Finals have arrived in Division 2 and 3 of our NFNL women’s competition in 2023, as we’ll be treated to four massive matches to kick off this year’s series.
CLEANING MELBOURNE DIVISION 2
Qualifying Final: Heidelberg vs Mernda
Heidelberg
Ladder: 2nd (9-3, 308.96%)
Leading goalkicker: Emma Rowe (24 goals in six matches)
Most times in best: Emily De Sando (8), Tessa Hankinson, Mia Tascone, Nikki Watts (7)
Mernda
Ladder: 3rd (7-5, 52.19%)
Leading goalkicker: Brooke Gibson (8 goals in eight matches)
Most times in best: Gulia Ceravolo (7), Brianne Keogh (6), Brooke Gibson, Taylah Liberatore & Ruby Sommerville (4)
The Tigers are starting to roar and heading into this finals series, they have tasted defeat just once since Round 7, while also conceding a total of just three majors in four of their previous five matches.
Although the Demons have proven they belong in Division 2 after joining the competition in Round 5, they only won one of their last five games leading up to finals.
In their only meeting this season in Round 9, Heidelberg were brilliant away from home, keeping Mernda scoreless on their way to a 27-point victory.
Andrew Harwood’s side would look favoured to make it a second straight win over tomorrow’s opposition in 2023, but fresh off the bye and boasting many stars all over the ground, the Demons will certainly make it a great contest.
Elimination Final: Greensborough vs Fitzroy Stars
Greensborough
Ladder: 4th (6-6, 198.77%)
Leading goalkicker: Dakota Gray De Jong (11 goals in seven matches)
Most times in best: Emmison Zealley (6), Tayla Hill (5), Elly Huber, Sarah Huber & Meggan Nelson (4)
Fitzroy Stars
Ladder: 5th (6-6, 137.76%)
Leading goalkicker: Jessica Bamblett (14 goals in 11 matches)
Most times in best: Kristen Atkinson & Medika Bonney (8), Atelini Seeto (6)
The Boro encountered a slow start when coming into Division 2 in Round 5 but have hit form at the right time of the season, winning their last four games to secure a finals berth.
On the other hand, the Stars have fell in three of their last four matches, but they have defeated Qualifying Final bound sides Heidelberg and Mernda this season, which proved to be the difference in claiming a top five spot.
The one time these two sides played off in the home and away campaign saw an enthralling match at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval, with Greensborough coming from behind to defeat the Fitzroy Stars by two points and claim the NAIDOC Cup.
With a semi-final spot on the line, a match just as competitive is sure to be produced between these two teams.
NFNL DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S
Qualifying Final: Heidelberg West vs Montmorency 2
Heidelberg West
Ladder: 2nd (11-3, 393.81%)
Leading goalkicker: Ashleigh Riley (16 goals in four matches)
Most times in best: Molly Reinke (10), Chloe Rowan (9), Adelle Missen, Jessica Morris & Emily O’Keefe (7)
Montmorency 2
Ladder: 3rd (10-4, 196.6%)
Leading goalkicker: Sian Capito (14 goals in 14 matches)
Most times in best: Maddi-Taylor Wilde (11), Caitlyn McLeod (6), Madison Boyle & Sian Capito (5)
It’s been a dream inaugural senior women’s campaign for the Hawks who claimed a top five spot in flying colours after winning their previous five matches, one of those being against minor premiers Wallan to hand them their first blemish of the season.
The Magpies have been just as impressive throughout 2023, with some big wins against teams around them this year, suggesting they can be a dangerous side to face come finals time.
Both teams faced off last week in the final round of the home and away campaign, where Heidelberg West turned around their Round 9 loss to Montmorency 2 by claiming a 28-point triumph away from home.
The Hawks form will put them in good stead to reach another milestone on Saturday and claim their first finals win, but the Magpies will be incredibly motivated after their loss last week and will look to produce their best throughout the afternoon.
Elimination Final: Darebin 2 vs Diamond Creek Women’s 2
Darebin 2
Ladder: 4th (6-8, 139.55%)
Leading goalkicker: Cassie Willcocks (8 goals in 10 matches)
Most times in best: Alisha Priestly & Campbel Rowland (6), Mia Krasenstein & Riley Magee (5)
Diamond Creek Women’s 2
Ladder: 5th (5-9, 133.04%)
Leading goalkicker: Simone Secombe (12 goals in 9 matches)
Most times in best: Bentley Butler, Elly-May Dreier, Imogen Hammond & Brier Kawenga, (6)
The Falcons got back to winning ways immediately after joining Division 3 in Round 5, claiming the four points in their first three matches, which helped them finish in fourth position with a healthy percentage.
Meanwhile the Creekers have had a rollercoaster of a 2023 campaign, but claiming important victories against sides below them confirmed their finals berth with a round to play in the home and away season.
Darebin 2 will look to make it a third victory against Diamond Creek Women’s 2 this season, having produced comfortable triumphs in their previous two encounters, which included restricting the Falcons to just nine total points across both matches.
But as we know, things go up a level in finals, and these two rivals will look to leave it all out on the field ahead of their highly anticipated contest on Sunday.
