There were some entertaining contests as the NFNL senior women’s competition finals series kicked off in beautiful conditions at La Trobe University.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
In the Qualifying Final, Diamond Creek Women’s 1 and Montmorency 1 delivered an August classic in perfect conditions at Tony Sheehan Oval, with the Creekers holding on for a five-point triumph. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
A high-scoring elimination final ended in Heidelberg’s favour at La Trobe University Oval No.2, with the Tigers ending Eltham’s season with a 29-point triumph. After starting off slowly, Craig Hayes’ side took a 10-point lead into quarter time before extending that advantage to 30 points at the main break after kicking four goals to five behinds in the second term. The Panthers reduced their deficit to 19 points at three quarter time, however the Tigers finished off strongly, kicking four goals to two in the last term to win 13.5 (83) to 7.12 (54). Danika Spamer and Emily De Sando both had excellent games while Emma Rowe kicked five goals after being held goalless in her last two games. Ashleigh Snow capped off an excellent season alongside Lily Harris and Nicole Hales for the Panthers.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
Fitzroy Stars punched their ticket to a second semi-final matchup with Lower Plenty after defeating Kilmore by 48 points in their qualifying final clash at Tony Sheehan Oval. The Stars were inaccurate early, kicking one goal from five scoring shots in the first quarter before kicking two goals (plus one behind) to one goal in the second quarter to take a 17-point lead into the main break. After extending their advantage to 23 points at the final break the Stars then kicked four goals to no score in the final quarter to secure the 9.7 (61) to 2.1 (13) win. Amina Keegan starred in attack with six goals and was well supported by ruck Leah Seeto, Rianne Hood and Medika Bonney. Kasey Marsend and Jessica Vilinskis starred for the Two Blues alongside Naomi Whalan and Shenay Reeves.
Darebin 1 made it back-to-back wins against South Morang at La Trobe University Oval No.2, defeating the Lions by 32 points to keep their season alive. It was a hard-fought first quarter as both sides kicked two behinds each before the Falcons kicked away in the second quarter, kicking four goals to one in that period. Both sides then kicked three goals each in the third term before the Falcons kicked two goals to one behind in the last quarter to seal the 9.6 (60) to 4.4 (28) win. Julia’s Phung and McArdle starred yet again in the Falcons triumph alongside Larisa Dumitriu while Karly McNiece kicked a season high three goals. Hailey Cordova, Ruby Failla and Devony Hoare capped off terrific seasons with strong performances. Failla was one of two goalkickers for the Lions on the day.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Whittlesea won their first senior women’s final since 2022 with a 19-point victory over Montmorency 2 in the Division 3 qualifying final at Tony Sheehan Oval. The Eagles trailed at quarter time before taking a five-point lead at half time despite kicking one goal from four scoring shots in the second quarter. Montmorency then hit the front at the final break after kicking two goals to one behind in the third term before the Eagles sharpened up in front of goal and kicked four goals to no score in the last term to win 5.7 (37) to 3.0 (18). Olivia Hodgson, Ashley Fitzpatrick and Harper McPherson-Goulding starred in the win for the Eagles who’s leading goalkickers were Katrina Bruch and Leah O’Dell. Olivia Nesci and Shelby Coall were shining lights for the Magpies while Ruby Kane kicked two of their three goals.
Heidelberg West ended Macleod’s terrific inaugural season with a 15-point win in the division’s elimination final at La Trobe University Oval No.2. One behind separated the two sides in the opening quarter after both sides kicked a goal each before the Hawks kicked the only goal of the second term to lead by eight points at the main break. After adding another goal to their tally in the third the Hawks and Roos split the final quarter with two goals each, which was enough for Brett Pollard’s side to secure the 5.5 (35) to 3.2 (20) win. Alanah Moore continued her excellent season in the win alongside Jessica Taylor while Olivia Antonello kicked two goals to make it 14 goals from six appearances. Rebecca Stellini, Hannah Gray and Pippa Medley were all gallant in defeat for the Roos, with Medley one of three goalkickers for the Roos on the day.
