Round 7 was a crucial one for many Northpark NFLW sides, producing a range of results that will have an impact on the final ladder positions.
The Division 1 competition kicked off with Kew defeating Darebin 4.3 (27) to 1.11 (17). Kew made the most of its inside 50s while Darebin struggled to convert its scoring opportunities to goals, only managing to add 10 behinds in the second half, before Kew kicked a goal in the final minutes to seal the game. The win moves Kew a game clear in fifth on the ladder. Gabrielle Mahoney (two), Esther Potts and Natalie Gills were the Bears goal kickers.
Bendigo posted a 5.3 (33) to 4.1 (25) victory over Diamond Creek Women’s in a top of the table clash at Plenty Park that maintained the Thunder’s unbeaten run. Bendigo started the match strongly, taking a two-goal lead into quarter time and despite a fight back, Diamond Creek was unable to gain the lead. Leah French was best on ground for Bendigo, while Andrea Walsh added two goals to the scoreboard to bring her season total to 29 goals. Neve O’Connor and Alexandra Morcom were great for the Creekers.
The VU Western Spurs secured their sixth win of the season, defeating Whitehorse 10.12 (72) to 1.1 (7). The Spurs made a fast start and took a 42-point lead into the half-time break, while also managing to hold the Colts scoreless. It was a great win for the Spurs who are now a game clear in second spot. Amanda Tessari and Mickayla Ward were the Spurs best, while Amelia Dawborn and Kaitlin Richards tried hard for the Colts.
Melbourne University made it two wins on the trot, defeating La Trobe University 11.5 (71) to 3.1 (19). It was an important win for Melbourne University, who pushed up into third position and a game clear in the top-four. Prudence Cordes continued her brilliant season with her second best on ground performance and Holly Bailey was also a great contributor. Claudia Gunjaca and Kate Bond were again La Trobe’s best on the day.
In one of the most remarkable matches of the season, Deer Park posted its second win with a 7.2 (44) to 6.6 (42) triumph over Pascoe Vale. The Panthers were fantastic for much of the game and took a 23-point lead into the last quarter. The Lions however, staged a spirited last quarter comeback, adding three consecutive goals to close within a five points of the Panthers and then amazingly hit the front with less than a minute to go.
In Division 2, Darebin got back on the winners’ list with a 7.11 (53) to 3.3 (21) over Kew. Darebin built the match-winning lead in the second term, where it added four goals to Kew’s two and continued on to secure the all-important four points. Nikola Deiter was best on ground for the Falcons and Elise Cafarella was also fantastic, adding two goals to her team’s tally. Danielle Gills was the Bears best player for the second-consecutive week and Tess Malcolm also had a great game.
Diamond Creek Women’s strengthened its place in the top-four with a 3.4 (22) to 1.7 (13) victory over South Morang. Despite a fourth quarter comeback from the Lions, where they held the Creekers scoreless while having four scoring opportunities themselves, the Creekers proved to be too strong. Caesha Langborne and Aleasha Ball were excellent for the visitors, while Ashleigh Delromano was the Lions best, with Awatea Poutini their only goal scorer.
The VU Western Spurs showcased why they are leading the Division 2 competition, with a 19.5 (119) to 0.0 (0) win over Whitehorse. The Colts struggled to get into the match as the Spurs dominated across the field, with a six-goal second quarter really breaking the game open. Hayley Stanford was terrific for the Spurs while Nadine Rabah also stood out with four goals. Claire Anderson and Laura Seddon tried hard all day for the Colts.
Montmorency remained in touch with the top-five, producing a 7.9 (51) to 1.0 (6) win over La Trobe University. The Magpies proved to be too much for La Trobe, who is yet to post a win. Nicole Blythe continued her incredible season with a fourth best on ground performance that included three goals, while Rhiarn Daley was also a standout player for the Magpies. Jane Astbury and Bailee Carroll were solid in defeat for La Trobe.
In the final match of the round, West-Preston Lakeside defeated Laurimar 7.8 (50) to 0.1 (1). After losing their opening two matches, the Roosters have produced a remarkable run of six wins in a row to sit second on the ladder. Natarsha Bamblett and Monique Dematteo were again excellent for the Roosters while Lisa Jaeger and Donna Keogh were the Magpies’ best.
