Round 8 was a consolidating one for many of the NFNL Women’s top teams as they strengthened their finals chances.
ANZ DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S
VU Western Spurs solidified its position on top of the ladder with a 16.10 (106) to 0.0 (0) win over West Preston-Lakeside. The undefeated Spurs got off to a blistering start with six opening quarter goals and carried the wave of momentum for the remainder of the match. Spurs duo Brittany Wunhym and Tarli Gillam-Downey were named best afield, while Rechelle Mcswain and Qwai Sibbald tried hard throughout the match for the Roosters. The Roosters will now look to bounce back against Bundoora where fifth place on the ladder will be on the line, while the Spurs will travel to Plenty Park Oval to face third-placed Diamond Creek Women’s.
Diamond Creek Women’s secured a vital four points with a 6.5 (41) to 3.5 (23) comeback victory over Montmorency at Montmorency Park. The victory helped the Creekers jump the Magpies into third spot on the ladder. Montmorency kicked the opening two goals of the match through Taylah Manson and Bailey Schultz to take a 10-point quarter time lead. A superb Kathryn Burns delivery into the hands of Linda Thorp resulted in a goal for the Creekers and brought them within five points at half time. Manson’s second goal stretched the Magpies lead out to 11 points in the third term, but Creeker Stacey Cross kicked the next to return the margin to five points at the three-quarter time. The Creekers finished off the match strongly, with an inspired four-goal to nil final term to take away an 18-point win. Amanda Kennedy was crucial in getting the Creekers over the line with three goals, while Linda Thorp was also excellent. Bailey Schultz and Sophie Foote were great for the Magpies, who now have a bye in Round 9.
Darebin held on to second position after defeating Bundoora 13.10 (88) to 2.2 (14) at Yulong Reserve. Fresh off the bye, the Falcons hit the scoreboard hard with eight opening half goals and couldn’t be stopped from there. Lisa Di Camillo produced her best performance of the year with a five-goal haul for the Falcons, while teammate Alice Caddy found plenty of the football. Brittany Del Romano and Susie Patsouras continued their solid form for the Bulls. The Falcons next journey to Queen Elizabeth Oval to play a Bendigo outfit who enjoyed a bye at the weekend.
MC SECURITY DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S
VU Western Spurs continued their winning ways with a commanding 16.8 (104) to 1.1 (7) victory over Eltham at Henry Turner Memorial Reserve. The Spurs took off on a now trademark fast start, with a six-goal opening term setting up the win. Shanel Camilleri booted a game-high six goals for the Spurs, while Rebecca Foggie was also fantastic and finished with two. Caitlin Wheeler and Claudia Williver continued their strong form for the Panthers, despite the heavy loss. The Spurs travel to Plenty Park Oval to play Diamond Creek Women’s 2 in Round 9, while the Panthers host St Mary’s.
South Morang jumped to second position after posting a 10.10 (70) to 1.1 (7) win over Diamond Creek Women’s. The Lions took a 14-point lead into quarter-time before a three-goal second term stretched their advantage to 36 points and shut the Creekers out of the match. A terrific six-goal haul from Lion Amanda Laidlaw and yet another great game from Demi Hallett proved to be too much to handle for the Creekers, whose best performers were Crystal Grech and Brit Jackson. South Morang will now head into the bye full of spirit on the back of three-consecutive wins.
St Mary’s produced the round’s upset win, defeating Darebin 3.2 (20) to 2.5 (17) in a thriller at Whatmough Park. Kicking the only two goals of the opening half, the Burra took a handy 11-point lead into half time, while the Falcons rued three opportunities that resulted in only minor scores. A third quarter goal to the Falcons brought them within four points at the final change, but both sides kicking a goal each in the last quarter as the Burra held on for a crucial three-point win that pushed them into fourth spot. Janine Green and Giuseppina Tarantello’s were pivotal in getting the Burra over the line and combined for their side’s three goals, while Georgia Cropper and Jem Wilson backed up with excellent performances for the Falcons. Darebin will look to bounce back against a fresh off the bye Heidelberg at Warringal Park this week.
MIRVAC DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S
VU Western Spurs earned their fourth win of the year, defeating Reservoir 12.11 (83) to 0.0 (0) at Henry Turner Reserve. A four-goal opening half to Spurs star Stacy Rigon helped her on her way to a huge six-goal haul and her side bounced to a 40-point half time lead that couldn’t be tracked down by the Mustangs. Lauren Camilleri and Alycia Morgan shone for the Spurs, while Caitlyn Marmo and Grace Balletta battled hard for the Mustangs. Reservoir hosts Mernda in Round 9, while the Spurs meet an in-form Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve in a battle between second and third.
Laurimar returned the winners’ list with a 9.9 (63) to 3.3 (21) victory over Montmorency at Montmorency Park. The Power kicked four opening-quarter goals to take a 27-point lead into quarter time but the Magpies secured the only goal of the second quarter to close the gap to 21 at half time. Laurimar responded with the next four goals to create a big buffer, but a gallant Magpies outfit kicked the last two goals of the third term to keep their slim chances alive but were then unable to hit the scoreboard in the final quarter. Renee Grant produced her second-consecutive best on ground performance for the Power, while Candice Collins was also great. Maddi-Taylor Wilde was terrific again while Amber Vincent provided run for the Magpies. Montmorency now faces a tough task, hosting ladder-leader Greensborough in an important clash at Montmorency Park.
Greensborough continued its winning run, securing its sixth victory of the season with a 7.5 (47) to 1.1 (7) victory over Hurstbridge. Rita Slewa was named best afield for the Boro and Jessie Hulett continued her consistent season, finishing with a game-high four goals. Alienna Jones and Natarsha Harrop were solid contributors for the Bridges. The result sees the Boro maintain a two-game buffer atop the ladder, while the Bridges host Wallan in what is a crucial clash at Ben Frilay Oval.
Wallan overcame Mernda 4.4 (28) to 3.5 (23) at Waterview Recreation Reserve in what was a pivotal result. The Magpies now who now sit sixth on the ladder with three wins, with only percentage separating them from fourth spot. A tight first half saw both sides head into the change rooms on 2.2 apiece. A two-goal third term gave the Magpies an 11-point advantage and despite kicking the only goal of the final term, Mernda was unable to track down the gap. Lauren Macpherson and Olivia Attard were instrumental in the Magpies’ win, while Courtney Dickinson and Amanda Hodgson couldn’t have done any more for Mernda.
