The penultimate round of the NFNL Women’s home and away season saw some sides book their finals appearances, while others continued fighting it out for the remaining spots.
ANZ DIVISION 1
VU Western Spurs sent a major statement to rest of the competition with a comprehensive win 13.7 (85) to 0.2 (2) win over second-placed Darebin at Henry Turner Reserve. A blistering six-goal opening quarter from the Spurs set up the win and despite the Falcons managing to hold the Spurs to seven goals across the remaining three quarters, the damage had already been done. Aleisha Casley kicked three goals for the Spurs in a best on ground performance, while Tamara Olcorn was the best Falcon in a tough day out for her team. Finishing the season with an unblemished record, VU Western Spurs now have a bye to help them fine tune for the finals series, while Darebin hosts third-placed Montmorency at A.H. Capp Reserve in what looks a preview for the following week’s qualifying final.
After going down to Bendigo by 12 points in their most recent match-up, West Preston-Lakeside travelled to Weeroona Oval and flipped the result, winning 6.4 (40) to 5.4 (34). A tight opening half saw the Thunder take a one-point lead at half time, before a high scoring third term saw both sides kick three goals – with the Thunder holding a two-point lead at the final change. The Roosters took the lead in the fourth quarter via a two-goal to one effort to seal the win and bolster their finals chances. Michelle Millhouse and Rebecca McDonagh were brilliant in the Roosters’ victory that now sees them a game and percentage clear in fifth position. Katelyn Hazlett and Georgia Gordon were great for the Thunder. Bendigo will close out its season against Bundoora at Yulong Reserve, while West Preston-Lakeside plays Diamond Creek Women’s at Plenty Park Oval.
Montmorency made it three wins on the trot by defeating Bundoora 12.13 (85) to 0.0 (0) at N.J. Telfer Reserve. The comprehensive win saw the Magpies move a game and percentage clear in third position, while the Bulls’ loss puts their finals hopes in jeopardy as they now need a big win and results to fall their way in the final round of the season. Lily Brancatisano and Megan Allan were the best performing Magpies, while Courtney Newman and Ashley Robertson gave their all for the Bulls.
MC SECURITY DIVISION 2
Heidelberg locked in a finals berth by defeating Eltham 4.7 (31) to 2.5 (17) under Friday night lights at Eltham Central Park. The continual rainfall made goals hard to come by and the major goal didn’t come until the second quarter – going the way of the Tigers via star Emma Rowe. Panther Bree Cashmore then booted a goal to give her side a two-point advantage at half time. Kate Cardamone kicked the only goal of the third term to help the Panthers on their way to a handy eight-point lead by three-quarter time. Rowe’s second goal closed the gap to two points early in the last term, before Emily Merry converted a set shot to put the Tigers in front. A brilliant snap by Rowe from the pocket post-siren put the finishing touches on a spirited Heidelberg win. Emily Merry and Kimberly Buck played pivotal roles in getting the Tigers over the line, while Maegan Devine and Stephanie Brindley excelled for the Panthers in the tough conditions. Heidelberg is booked in for another Friday night clash, this time against St Mary’s at A.K Lines Reserve, where a win would secure a third-place finish and a double chance in the finals. Eltham can still play finals with a win over Diamond Creek Women’s at Plenty Park Oval but will also need the Burra to lose to Heidelberg on Friday night.
VU Western Spurs claimed the minor premiership, achieving a perfect 12 wins from 12 matches after defeating Darebin 10.15 (75) to 0.0 (0). A three-goal opening term from the Spurs set the tone of the match and the Falcons were unable to grab back the momentum. Three goals from Amy Unwin and two from Brittany Salt created a dangerous forward line for the Spurs, while Claire Hardi and Nikita Magriplis tried hard all day for the Falcons. VU Western Spurs have a well-earned bye in the final round, while Darebin returns home to host second-placed South Morang in match that looks to be a great lead in to the finals for both teams.
Fresh off the bye, South Morang continued its winning way with a 9.13 (67) to 0.1 (1) victory over St Mary’s. The result secured a sixth win in a row for the Lions and secured a finals double chance. A dominant display from the first bounce, the Lions were dangerous up forward with both Olivia Dalmau and Cassie Hurt booting three goals apiece and star Demi Hallett continuing her impressive form. Amy Mitchener was the best performing player for the Burra for a second consecutive week. A win in the final round would secure a finals place for St Mary’s. Should the Burra lose, they will need Eltham to win against Diamond Creek Women’s and hope the Panthers don’t pick up too much percentage.
MIRVAC DIVISION 3
VU Western Spurs now sit in outright second position after a 14.8 (92) to 0.1 (1) win over Wallan. The Spurs were consistent throughout the day as Acacia Mary Margaret McLaren found plenty of the football and an unstoppable Stacy Rigon ran rampant with a remarkable nine goals. Olivia Attard was the best performing Magpie for a third-consecutive week and Tanyshah Ruscigno was also great again. The loss puts a huge dent in Wallan’s finals chances, as the Magpies now sit a game and percentage out of the top five. VU Western Spurs hits the road to face Greensborough in the match that will decide the minor premiership. Wallan hosts Montmorency in a must-win clash to keep their slim chance of finals alive.
Hurstbridge gave itself some breathing space in fifth position after defeating Reservoir 8.9 (57) to 0.1 (1) at Ben Frilay Oval. The Bridges put the foot down in the second term to kick four goals and set up a match-winning lead by half time. Danielle Pike continued her strong season, while Melissa Martini was also great for the Bridges with three goals. Karley-Page Coombs and Natalie Murray were solid contributors for Reservoir. Hurstbridge now traveld to meet Mernda in Round 14, while Reservoir have a tough task against Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve.
Greensborough maintained its one-game buffer atop the ladder with an 8.5 (53) to 2.1 (13) win over third-placed Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve. A four goal to one opening quarter set the scene for the Boro, who showcased exactly why they are the top team in the division entering the final round. Meggan Nelsen and Lauren Collis were fantastic for the Boro, while Renee Grant and Sarah Scheggia continued their consistent seasons for the Power – who will need a win over Reservoir in the final round to hold on to a double chance in the finals.
Montmorency returned to the winners’ list with a 4.6 (30) to 0.1 (1) victory over Mernda at Waterview Recreation Reserve. A close opening half saw the Magpies take only a six-point advantage into half time, before finding a stronger patch of form and kicking away in the second half. A win over Wallan in the last round could see Montmorency finish in third place, if Laurimar also loses. Mernda is now unfortunately out of the finals race and hosts Hurstbridge in its final game of the season this Sunday.
