All three minor premiers booked their spots in the Grand Final while some huge results came from our first semi-finals, setting up a massive finish to our 2023 NFNL women’s competitions.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Some late heroics from Montmorency 1 saw them advance to the decider, holding on to defeat Banyule by five points. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
Eltham had to fight off a late comeback by Darebin 1 to prevail in their first semi-final, winning by seven points to move to the preliminary final. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
St Mary’s dominance in the home and away campaign continued into the second semi-final, producing a comfortable 26-point win over Heidelberg. The Burra looked the better of the two sides throughout most of the game despite difficult conditions at Epping Recreation Reserve. They kept the Tigers goalless until the final term while registering 16 scoring shots to produce a 6.10 (46) to 2.8 (20) triumph. The minor premiers’ midfield stars stood up, with Elyssa Rees and Jessica Hardy showcasing their talent with some impressive efforts, while it was Jemma Chesser and Charlotte Evans who led the way up forward, kicking two goals apiece. Emily De Sando was prominent around the ground and did her best to keep the Tigers within reach throughout the loss.
The Fitzroy Stars produced arguably their best win since joining the NFNL women’s competition, after a massive 70-point victory over Mernda to head to their first preliminary final. The Stars took the game by the scruff of its neck from the opening bounce, with a six-goal to nil first half paving the way for the 11.12 (78) to 1.2 (8) win. Nine goals combined from Jessica and Natasha Bamblett helped the Stars kick their second highest score of the season, with Leah Seeto was terrific and earnt her second appearance in her side’s best from the previous three games. The Demons struggled to gain any momentum despite strong performances from Gulia Cervaolo, Zoe Sommerville and Monica Bradford.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Wallan turned their tables on their Round 13 loss to Heidelberg West, this time prevailing by 11 points to seal their spot in their first ever Grand Final. It was a fairly close encounter throughout the Saturday morning clash with the Magpies finding themselves trailing by two points at half time. That was before a three-goal to one second half put the minor premiers back on top as they claimed a 5.2 (32) to 3.3 (21) result. Kia Montgomery did it all for Wallan and was a standout in her side’s brilliant performance, with teammates Shazi Cappello and Chelsea Paton also producing great efforts. Crystal Grech and Molly Reinke rallied hard for the Hawks and were key contributors to their side’s half time advantage, particularly the latter who also managed to hit the scoreboard.
Darebin 2 caused an enormous upset in the first semi-final, coming from behind to defeat Montmorency 2 by nine points to earn the chance to play off for a place in the Grand Final next week. The Magpies looked in total control until three quarter time, leading by 11 points and keeping the Falcons goalless in the process. But Darebin were quick to shift momentum and kept Montmorency scoreless while booting three goals of their own to finish 3.4 (22) to 2.1 (13) victors. It was Alfie Larkin who proved to be the hero, kicking two final term goals to help Darebin finish as winners. Alice Minns and Alisha Priestley also impressed while Madison Boyle led the Magpies well despite the agonising loss.
