Our finals teams have been decided in Division’s 1 and 3, but the composition of each finals campaign is still up in the air after Round 13 of our senior women’s competitions.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Heidelberg made it consecutive wins for the first time since Round 9, after taking care of Darebin 1 by 32 points at Warringal Park. The Tigers finished the match with 14 scoring shots and could have won by further if not for inaccuracy. However, they still managed to keep the Falcons goalless in the 4.10 (34) to 0.2 (2) victory. Isabella Rowe made it a second appearance in her side’s best in the last three games after another solid display from the home side. Ella Norris also impressed for Heidelberg, while Talia Atkinson and Karly McNiece performed admirably for the Falcons.
St Mary’s bounced back to defeat Diamond Creek Women’s 1 by 15 points at Plenty Park Oval in what was a huge boost to their minor premiership hopes. The Burra were outstanding in the opening half, kicking 4.5 to 0.0 in the first two quarters, which proved vital in the eventual 5.8 (38) to 3.5 (23) victory. Another excellent performance from Charlotte Karafillis helped St Mary’s move within one game of the top of the ladder Creekers with a round to play, while Sarah Johnston finished with two goals. Stephanie Rozario and Simone Secombe were stand outs for the home side.
Montmorency 1 have sewn up another finals appearance in the Division 1 women’s competition, after a 31-point victory over Banyule at Beverley Road Oval. Read the full match report by clicking here.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
Lower Plenty picked up their 10th win of the 2024 campaign, comfortably defeating Greensborough by 85 points at Anthony Beale Reserve. The Bears did most of the damage in the first half, leading by 70 points at the main break before prevailing 14.11 (95) to 1.4 (10). Shae Audley, Milla Fereday and Kyla Parry all produced three goals apiece in starring roles up forward, meanwhile ruck Bree Unthank dominated against her former side. Sheridan Blizzard was again superb for the Boro despite the loss, and also managed her side’s only goal of the game.
It’s now eight straight games without a loss for Ivanhoe, who accounted for Thomastown in a big 80-point victory at Ivanhoe Park. After a 26-point half time lead, the Ivies put the foot down in the second half, kicking nine of the last 10 goals of the match to run out 13.10 (88) to 1.2 (8) winners, which helps them all but sew up a top three finish. Emily Bisogni made it a third straight mention in her side’s best after a terrific display, while Federica Frew finished with an equal season high of five goals up forward. Cara Mazzarella and Chiara Nardo did all they could for the Bears.
The Fitzroy Stars handed West Preston-Lakeside their first loss since joining the Division 2 competition in Round 5, after an ultra-impressive 35-point victory. Following a competitive start to the match, the Stars broke away in the second term, leading by 25 points at half time and 33 points at three quarter time before finishing as 6.6 (42) to 1.1 (7) victors. The Stars’ seventh triumph of the 2024 campaign was led by the likes of Stephanie Briggs, Amina Keegan and Leah Seeto, while Molly McErlain was the Roosters’ best.
Whittlesea defeated Montmorency 2 for the second time in 2024, this time by 31 points at the Whittlesea Showgrounds. The Eagles kept the Magpies to just one-point for the afternoon, the lowest total they’ve conceded against an opponent throughout the year, on their way to recording a 4.8 (32) to 0.1 (1) triumph on their home deck. Amy Fallen has put together a great fortnight and finished as her side’s best player for the game. Tayla Wood also got on the scoreboard for the first time this season and was the Eagles’ only multiple goalkicker.
Mernda have given themselves every chance of a finals berth after a huge 91-point victory over Darebin 2 at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Demons dominated from start to finish, piling on seven majors in both halves to end the game on the right side of the 14.10 (94) to 0.3 (3) result. The star of the show was Bernadette Azzopardi, who finished with seven goals of her own in an outstanding game inside 50. Jenelle Bertoni assisted with four majors while Guilia Ceravolo finished as the side’s best for the afternoon once again. Shawan Brown played well for the Falcons.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Diamond Creek Women’s 2 ended a four-game losing streak following a 27-point comeback triumph over Wallan at Plenty Park Oval. The Magpies led throughout the first three quarters, before a massive six-goal final term propelled the Creekers to turn an 11-point three quarter time deficit into a 7.6 (48) to 3.3 (21) win. Key to the home side’s win was trio Laura Di Domenica, Elly-May Dreier and Kayley Reid, who each played important roles in the final result. Ava Borg was a solid contributor for the Magpies and was one of three goalkickers.
A third straight win puts Panton Hill in the box seat for a top three finish after an impressive 20-point victory over Hurstbridge at A.E. Cracknell Reserve. The Redbacks started well to lead by 14 points at quarter time before that margin was reduced to 10 by the main break. The home side them kicked two goals to one in the second half to claim a 5.8 (38) to 2.6 (18) triumph. Bridie Groves was brilliant again for Panton Hill while Teagan Sheldon was great in the defensive effort for the winning side. Renee Brain and Kristy Steven played well for the Bridges.
North Heidelberg put together a great win ahead of their inaugural finals campaign, defeating Epping by 67 points at Shelley Street Reserve. The Blues were kept scoreless by a Bulldogs outfit who kicked at least two goals in each of the opening three terms on their way to recording a 9.13 (67) to 0.0 (0) victory. Ellouise Bishop is one that is starting to pick up some form ahead of the finals campaign with another solid display while Teresa Cassar finished with three goals. Michaela Barr was a standout for Epping.
South Morang returned from the bye and had no problems defeating Laurimar by 40 points at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. A 4.3 to 0.0 opening term was what set the tone for the Lions’ 6.10 (46) to 1.0 (6) triumph, which was their eighth win of the 2024 season. The triumph came off the back of another incredible game from Devony Hoare, who has now made it seven consecutive appearances in her side’s best, while Hayley Ball was her team’s only multiple goalkicker. Naomi Whalan and Isabella Zanussi did all they could for the Power.
Photo by Bluestream Pictures
