Round 5 of the ANZ NFNL Women’s competition had a huge impact on the shape of the ladders across the three divisions.
VU Western Spurs leaped into third on the Division 1 ladder with a 7.4 (46) to 1.1 (7) win over Darebin. After a hotly contested first half, the Spurs built a 15-point lead heading into the main break. A creative snap in the goal square from Shannon Egan in the third quarter gave the Falcons a much-needed spark, but the Spurs held strong in defence from that point onwards. A Stacey Smith conversion from the pocket in the final quarter put the finishing touches on a great day for the Spurs. Brittany Wunhym and Danielle Mazzocca were best afield for the Spurs, while Tennille Thomas and Danielle Violato stood tall for the Falcons. Both sides have tough road trips awaiting them in Round 6, with the Spurs travelling to Keilor and the Falcons matching up against the undefeated Bendigo.
Keilor returned to the winners list, defeating Diamond Creek Women’s 12.14 (86) to 1.1 (7). An early Creekers goal via Sarah Mcmaster looked to have them on the right track before Keilor showcased their attacking prowess and proved to be too strong. Sarah Wright and Gemma Wright continued their stunning form for Keilor, while Courtney Ugle and Emma Fraser played their roles for the Creekers. Diamond Creek will search for its first victory against another winless side in Whitehorse at Plenty Park Oval this Sunday.
Bendigo continued its winning ways with a 15.25 (115) to 0.1 (1) away win over Whitehorse. Dominating the first quarter with 13 scoring opportunities, Bendigo only managed to convert two of those into goals and took a 22-point lead into quarter time. The flood of forward line entries eventually garnered Bendigo more goals, and they ran away with the match. Olivia Mcevoy was fantastic for Bendigo and Andrea Walsh added another seven goals to her competition leading tally of 19. Jacinta Turner and Morgan Khan were the best performing Colts.
In Division 2, the VU Western Spurs rebounded from last week’s loss with a 6.15 (51) to 3.2 (20) win over Darebin. Two opening quarter goals to Jessica Heath gave the Spurs an ideal start and a 15-point lead by quarter time. A scintillating running goal from Kristin Stensholt in the second quarter switched the momentum back the Falcons way, but the Spurs were able to quell the Falcons charge with a goal of their own and keep their opposition at arm’s length for the rest of the match. Emma Taylor was valuable for the Spurs and Emma Mcintyre and Jessica Maddox were great for the Falcons. The Spurs enjoy a Round 6 bye while the Falcons head to J.E Moore Park looking to challenge an undefeated West Preston-Lakeside outfit.
West Preston-Lakeside kept its spotless record intact, securing a 5.6 (36) to 3.5 (23) victory over La Trobe University. After controlling much of first term, La Trobe converted only 1.5 and their four-point quarter time lead could have been larger. With the door left ajar, the Roosters kicked the next three goals of the match and took a 16-point lead into the main break. La Trobe hit back in the third term however, converting two goals in a row to close the Roosters’ lead to just six points. Not be outdone, the Roosters responded once again to secure the only goal of the final quarter and lock away another win. Coaches MVP leader Teresa Cassar produced another excellent display for the Roosters and Stephanie Castagnini was great again for La Trobe. La Trobe will return home to play out an important match against Laurimar, with the two sides equal on points on the ladder.
Montmorency made it two wins on the trot with a 7.12 (54) to 2.1 (13) win over Laurimar. Off to a flying start with three first-quarter goals, the Magpies were too hard for the Power to catch from that point. The crucial win sees the Magpies jump from sixth place to third on the ladder in a tight season. Sian Capito kicked four of the Magpies seven goals in an exciting display and Ellie Koiker was the Power’s best player for a second week running. The Magpies will return to the field on Friday night to match-up against South Morang under lights at Montmorency Park Oval.
In Division 3, St Mary’s secured an important four points with a 4.8 (32) to 0.0 (0) win over VU Western Spurs. The Burra came out with a point to prove in the second versus third battle and fired away two opening quarter goals to take a 13-point lead into the first break. They then built on their lead during the remaining three quarters. Jessica Hardy and Stephanie Trkulja were the winning side’s best, while Molly Moloney and Kirsten Pocock stood out for the Spurs. The win sees the Burra move into second position with a match against Greensborough to come in Round 6, while the Spurs will sit out of the action for a week with a bye.
Bundoora continued its dominant season with an 8.11 (59) to 1.0 (6) win over Eltham. The Bulls carried their amazing form with them to Eltham and held strong defensively, while attacking superbly once again and sit a game clear on top of the table. Brittany Del Romano had plenty of the footy and Amy Callaway kicked five goals for the Bulls. Krystal Cullinan and Jacki White tired hard for the Panthers. Bundoora will play La Trobe University at Naughtin Oval in Round 6, while Eltham will host Mernda.
Mernda secured its much deserved first win in women’s football, defeating La Trobe University 9.9 (63) to 1.2 (8). After taking a 26-point lead into the main break, Mernda carried their momentum into the second half and proved that they are a difficult team to stop once they are up and running. Michelle Kendall kicked four goals and Lavina Ovalau added three of her own to Mernda’s tally, while Ashlee Tierney and Tess O’Brien battled hard for La Trobe.
