Sunday saw a fantastic opening round in our senior women’s competition, with multiple clubs stamping their authority on the competition.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Heidelberg kicked off their return to the top flight with a terrific 50-point victory over Darebin 1 at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Tigers kept the Falcons to just two majors for the afternoon, while kicking seven goals of their own in the first half to finish 9.10 (64) to 2.2 (14) winners. After kicking 32 majors in the 2023 season, Emma Rowe picked up where she left off with a brilliant five-goal effort. Tessa Hankinson also impressed alongside Sienna Martinez, while Imogen Kendal and Alyssa Nolan were the Falcons’ best.
St Mary’s also enjoyed their first match of the 2024 campaign, comfortably defeating West Preston-Lakeside by 69 points at Telfer Reserve. The Burra were in control for all four quarters of the match but weren’t rewarding themselves on the scoreboard until after half time, where they went from 2.8 at half time, to kicking 8.2 in the final two terms, claiming a 10.10 (70) to 0.1 (1) triumph. Sarah Johnston was excellent inside 50, producing a five-goal performance, while Lanarose Picioane was superb all afternoon. Rachele Carrozza stood out for the Roosters.
A final quarter surge from reigning premiers Montmorency 1 saw them claim an eight-point victory over Diamond Creek Women’s 1 at Montmorency Park North Oval. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
Darebin 2 were too strong for Montmorency 2 in their clash at A.H. Capp Reserve, prevailing by 36 points. The Falcons kept the Magpies scoreless throughout the afternoon and registered 16 scoring shots themselves in the 4.12 (36) to 0.0 (0) win. An outstanding performance from Darcy Pingitore helped lead the Falcons to victory and was also one of the side’s four goalkickers for the afternoon. Meanwhile for the Magpies, Olivia Nesci was a solid contributor.
Greensborough met Whittlesea at Greensborough War Memorial Park and finished as 28-point victors in a strong performance. Just two goals separated both sides at the main break before a three-goal to nil second half propelled the Boro to a 6.1 (37) to 1.3 (9) win. Amy Vine led the way for the hosts up forward with three goals, with Sheridan Blizzard also putting together a great game. Tara Jenner and Olivia Hodgson were some of the Eagles best for the afternoon.
Ivanhoe announced themselves in the NFNL senior women’s competition with a thumping 114-point win over Diamond Creek Women’s 2 at Ivanhoe Park. The Ivies registered 35 scoring shots for the match and limited the Creekers to only one behind on their way to the 16.19 (115) to 0.1 (1) triumph. The home side had seven individual goalkickers, with Georgia Pirdis headlining the group by booting six majors. Stefanie Memos was a standout for the visitors.
Waterview Recreation Reserve hosted the Mernda and Heidelberg West clash, with the Demons scoring an impressive 75-point victory. A four-goal to one opening term broke the game open, with the hosts finishing as 12.17 (89) to 2.2 (14) winners. Bianca and Emily Bell created a strong presence up forward, combining for seven goals, while Janelle Bertoni was a brilliant contributor for the Demons. In their first Division 2 match, the Hawks were led by Jessica Morris and Jessica Taylor.
Lower Plenty returned to the senior women’s competition in a big way on Sunday, posting the biggest score of the opening round when they defeated Wallan by 138 points. The Bears kept the Magpies scoreless in the 19.24 (138) to 0.0 (0) triumph, with a seven-goal second term being their strongest quarter of the afternoon. Recruit Bree Unthank dominated in the ruck and had a formidable influence on the game while Milla Fereday booted five goals. Teagan Sheldon was admirable in defence for the Magpies.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Thomastown hosted their first ever senior women’s game when they took on the Fitzroy Stars at Main Street Recreation Reserve. After trailing at half time, the Stars kicked five goals to one in the next two terms to win by 15 points. The 7.6 (48) to 5.3 (33) result was steered by Jacintha Tass and Atelini Seeto, who both impressed in the second half. Bears captain Monica Bradford led from the front while Brooke Gibson and Chiara Nardo kicked two goals each.
North Heidelberg got their 2024 season off to a fantastic start, defeating Laurimar by 83 points at Shelley Reserve. The Bulldogs registered 29 scoring shots for the match, with the final scoreline of 11.18 (84) to 0.1 (1) being North Heidelberg’s highest score and biggest winning margin in the history of their senior women’s team. Imogen Maher kicked five for the hosts while Louisa Harper and Teresa Cassar were excellent. Rachel Chettle had another great game following a super 2023 campaign.
The battle of two of the newest senior women’s clubs saw Panton Hill pick up the victory, overcoming Epping by 40 points at A.E. Cracknell Reserve. The Redbacks trailed at quarter time and led by just eight points at the main break, before putting through 12 scoring shots to nil in the second half to prevail 6.10 (46) to 1.0 (6). Bridie Groves and Neica Stein kicked two goals each for the home side while Tarshaa Pickett was also impactful. Cindy Turnbull stood out for the Blues while Shae Turnbull kicked the club’s first and only goal of the match.
A tight contest between South Morang and Hurstbridge ended with the Lions holding on for a six-point victory at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. A strong start saw the home side lead by 22 points before a four-goal third term gave the Bridges a one-point three quarter time lead. The Lions rallied hard in the final term, kicking the only goal of the quarter to win 4.7 (31) to 4.1 (25). Chloe Thompson and Hayley Cordova starred for South Morang while Natarsha Harrop led the Bridges gallently, finishing with two goals.
