Round 10 of the ANZ NFNL Women’s competition kept the race for finals as open as ever.
In Division 1, Darebin reinforced its hold on fourth place with a 4.8 (32) to 3.3 (21) win over Whitehorse. After kicking the opening two goals, the Falcons took a 13-point lead into quarter time. The winless Colts responded after the break to close the gap to seven points at half time, and then just five points at three-quarter time. The Falcons however, took back control of the match in the final term to secure the win. Coline Duquet and Nikola Deiter were important for the Falcons, while Briana Holland and Tara Reiter were the best performing Colts. The Falcons will host the third-placed VU Western Spurs at A.H Capp Reserve after the two sides played out a draw in Round 7. Whitehorse will return home to face top-of-the-table Keilor.
Diamond Creek Women’s continued its charge towards finals, upsetting second-placed Bendigo 5.5 (35) to 4.5 (29) in a win that unsettles the top-five. The Creekers came out full of confidence and kicked the first three goals to open a 19-point quarter time lead. Bendigo responded with the next two goals and trailed the Creekers by eight points at half time. A great third-term by the Creekers saw them add more scoreboard pressure, with two goals and a match-winning 18-point lead at the final change. Bendigo kicked two final quarter goals but from that point on, the Creekers defence was able to hold off the fast-finishing Bendigo outfit. The Creekers’ Linda Thorp was named best-afield with three goals, while Bendigo’s Isabella Ayre was also terrific. Bendigo will now aim to turn the tables on Diamond Creek in a reverse fixture at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
In a fantastic match, Keilor overcame a spirited VU Western Spurs outfit 3.9 (21) to 3.2 (20) at Henry Turner Reserve. The Spurs controlled much of the first quarter and were rewarded for their efforts with an Ashlea Block goal and a six-point quarter-time lead. Mary Sandral stretched the Spurs lead out to 13-points early in the second quarter, before Keilor locked the ball in their forward half and secured a goal via Tanay Barbuto to close the gap to two points at half time. A third term where the ball spent most of its time in the midfield saw Keilor get within one point at the final change. Barbuto’s second goal came via an inspired snap and gave her side the lead, but a late Mickayla Ward goal saw the Spurs close within one point of Keilor in the final minutes of play. With one last roll of the dice remaining, the Spurs delivered the ball into their forward line but a match-saving contested mark from Keilor’s Sarah Wright ensured her side got over the line. The Coaches MVP leader was outstanding around the contest for Keilor, while Rachel Gastin was superb for the Spurs.
In Division 2, La Trobe University won their fifth consecutive game with a 3.2 (20) to 2.4 (16) nail biter over the VU Western Spurs. The Spurs took a five-point lead into quarter time but La Trobe hit back with a two-goal to one second term to gain a one-point edge at half time. A third quarter goal from La Trobe stretched out their lead and proved to be the match winner. Kate Bond willed her side over the line, while Stefania Valerio was great for the Spurs. The Spurs will travel to A.H Capp Reserve to face Darebin in Round 11 while La Trobe will enjoy a bye.
West Preston-Lakeside stormed to its eighth win of the season after downing Darebin 12.8 (80) to 1.5 (11). Teresa Cassar and Qwai Sibbald excelled for the Roosters, while Taryn Rae and Karly O’Malley tried hard for the bottom-placed Falcons. The win sees the top of the table Roosters maintain their undefeated record and ensures they remain a game and percentage clear of second-placed La Trobe University. West Preston-Lakeside will return home this week to host Laurimar.
Montmorency leaped into third position on the ladder with a 7.5 (47) to 1.2 (8) win over Laurimar at Montmorency Park. Four unanswered goals before half time, set up the Magpies’ fifth win of the season. Molly Reinke and Megan Allan starred for the Magpies, while Tenille Webb and Ellie Koiker continued their outstanding seasons for the Power. Montmorency will travel to Mill Park Lakes Reserve to play South Morang in Round 11.
In Division 3, VU Western Spurs returned to the winners list with a 2.6 (18) to 2.1 (13) victory over La Trobe University. La Trobe secured a five-point quarter time lead with Caitlin Ross’ two-goal opening quarter, while the Spurs were unable to convert their chances in the second term, adding only three behinds to their total and closing Latrobe’s lead to two points. The Spurs were rewarded for their efforts in the third term with the match-winning goal. Breanna Keath and Kirsten Pocock produced fantastic performances for the Spurs, while Nina Cowie and Rachel Hickey were great for La Trobe. The Spurs will hit the road again in Round 11 to play St Mary’s at Whatmough Park, while La Trobe will sit out of the action with a bye.
Greensborough carried the momentum of its great month of football into a third-consecutive win, defeating Mernda 6.13 (49) to 0.0 (0). The Boro’s Naomi Pickford, Giuseppina Tarantello and Nikola Fry proved impossible to stop and they led from the front as their side controlled the play. The win moves the Boro a game clear in fourth position and sets up an important match with ladder-leaders Bundoora at Anthony Beale Reserve. Mernda will host fellow finals contender Eltham at Waterview Recreation Reserve in a must-win match.
Bundoora continued its dominance with a 6.5 (41) to 1.2 (8) victory over Eltham. The Panthers matched the red-hot Bulls in the first term and held onto a one-point quarter time lead before the Bulls clicked into action and piled on five unanswered goals to run away with the match. Brieanna Musgrave kicked two goals in a best on ground performance for the Bulls, while Jacqueline Hardiman played her role for the Panthers.
