With the NFNL senior women’s home and away season drawn to a close, some sides got to finish their campaign on a high while others are gearing up for a highly anticipated finals series.
Winning Edge Division 1
Under lights at Warringal Park, West Preston-Lakeside 1 produced a comfortable 61-point win over Heidelberg 1 to secure a spot in the top three. The Roosters led at every change while keeping the Tigers scoreless after quarter time to prevail 9.14 (68) to 1.1 (7). Ashleigh Snow was again brilliant for the visitors, kicking a season high two goals while again proving to be one of the most influential players on the ground. Trinity Mills was also impressive for the Roosters with Emily Rowe playing a great game for the Tigers.
Montmorency 1 had to work hard to win their fifth consecutive game on Sunday, but ultimately did enough to defeat Greensborough by 11 points at Montmorency Park North Oval. You can read the full match report here.
Diamond Creek Women’s 1 again established themselves as the team to beat in season 2022 after a comprehensive 130-point win over the VU Western Spurs at Plenty Park Oval. Kicking at least six goals in all but one term, the Creekers were at their dominant best in the 22.11 (143) to 2.1 (13) triumph. After bags of five and nine goals this season, Linda Thorp produced her masterpiece up forward with 11 majors. Georgia Tait and Lauren Durante again stood out for the hosts while Riaana Sadler and Rita Ceravolo were gallant in defeat.
The match between Lower Plenty-Bundoora and Darebin 1 did not eventuate due to a forfeit.
SG Print & Paper Division 2
Banyule made it back-to-back big victories to end their regular season in a good position, this time defeating Diamond Creek Women’s 2 by 74 points at Beverley Road Oval. The Bears were in full control on Friday night, as the 12.10 (82) to 1.2 (8) victory ensured they entered the finals with as much momentum as possible. Mairead Csar continued her good form with another best on ground performance while Rebekah Di Paola returned to the side, kicking five goals. Olivia Papleo was the Creekers’ best.
St Mary’s will finish the season on top of the ladder following a vital 62-point win over the Fitzroy Stars at A.K. Lines Reserve. The Burra never looked back following a six goal to nil first term which set up the 11.4 (70) to 1.2 (8) triumph. Frances Collis had one of her best games of the season for the home side while the incredible Sarah Johnston made it 41 goals from seven games after another bag of six on Sunday. Alisha Priestley stood out for the Stars and was their only goalkicker.
With their 11th win of the season, Eltham will finish in second spot following a 100-point victory over Whittlesea at Eltham Central Park. The home side never looked challenged with the Eagles not registering a scoring shot until the second half proving to be no match for the Panthers in the 15.11 (101) to 0.1 (1) result. Kate Cardamone kicked four majors while Mia Klaic was also impressive. Jessica Vilinskis continued her strong form for the Eagles with another brilliant effort.
The match between Montmorency 2 and Darebin 2 did not eventuate due to a forfeit.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 3
Heidelberg 2 will make a finals appearance that looked unlikely a month ago after defeating Laurimar by 21 points at Laurimar Reserve. The Tigers kicked three goals to nil to win 3.6 (24) to 0.3 (3), claiming their third win of the season as a result. Jodie Palmer was an important addition for the Tigers while Aleisha Lannigan played well also. Vicki Tsoulias was named in the best for Laurimar for the sixth time in nine games. These two sides will now face each other again in an elimination final this Sunday.
Mernda picked up their 11th win of the season to finish the home and away campaign in strong form, defeating West Preston-Lakeside 2 by 62 points at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Demons were relentless in their 9.9 (63) to 0.1 (1) with four goals from Ameerah Gentle and impressive efforts from Teneisha Fiore and Monica Bradford securing the club’s first minor premiership in the women’s competition. Olivia Woods made it back-to-back best on ground performances for the Roosters.
Hurstbridge made it three consecutive wins after defeating Wallan by 60 points at Ben Frilay Oval. The Bridges kept the Magpies goalless while registering 22 scoring shots to run out comfortable 8.14 (62) to 0.2 (2) winners, securing second spot as a result. Belinda Harris was excellent with three majors while Sheridan Bennett was influential as she has been all season. Shannyn Powell did all she could for the visitors.
