It’s shaping up to be a massive finish to the NFNL Women’s competition as last weekend’s results mean that many sides are still in the hunt to play finals football in 2022.
Winning Edge Division 1 Women’s
Montmorency 1 have made the jump from fourth to second in the space of just two weeks after producing a brilliant 133-point win over Lower Plenty-Bundoora at Montmorency Park South Oval. The 21.13 (139) to 1.0 (6) triumph was set up by a 12 goal to nil first term, and now puts the Magpies in pole position to finish in the top three. Jemma Laffey is making a late charge to be the competition’s leading goal kicker after slotting home an incredible 10 majors. Shelby Coall was also impressive while Emily Barrett stood out for the home side.
Darebin 1 came from behind to topple West Preston-Lakeside 1 by 12 points as they look to steal a double chance spot heading into finals. You can read the full match report here.
In a contested battle at Anthony Beale Reserve, Diamond Creek Women’s 1 kept their excellent form intact with a 15-point win over Greensborough. The Creekers led at each change but were kept hot on their tail by a gallant Boro side, eventually running out 4.6 (30) to 2.3 (15) winners. Linda Thorp kicked another three majors while Leah Swain stood up for the visitors. Kyla Parry was a solid contributor for Greensborough.
In what was their first triumph since grading in early May, Heidelberg 1 put together an excellent performance to defeat VU Western Spurs by 37 points at Warringal Park. The Tigers had the perfect start with a four goal to nil first term and never looked back as they prevailed 6.8 (44) to 1.1 (7). After some great efforts in the Heidelberg 2 side in the last fortnight, Isabella Italiano didn’t look out of place for the home side kicking two goals, with Tessa Hankinson and Emily De Sando getting reward for their effort throughout the afternoon. Alana Doherty didn’t give in for the Spurs.
SG Print & Paper Division 2 Women’s
Banyule were too strong for the bottom placed Montmorency 2 on Saturday morning, winning by 97 points at Beverley Road Oval. Inaccuracy prevented the Bears from producing an even bigger score but the 13.19 (97) to 0.0 (0) triumph was enough to keep their hopes of a minor premiership alive. Shkita Tihema-Jones kicked her second bag of four for the season while Brieanna Musgrave was outstanding. Stephanie Clifford tried hard all morning for the Magpies.
In one of the games of the season, St Mary’s ended Eltham’s 10 game winning streak after defeating the Panthers by 10 points at Eltham Central Park. Leading by just two points at three quarter time, the Burra were to register five scoring shots while keeping the home side to just two and as a result, ran out 6.9 (45) to 5.5 (35) winners. Although a slightly quieter day by her standards, Sarah Johnston still had an influence up forward kicking three majors, while Jessica Hardy again excelled for the visitors. Sienna Gunning and Brooke Taylor were impressive for Eltham.
The Fitzroy Stars snapped a four-game losing streak by comfortably defeating Diamond Creek Women’s 2 by 91 points at Plenty Park Oval. The Stars kept the Creekers goalless while piling on 14 of their own to prevail 14.9 (93) to 0.2 (2). Kirra Grimes impressed for the visitors with Stephanie Briggs also producing another great performance. Caitlin Daly was named in the best for the third time in her last four games for the home side.
It was a tight affair out at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, but Darebin 2 made it two wins on the trot after defeating Whittlesea by three points. The Eagles led by three points at three quarter time but were kept scoreless in the final term, with a Falcons major towards the end of the match proving to be enough for the visitors to claim a 2.1 (13) to 1.4 (10) victory. Caitlyn Jeffress again was superb for Darebin while Talia Brander stood out for the Eagles.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 3 Women’s
Hurstbridge continue to showcase their premiership capabilities in season 2022 after a convincing 53-point triumph over West Preston-Lakeside 2 at Ben Frilay Oval. Despite the inaccurate goalkicking, the Bridges had the Roosters measure right from the first bounce, keeping the visitors scoreless on their way to winning 6.17 (53) to 0.0 (0). Melissa Martini continues to impress for Hurstbridge with another best on ground performance. Sheridan Bennett produced a great effort also while for the visitors, Olivia Woods tried her heart out.
Laurimar picked up their fifth win of the season after a comfortable 40-point victory over Wallan at Wallan Recreational Reserve. A five goal to nil first half set the tone for the Power’s 6.5 (41) to 0.1 (1) win, their second consecutive triumph. Alyse Hutchinson and Stephanie Crook stood out for the visitors while Amy Crowden remains a consistent performer for the Magpies.
Ladder leaders Mernda bounced back from their heartbreaking one-point defeat last week to win well over Heidelberg 2 to the tune of 104 points. The Demons never looked back following their 11 goals to nil first half, finishing strong to claim a 15.14 (104) to 0.0 (0) triumph, all but assuring them of the minor premiership. The visitors had seven individual goalkickers with Awek Dut, Ameerah Gentle and Shenay Reeves some of the better contributors. Jesscia Morris performed well for the Tigers.
