Round 4 of Northpark NFLW featured undefeated teams going head to head and others backing up some great performances.
In Division 1, Bendigo maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a 17.11 (113) to 2.2 (14) win over La Trobe University. After a close opening quarter, Bendigo kicked four, six and then four goals in the remaining quarters to run away convincing winners and jump up to the top of the ladder. Bendigo’s Andrea Walsh added five goals to bring her season tally to 21 and Amanda Carrod also played a great game. Stefania Velona and Antonietta D’Angelo were La Trobe’s best.
In what was the match of the round, two undefeated sides in Diamond Creek Women’s and VU Western Spurs went head to head at Plenty Park. The visiting VU Western Spurs came away 4.8 (32) to 3.6 (24) winners and kept their impeccable start to the season in check. The match featured multiple lead changes and the Spurs produced a fantastic third quarter effort to overcome a seven-point half-time deficit to take the lead and then remained in front for the rest of the game. Olivia Storer delivered her second consecutive best on ground performance for the Spurs and Mickayla Ward was also pivotal in getting her side over the line. Alexandra Morcom and Nicole Hales continued their great starts to the season for the Creekers.
In a one-sided affair, Melbourne University proved to be too potent for Deer Park, running away 15.17 (107) to 0.1 (1) winners. The win ensured Melbourne University maintained its fourth position on the ladder, with the club now sitting a game and percentage inside the top five. Laura Croft was excellent for Melbourne University and Dalia Edward kicked three goals – one of five players to kick multiple goals.
In an important match to jump inside touch the top five, Darebin defeated Whitehorse 6.14 (50) to 6.6 (42). Trailing by nine points at three quarter time, Darebin produced a 3.5 to 1.0 in the last quarter to win their second match of the season. Annalyse Lister and Shannon Egan were terrific for the Falcons, while Alexandra Kelly and Sarah Cowley stood out for Whitehorse.
With one win a piece heading into the match, Kew took away the four points with a 9.13 (67) to 3.4 (22) victory over Pascoe Vale. It was a vital win for Kew as they jump up to sixth position on the ladder, just percentage outside the top five. They will be looking to make it two wins on the trot against a winless Deer Park side in Round 5. Sarah Mckenna and Domica Wescombe were Kew’s best and Lisa Kirby, Shannon Gore and Aimee Whelan were the Panthers’ goal kickers.
In Division 2, South Morang defeated La Trobe University 8.4 (52) to 0.0 (0) to jump inside the top five on the ladder. In a strong defensive display, South Morang had many standout players including Rechelle Mcswain and Jacinta Campbell, who was named in the Lions’ best players for the third-consecutive week. Siobhan Wilson and Jessica Wagstaff tried hard for La Trobe.
After being handed a walkover in Round 3, VU Western Spurs were back in the fold this week and returned to winning ways in a 7.10 (52) to 1.1 (7) result over Diamond Creek Women’s. The ladder-leading Spurs had a powerful all-round performance with Jade Doonan and Serena Francke leading the way for their team. Stacey Cross and Carla Visona were Diamond Creek’s best on the day.
Darebin made it four wins on the trot with a 9.8 (62) to 1.0 (6) victory over Whitehorse at A.H Capp Reserve. Darebin proved to be too strong for Whitehorse and showcased why they have yet to be defeated, despite the Colts restricting their host to a goal apiece in the last quarter. Cori Rieger, Lucy Higgins and Laura O’Malley excelled for the Falcons.
Kew secured its second win with a 2.1 (13) to 0.1 (1) victory over Laurimar. Kew was resilient in its defensive end and produced a match-winning lead in the first half of the match. Tara Donnan proved to be the difference, kicking two goals, and Vanessa Webb was great once again for Kew.
West Preston-Lakeside moved up to third spot after recording its third-successive victory in a 6.18 (54) to 2.0 (12) win over Montmorency. The Roosters controlled the match with 24 scoring shots and held firm in defence, only conceding two scoring shots. Monique DeMatteo produced her second-consecutive best on ground performance and Chloe Kalanj was also great for the Roosters. Ashleigh Bayes and Cadence Ashley stood out for the Magpies.
