The finals race is heating up in our NFNL senior women’s competition as the top sides start to break away from the rest of the pack.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Heidelberg took on hosting duties on Friday night and secured an impressive 16-point win over Montmorency 1 at Warringal Park. The Magpies were kept goalless throughout the match while a three-goal second term proved decisive in the Tigers’ 3.2 (20) to 0.4 (4) win. Emma Rowe booted three goals for the hosts to take her season tally to 21, while Mia Tascone again starred alongside Tessa Hankinson. Montmorency were led by Simone Morihovitis and Chiara Scuderi.
St Mary’s completed a terrific comeback in their clash with Darebin 1, prevailing by just three points at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Falcons jumped out of the blocks with a two-goal to nil opening term and led by six and five points at half time and three-quarter time respectively. The Burra then registered three scoring shots to nil in the final term which proved enough in the 3.7 (25) to 3.4 (22) victory. All three goals from the visitors came from Megan Girolami while Emmison Zealley was superb. Darebin saw great performances from Imogen Kendal and Sally Lynch.
Diamond Creek Women’s 1 produced their highest score of the year to remain on top of the ladder after a strong 24-point triumph over Banyule at Plenty Park Oval. The catalyst for the victory came from a strong five-goal opening term from the Creekers, who went on to finish 10.7 (67) to 6.7 (43) winners, defeating Banyule for the second time in 2024. Linda Thorp was terrific again up forward with four majors, while Lauren Durante chipped in with three. Alicia Ryan finished as the Creekers’ best while Mikalee Maroney and Alessandra Galletti led the way for the Bears.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
Ivanhoe are now four games unbeaten after a huge 61-point triumph over Darebin 2 at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Ivies increased their lead throughout the afternoon, keeping the Falcons to just four scoring shots on their way to the 10.13 (73) to 2.2 (14) victory. Georgia Pirdis continued to amaze in front of goal and finished with seven majors, she has now kicked an astonishing 23 major sin her last seven games. Molly Uwland was brilliant once again also for the visitors, while Mei Griffin led the way for Darebin.
Thomastown proved too strong for Greensborough in their battle at Greensborough War Memorial Park after winning by 52 points. The Boro were kept scoreless by an impressive Bears outfit, who finished with 17 scoring shots in the 7.10 (52) to 0.0 (0) result. Chiara Nardo’s brilliant campaign continued into Sunday’s match, where she produced another three-goal effort, while Sierra Te’o has now been named in the Bears’ best for consecutive weeks. Ari Gosden stood out for the Boro alongside Victoria Lawrence.
West Preston-Lakeside’s winning form continued after comfortably taking care of Mernda by 53 points at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Roosters kept the Demons scoreless after quarter time and went on to register their third consecutive total of 50+ points in the 8.11 (59) to 1.0 (6) triumph. Isabel Young produced a best on ground performance which included four goals, while Sarina Galati and Trinity Mills also impressed for the visitors. Brianne Keogh starred for Mernda despite the defeat.
Lower Plenty returned to the winners list in a big way after defeating Whittlesea by 60 points at the Whittlesea Showgrounds. Scores were level between the two sides at quarter time, before the Bears finished with 10 of the next 11 majors of the match to record a 11.7 (73) to 1.7 (13) victory away from home. Erin Manzoney and Amy Saunders were outstanding for Lower Plenty as was Amelia Mullane who ended the match with a season-high seven goals and has now produced 16 majors in her last three games. Brielle Kinnear and Jenaya Stewart stood out for the Eagles.
It was another dominant performance that saw the Fitzroy Stars win their fourth match since coming up to Division 2 after claiming a 57-point win over Montmorency 2 at Montmorency Park North Oval. The Stars kicked at least two goals in each quarter during the 12.13 (85) to 4.4 (28) victory, which sees them sit at second spot on the ladder. Nartarsha Bamblett and Amina Keegan were excellent for the visitors, with the latter being one of three players to kick three goals for the game along with Koorrin Edwards and Christine Mayberry. Monique Migotto finished as the Magpies’ best.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Panton Hill jumped into second spot on the ladder after a crucial six-point victory over Diamond Creek Women’s 2 at Plenty Park Oval. With scores level at half time, the Creekers were able to edge their opponents to lead by one-point heading into the last term before an important final quarter major from the Redbacks helped them prevail 2.8 (20) to 1.8 (14). The likes of Stephanie Jacobson and Ruby Walker helped lead the away side to the triumph, while Bentley Butler and Imogen Hammond were again terrific for the Creekers.
Heidelberg West had no problems in their trip to Epping, finishing the match as 31-point victors at Epping Recreational Reserve. The 4.7 (31) to 0.0 (0) triumph was Heidelberg West’s third win in their previous four games, which sees them jump into fourth position on the ladder. They’ve also kept an opponent scoreless for the secdond straight match. It was Sophie Foote and Emily O’Keefe who helped produce the win for the Hawks, with the duo each hitting the scoreboard. Tahlia Simper impressed for the Blues.
South Morang have kept an opponent scoreless for the fourth time in five games after a 54-point win over Wallan at Mill Park Lakes Recreation Reserve. A five-goal opening term set the tone for the Lions who ended the match 7.12 (54) to 0.0 (0) winners on their home deck. Ella Pinney was the side’s only multiple goalkicker with two, while Ruby Failla earned her seventh mention in her side’s best in nine matches. Tahlia Costa and Amy Crowden were some that stood tall for the Magpies.
Hurstbridge made it five straight wins in the competition, taking care of Laurimar by 50 points at Ben Frilay Oval. The 8.10 (58) to 1.2 (8) result saw the Bridges register their highest score of the season, which was led by Natarsha Harrop up forward who ended the afternoon with five of her team’s eight goals. Kristy Steven and Chloe Topperwien also continued to impress for the home side while Stephanie Crook and Isabella Zanussi were some that stood out for the Power.
