The 2022 NFNL Women’s season is underway, with players having to contend with cold and wet conditions in the opening round of grading.
During the opening four rounds of the season, all 22 teams will start the 2022 season in the one grading competition before being placed in three divisions.
The opening match of the season took place on Saturday, with West Preston-Lakeside 1 and Eltham meeting in a twilight match at J.E. Moore Park. The Roosters got off to a fast start with two goals in the opening quarter and never looked back, going on to win 5.9 (39) to 0.0 (0). Chloe Oakley kept the scoreboard ticking over with three majors, while reigning West Preston-Lakeside best and fairest Ashleigh Snow started the season in prolific form. Eltham was well served by Brooke Taylor and Sienna Gunning.
Banyule made a winning start to the season, with the Bears scoring an impressive win on the road against Darebin 2 at A.H. Capp Reserve. After a low-scoring first term, Banyule took control of the contest after quarter time to run away with an 8.9 (57) to 0.3 (3) victory. The Bears booted four goals in each half, with 2021 Division 3 leading goal kicker Rebekah Di Paola picking up where she left off from last season, with an equal round-high four majors. Heidi Cummins, Candice Dyson and Brieanna Musgrave all had a major impact in the win for the Bears, while Alex Reynolds and Julia Phung were best in defeat for the Falcons.
VU Western Spurs also produced a win on the road to start its 2022 campaign, with the Spurs proving too good for Diamond Creek Women’s 2 at Plenty Park Oval. The Spurs did the damage early, piling on six goals in the first half to take a 44-point lead into half time. Diamond Creek Women’s managed to stem the flow in the second half, with the final score finishing 8.11 (59) to 0.1 (1). Chloe Harman and Aleisha Casley were exceptional for the Spurs, while Natalie Pearce and Ashleigh Ford both kicked two majors. Paige Thompson and Jasmine Hallett toiled well for the Creekers.
Darebin 1 came home with a wet sail to record a come-from-behind victory over Greensborough on its home deck. The Falcons trailed by seven points at three quarter time before piling on five unanswered goals in the final term to secure an 8.6 (54) to 4.6 (30) win at A.H. Capp Reserve. Karmen Wong and Julia Mcardle were instrumental for Darebin, as was Chloe Williams, who booted four goals in just her second senior match. Olivia McFawn was best for Greensborough, while Jessie Hulett finished with two goals.
St Mary’s made a big statement in its game against West Preston-Lakeside 2 at A.K. Lines Reserve, running away with a 10.9 (69) to 0.0 (0) victory. The Burra recorded eight goal kickers in the big win. Brigid McEntee and Ebony Clayton carried over their great form from 2021 to again lead by example, while Jessica Hardy also impressed in her St Mary’s return. Rachele Carrozza and Tyneal Colban-Kirk were West Preston-Lakeside’s best.
Hurstbridge proved far too good for Heidelberg 2 in their outing at Ben Frilay Oval. After a tight first quarter, the Bridges gradually developed an ascendency – winning every quarter en route to 9.6 (60) to 1.2 (8) triumph. Alienna Jones produced a dominant display, while Belinda Harris and Melissa Martini did the damage on the scoreboard, kicking three goals apiece. Tayla Swan and Jasmin Davis never gave up for Heidelberg.
Lower Plenty-Bundoora edged out Heidelberg 1 in a close contest at Montmorency Park South Oval. The combined side held a slight lead at the end of each of the first three quarters, with before stretching their lead in the last quarter to win 5.11 (41) to 4.3 (27). The result created the perfect start for the team, which was formed just last week in partnership between Lower Plenty and Bundoora. For Heidelberg, Emily De Sando played well, and Emily Rowe booted three goals.
Reigning Division 1 minor premier Diamond Creek Women’s 1 continued its long winning streak with an 18-point triumph over Montmorency 1 in an entertaining match at Plenty Park Oval. The Creekers led at every change in the 6.6 (42) to 4.0 (24) victory. Georgia Tait and Stefini Buzzini were key contributors for Diamond Creek Women’s, while Shae Collinson toiled hard for the Magpies.
Fitzroy Stars and Whittlesea played out the closest game of the round, with the Stars prevailing by three points in a thriller at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. It was goal-for-goal all day, with the Stars clinging on for a 5.6 (36) to 5.3 (33) triumph to get their 2022 campaign off to a winning start. Kristen Atkinson and Valiecia Kelly-Briggs led the way for the Stars, while Luka Kennedy and Georgia Braddock excelled for the Eagles in the nail-biting defeat.
In the final game of the opening round, Wallan was no match for Mernda in their clash at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Demons were in red-hot touch to commence the season, recording a 9.15 (69) to 0.0 (0) win. Reigning Division 3 Coaches MVP winner Natalie Todaro was again in fine form, with great support from Gulia Ceravolo. Bernadette Azzopardi and Ameerah Gentle both booted three goals for the Demons. Tahlia Costa and Kelly Lennox were gallant in defeat for the Magpies.
