The weekend saw another great round of NFNL Women’s football as we hit the halfway mark of grading.
During the opening four rounds of the season, all teams will start the 2022 season in the one grading competition before being placed in three divisions.
Banyule made it two wins from two when they defeated Eltham on Friday night at Beverley Road Oval. After a slow start, the Bears had a dominant second half, kicking three last quarter goals to secure the 4.1 (25) to 1.5 (11) win. Heidi Cummins and Candice Dyson were both terrific again for the home side while Kate Cardamone and Bonnie McDonald were some of the Panthers’ best.
The other Friday night fixture for the round saw St Mary’s take care of Montmorency 2 by 38 points, the Burra kicking five goals to one in the second half. Jasmine Laird and Jessica Hardy led the way in the 9.4 (58) to 3.2 (20) victory with Sarah Johnston kicking two majors as she did last week. Shelby Coall and Trinity Garraway starred in defeat for the Magpies.
The Fitzroy Stars continued their good start to the 2022 campaign, coming from four points down in the third term to defeat Darebin 2 by nine points at A.H. Capp Reserve. After receiving nine coaches MVP votes last week, Kristen Atkinson dominated for the Stars while Alita Thorpe was impactful up forward, kicking two goals in the 4.3 (27) to 5.6 (36) win. Stephanie Elarmaly was one who stood out for Darebin while Cassie Willcocks kicked two majors.
Laurimar and West Preston-Lakeside 2 had one of the closest games of the round with the Roosters prevailing at Laurimar Reserve. Trailing by four points at three quarter time, the Roosters kicked two goals while keeping the Power goalless to hold on for a 2.4 (16) to 3.4 (22) win. Annalise Hall and Louise Condurso were some of the best for the visitors while Alice Pangbourne played well for Laurimar.
Darebin 1 didn’t look back after kicking four goals to one in the first term to defeat Heidelberg 1 by 39 points in the second game at A.H. Capp Reserve. The 9.6 (60) to 3.3 (21) victory continues the Falcons undefeated start to the 2022 season, with Chloe Williams and Emily Ivanka some of the best for the home side. Emma and Emily Rowe were solid for the Tigers.
After a round 1 defeat, Montmorency 1 bounced back to secure a 5.3 (33) to 1.3 (9) victory over West Preston-Lakeside 1 at Montmorency Park North Oval. Emily Beanland was best on for the Magpies while Shelby Coall was impressive with three goals. Ashleigh Snow toiled hard for the Roosters.
Across the road at Montmorency Park South Oval, Diamond Creek Women’s 1 were dominant from the first bounce, comfortably defeating Lower Plenty-Bundoora 1.0 (6) to 20.12 (132). Brooke Plummer and Stacey Cross were at their talented best again, with the latter slotting five majors in the big win. Brooke Mason was gallant in defeat for Lower Plenty-Bundoora.
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.
Wallan bounced back from their opening round loss to prove too strong for Heidelberg 2 at Wallan Recreational Reserve. Kelly Lennox and Maddison Ford shone bright for the Magpies, kicking five goal between them in the 9.12 (66) to 2.0 (12) win. Gemma Jackson was one of the Tigers’ best on the day.
Mernda will begin the season 2-0 after a narrow 11-point win over Hurstbridge at Waterview Recreation Reserve. Ameerah Gentle kicked all four of Mernda’s goals in the 4.2 (26) to 2.3 (15) victory while Ruby Sommerville, Natalie Todaro and Awek Dut were all once again influential. Melissa Martini and Shanayde Mullens starred for Hurstbridge.
Whittlesea claimed win number one in the 2022 campaign, securing a 5.6 (36) to 1.1 (7) triumph over Diamond Creek Women’s 2 at the Whittlesea Showgrounds. Luka Kennedy was one of the best players on the ground for the Eagles, kicking two majors, while Bentley Butler stood tall for the Demons.
