The return to action coincided with the final round in the top flight and the penultimate round in the second and third divisions in the Mirvac NFNL Women’s competitions.
The results in Mirvac Division 1 Women’s had a major impact on the top-eight heading into this weekend’s opening round of the finals.
The action began on Saturday, where Bundoora secured a finals berth at the expense of Heidelberg, with the Bulls securing a 10-point triumph over the Tigers at Warringal Park. In what was a final-round elimination final, Bundoora was able to overcome an early deficit to claim a 5.3 (33) to 3.5 (23) win and claim eighth spot from Heidelberg. Bridgette Taylor-Gray produced a standout display to lead the Bulls to victory, with great support from Talia Vincent and Candice Dyson. Mia Tascone and Cassia Menkhorst gave their all for the Tigers, whose season came to an end.
Montmorency secured second spot on the ladder and a double chance in the finals with a 28-point triumph over VU Western Spurs at Henry Turner Reserve. In a game filled with momentum swings, the Magpies were able to prevail 8.4 (52) to 3.6 (24). Montmorency booted the opening three goals to lead by 19 points at quarter time, before the Spurs hit back to take a one-point buffer into half time. With the game in the balance, it was Montmorency who took control with five unanswered goals in the second half. Mika Suzuki and Taylor Harris capped great performances with a goal apiece, while Tayla Dinuccio was best for the Spurs – who slipped to fifth spot and will need to win four-consecutive finals to defend their premiership.
Darebin jumped into the all-important fourth spot with a 27-point home win over Eltham at A.H. Capp Reserve. Trailing by four points at the last change, it was a final quarter burst that got the Falcons over the line, piling on five unanswered goals to win 7.4 (46) to 3.1 (19) and claim a double chance in the finals. Katelyn Hazlett, Mei Griffin and Peppa Poultney were among the standouts in the vital win, while Eltham was well served by Alannah Murray and Sarah Huntington. The loss bumped the Panthers into seventh spot ahead of an elimination final against Lower Plenty this week.
Diamond Creek Women’s will take an unbeaten record into the finals after proving far too good for West Preston-Lakeside at Plenty Park. The Creekers booted 22 goals in the big win, which extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games ahead of a qualifying final meeting with Darebin. Linda Thorp, Lauren Durante and Stacey Cross combined for 15 majors, while Eleanor Cornish also excelled and chimed in with three goals. Rebecca McDonagh and Sarina Galati never gave in for the Roosters, despite the one-sided scoreline.
Greensborough locked in a third-place finish with a 39-point victory over Whittlesea at the Whittlesea Showgrounds. The Boro were dominant throughout the game, with only wayward kicking at goal halting a bigger win. Lauren Collis and Kyla Parry were exceptional and will look to carry their good form into the finals series, which begins with a qualifying final clash with Montmorency. Jessica Vilinskis was Whittlesea’s best in the club’s final game of the season.
In Mirvac Division 2 Women’s, Montmorency maintained its unbeaten streak – but only just. The Magpies looked to be in control across the opening three quarters in their clash with Diamond Creek Women’s at Montmorency Park, and led by 20 points at the final change. However, the Creekers refused to give in and booted four goals to one in the final term to fall agonisingly short in the 8.10 (58) to 8.5 (53) encounter. Montmorency is assured a first-place finish, while Diamond Creek Women’s must win their final round game against Darebin and hope the Magpies beat St Mary’s to finish the season in second spot.
Darebin enjoyed its road trip to Ben Frilay Oval, with the Falcons securing an impressive 42-point win over Hurstbridge. The visitors led right throughout the day and extended their advantage at every break in the 10.5 (65) to 3.5 (23) win. Christy Hughes had a day out and finished with four majors, with Jessica Marks and Holly Allen also excelling to steer their side to its fourth win of the year. Stephanie Reid was Hurstbridge’s best player.
The three favourites all secured comfortable wins in Mirvac Division 3 Women’s, beginning with VU Western Spurs downing Reservoir by 56 points at Henry Turner Reserve. A masterclass by Sophie Rohkamper guided the Spurs to their third win of the campaign and allowed them to climb up one spot on the ladder, ahead of Laurimar. Rohkamper booted a game-high three goals, with Danielle Speranza and Jane Neil also performing well. Shayla Mcauliffe was best for the Mustangs.
Fitzroy Stars kept Laurimar scoreless in a 59-point victory at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. The result, coupled with Mernda’s defeat to Banyule, ensured a top-two finish for the Stars in their inaugural season in the women’s competition. Once again it was Valiecia Kelly-Briggs and Leah Seeto who led the way, while Laurimar’s best was the ever-consistent Kiera Hunter and Tiahn Cowan.
Banyule took a big stride in its quest for the minor premiership with a convincing 43-point win over Mernda at Beverley Rd Oval. In a much-anticipated battle between the competition’s first and third-placed teams, it was the Bears who controlled the game – with their best term a four-goal third quarter. Beth Stonehouse, Drew Barnes and Casey Woodward were key contributors to the victory, while Shelby Nanscawen and Awek Dut were valiant for the Demons.
