9 of the NFNL Women’s competitions pitted finals contenders in head-to-head match-ups across the three divisions.
ANZ DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S
West Preston-Lakeside bounced back from a heavy defeat last week to overcome Bundoora 5.5 (35) to 1.2 (8) at J.E. Moore Park. Despite the loss, it was an improved effort from the Bulls, who went down to the Roosters by 37 points when they met earlier in the year. Krystal Rawnson kicked the opening goal for the home side, but the Bulls took the lead before quarter time thanks to a Molly Cronin conversion. However, West Preston-Lakeside controlled the match from there, with goals coming in the second term from with Rawnson and Monique DeMatteo – who played a starring role. Goals in the final quarter to Artemis Volou and DeMatteo topped off a great day for the Roosters. Sarina Galati was fantastic for the victors, while Molly Cronin continued her strong season despite her side falling to defeat. Bundoora is on the road again in Round 10 to play Darebin, while the Roosters meet Montmorency at Montmorency Park.
VU Western Spurs continued their unstoppable form, defeating Diamond Creek Women’s 8.11 (59) to 0.2 (2) at Plenty Park Oval. After a tight opening quarter, the Spurs quickly ran away with the match despite being held to their lowest score since Round 5. Jasmine Maljevac and Jessica Francke were outstanding for the Spurs, while Emma Fraser and Stefini Buzzini were great for the Creekers. Diamond Creek Women’s won’t have to wait long for another crack at the ladder-leading Spurs, with the two sides set to play-off once again this weekend in a reverse fixture at Henry Turner Reserve.
Darebin held onto second position after coming away from Queen Elizabeth Oval with a 6.12 (48) to 0.0 (0) victory over Bendigo. The Falcons got off to a fast start with a 3.6 to nil opening quarter, where they dominated the play. Bendigo was unable to get back into the match thereafter, despite an improved defensive performance. Amelia Phipps and Regina Helly starred for the Falcons, while Katelyn Hazlett and Carly Isaac stood out for the Thunder, who enjoy the bye this coming round.
MC SECURITY DIVISION 2
VU Western Spurs produced yet another massive score, with Diamond Creek Women’s the side to bear the effects of their unbelievable form in a 25.28 (178) to 0.0 (0) result. In another completely dominate performance, the Spurs had 11 different goal scorers with Ashlea Block (6 goals), Danielle Mazzocca (3), Rebecca Foggie (3) and Krystle Artuso (3) leading the way. Alana Doherty and Alana Taylor found the football plenty of times and also combined for three goals. Madison Brooks and Drew Barnes battled for the Creekers, who will be hoping to produce a better showing in the reverse fixture at Henry Turner Memorial Reserve this weekend.
Eltham responded to last week’s loss with an important 3.10 (28) to 0.2 (2) win over St Mary’s. After taking a 14-point lead into quarter time, the Panthers were able to hold the Burra goalless in an impressive feat that sees them jump off the bottom of the table. The result also kept their finals hopes alive by moving them within a game of the fifth-placed Burra. Georgia and Claudia Williver were the best players on the field and will look to continue their good form against second-placed South Morang at Mill Park Lakes Reserve this week. St Mary’s heads to A.H Capp Reserve to face Darebin in a crucial game.
Heidelberg returned off the bye to secure a vital four points over Darebin with a 5.1 (31) to 2.5 (17) win. The Tigers took a handy 13-point lead into quarter time and the scores remained unchanged after a tight second term. The Falcons managed only thre minor scores in the third term and the Tigers made them pay with a goal of their own to stretch their lead to 16 points at the final change. With both sides kicking a goal apiece in the fourth quarter, the Tigers were able to hold on for the win and remain in the hunt for a double chance in the finals. Cassia Menkhorst and Emma Rowe, who booted three goals, were integral in the Tigers win, while Susan Cadman and Molly Neylon were great for the Falcons. The win sees the Tigers jump into fourth position and full of confidence as they head into another bye.
MIRVAC DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S
Hurstbridge kept in touch with the top-five, defeating Wallan 6.13 (49) to 1.2 (8) at Ben Frilay Oval in what was an important clash for both teams. After an inaccurate first term that saw the Bridges nail 1.6 from their opportunities, the home side kept their heads up to produce great football for the remaining three quarters. Chloe Topperwien and Chelsy Corcoran stood tall for the Bridges, while Magpies Jaime Otene and Bianca Hayman were also great. Hurstbridge will be hoping to replicate this result when they host the top of the table Greensborough in Round 10, while Wallan will look to make their way up the ladder when they return home meet Mernda where fifth spot is on the line.
Reservoir produced an upset 4.4 (28) to 3.1 (19) win over Mernda at Crispe Park for its second victory of the year. After Mernda took a seven-point lead into quarter time, both sides kicked a goal each in the second quarter and the Mustangs cut Mernda’s lead to five points at the main change. The Mustangs generated the only two goals of the second half to pull off a fantastic win that keeps them in the finals hunt. Chiara Nardo and Caitlyn Marmo were brilliant for Reservoir, while Melanie Webb and Janelle Duncan were Mernda’s best. Reservoir will be hoping to maintain their form away against Montmorency this week.
Second placed VU Western Spurs recorded an important 3.4 (22) to 0.4 (4) victory over third-placed Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve. In a low-scoring affair played in very heavy conditions, the Spurs kicked the only goal of the first half to grab a six-point advantage. They then managed to hang tough from there to win the match and move within four points of top spot. The Spurs will be aiming for a repeat of results when they host the Power in a reverse fixture this Sunday.
Montmorency threw its name onto the list of contenders after toppling the ladder-leading Greensborough 6.2 (38) to 4.2 (26) in an exceptional game of football at Montmorency Park. The Magpies landed the opening blow with a two-goal first quarter that saw them take 10-point advantage into quarter time. The Boro responded with two goals of their own in the second term to grab a two-point lead at half time. In a see-sawing third quarter, the Boro kicked two goals to the Magpies’ one and extended their lead to seven points at the final change. However, the Magpies flipped the match on its head, producing a stunning last quarter that saw them boot three unanswered goals and hold the Boro scoreless to engineer a 19-point turnaround. Maddi-Taylor Wilde produced her second-consecutive best on ground performance to inspire the Magpies, while Paige Trudgeon contributed a vital three goals. Kelly Mullins, Lauren Collis and Meggan Nelsen were gallant for the Boro.
