A look back over the weekend’s action across all three Mirvac NFNL Women’s divisions.
It was a weekend of big statements in Mirvac Division 1 Women’s, beginning on Friday night where Eltham put in a commanding performance against Bundoora under lights at Eltham Central Park. Six goals from Jacki White and another standout performance by Alannah Murray steered the home side to an 11.9 (75) to 0.3 (3) win, which pushed the Panthers into second spot on the ladder with three rounds remaining. Jemma Cremore was best in defeat for the Bulls.
The top of the table clash between Diamond Creek Women’s and VU Western Spurs at Henry Turner Reserve provided another installment of the 2019 grand final rematch, with the ladder-leading Creekers again getting the job done to remain unbeaten in 2021. The Creekers held a two-goal lead at quarter time, but successive goals to the Spurs tied the game during the second quarter. However, the Creekers went on to kick seven of the next 10 goals to secure a 9.11 (65) to 6.1 (37) victory. Young gun Kayley Reid was best afield, with great support from Coaches MVP leader Shae Audley and Emma Wilson, who booted four goals. Stacy Rigon finished with four of the Spurs’ five goals, while Deena Bassett also contributed well.
Darebin was dominant in a big win over fellow top-eight contender Greensborough, with the Falcons booting 16 goals to one in a 95-point win at A.H. Capp Reserve. The home side got to work early and was 36 points ahead at the opening break after piling on six goals in the first term. They remained in control thereafter, finishing the game with six multiple goal kickers. Tannah Hurst and Mia Haas were outstanding in their first senior game for the Falcons, while Mackenzie Griffin and Frances Collis toiled hard for Greensborough.
West Preston-Lakeside jumped off the bottom of the ladder, courtesy of its second win of the season. The Roosters led from start to finish in the 6.8 (44) to 1.6 (12) victory over Whittlesea at J.E. Moore Park – with the result seeing the Roosters jump from 11th spot up to ninth. Ashleigh Snow has been West Preston-Lakeside’s most consistent performer over the past month and was at her best again to steer her side to victory. Hannah Mrakov and Rachele Carrozza also excelled in the win, while Casey Lashford was the best player for Whittlesea.
Lower Plenty returned to the winners’ list with a 29-point win over Heidelberg in an entertaining match at Montmorency Park South Oval. The Bears held the lead for most of the afternoon to record a 9.12 (66) to 5.7 (37) triumph which propelled them into third spot on the ladder, just percentage behind second-placed Eltham. Ashleigh Smith, Ella Gray and Molly McCormack were key contributors in the win, while Tilly MacDonald finished with a game-high three goals. Isabella Hayes finished with two goals in a shining performance from Heidelberg.
In Mirvac Division 2 Women’s, Montmorency confirmed its status as the team to beat with a scintillating performance against Hurstbridge in a top of the table battle at Montmorency Park North Oval. The previous match between the sides finished in a draw, but it was the Magpies in command this time around, winning 11.16 (82) to 4.4 (28) to remain unbeaten this year. Ahead by eight points at quarter time, Montmorency kicked 8.12 to 2.3 across the next three quarters to claim a commanding win. Maddi-Taylor Wilde and Mika Suzuki led the way for the ladder-leader, while Nicole Brattusa booted three goals. Teaghan Watt and Danielle Pike were best for Hurstbridge.
St Mary’s kept its hopes of taking a double-chance in the finals with a runaway 17-point win over Diamond Creek Women’s at Whatmough Park. Ahead by three points at the final change, the Burra booted three goals to one in the final term to win 6.10 (46) to 4.5 (29). The result improved St Mary’s record to 4-4-1, just half a win behind the third-placed Creekers. Judhil Canendo played her best game of the season in the triumph, while Elyssa Rees and Brigid McEntee were at their usual high standard. Cherie Hallett was outstanding in her second game for the Creekers, while Madison Lee also performed well.
Darebin proved too good for Wallan in their match-up at Wallan Recreational Reserve, with the Falcons keeping their host scoreless in a 68-point victory. The result moved Darebin a step closer to finals action, with the club now comfortably placed in fifth spot on the ladder. Emily Ivanka had a day out and finished with two goals, while Holly Allen and Amy Middleton also performed well and kept the scoreboard ticking over. Terrie-Ann Haydon and Toni Gussenhoven were valiant for the Magpies.
In Mirvac Division 3 Women’s, Fitzroy Stars remains in top spot after overcoming a strong challenge from the VU Western Spurs. The sides were separated by just five points at half time before the Stars kicked away in the second half to win 4.13 (37) to 1.3 (9) at Henry Turner Reserve. Valiecia Kelly-Briggs and Jessica Nannup helped steer the Stars to their sixth win of the campaign, while Leah Seeto was the game’s only multiple goal scorer with two majors. 2019 Division 1 premiership star Jasmine Maljevac played her first game since the 2019 grand final win and was the Spurs best player, capping her performance with a goal.
Banyule overcame a determined Laurimar to stay in touch with the ladder-leading Stars. The Bears looked headed for an upset defeat when they trailed the Power by 14 points in their clash at Laurimar Reserve. However, they responded in style to kick four unanswered goals after half time to win 4.6 (30) to 3.1 (19). Jane Cahir, Beth Stonehouse and Drew Barnes helped drive the fightback, while Maggie O’Reilly booted two goals. Kiera Hunter played a great game for Laurimar, with plenty of support from Mikayla Kotas.
Mernda strengthened its grip on third place with a big win over Reservoir at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Demons were always on top in the 77-point triumph, which saw them stretch their lead in third place after Laurimar and VU Western Spurs both suffered defeats. Natalie Todaro was again a standout in a best afield display, while Awek Dut was just as good. Lucy Petruccelle and Jaime Otene both finished with multiple goals. Brooke Nam and Rowyn Williams were Reservoir’s best players.
