Mirvac NFNL Women’s Review – May 7-9


Published on Tuesday, May 11, 2021

The opening round of action post-grading produced interesting results in all three Mirvac NFNL Women’s divisions.

In Mirvac Division 1 Women’s, Eltham enjoyed an outstanding second half to storm to victory against Bundoora at Yulong Reserve. The Panthers trailed at quarter time and then led by just six points at half time in the Friday night game under lights, before piling on nine goals to two after the main break to win 13.9 (87) to 6.2 (38). Ellen Horsley was a standout in her first game of the season, while Claudia Williver’s brilliant form continued. The Panthers’ goals were well shared, with nine players kicking a major, led by three from Kate Cardamone. Talia Vincent was Bundoora’s best, while playing-coach Amy Callaway booted three goals.

Sunday’s action was headlined by a much-anticipated game between previously undefeated sides Diamond Creek Women’s and Montmorency, with the Creekers securing a 5.6 (36) to 3.9 (27) triumph at Plenty Park Oval. The home side did the damage early, racing out to a 27-point lead by quarter time, courtesy of a four-goal to zero opening quarter. Montmorency rallied and booted the only two goals of the next two quarters to cut the margin to just 10 points at the last change. However, Diamond Creek Women’s was able to hold on the in final term to secure its fifth-consecutive win. Monique DeMatteo was best afield and booted two goals for the victors, while Shae Collinson was outstanding for the beaten Magpies.

A big third term helped VU Western Spurs to successive victories for the first time this season, with the Spurs defeating Whittlesea 8.11 (59) to 2.2 (14) in their long-awaited return Henry Turner Reserve. Leading by 15 points at half time, the home side booted 4.4 to zero in the third quarter to stretch out to a match-winning lead of 43 points at the last change. Erin Bult played her best game for the Spurs since joining from Keilor, Brooklyn Ash was prominent, while Aleisha Casley chimed in with a game-high three goals. Abbie Barnes impressed for Whittlesea, alongside the ever-reliable Tianna Markey.

Darebin secured its third win of the campaign with a 12.15 (87) to 1.0 (6) win over Lower Plenty at Montmorency Park South Oval. The Falcons booted five unanswered goals in the first term to set up the victory. Julia Phung has made a brilliant start to the 2021 season and continued her fine form with another best on ground display, while Nikita Magriplis and Alexandra Pronesti combined for six majors. Megan Maxwell and Molly McCormack were the best of the Bears against strong opposition.

In the twilight game, Greensborough proved too good for Heidelberg in a 10.11 (71) to 1.3 (9) triumph at Warringal Park. The Boro made a fast start and never looked back on their way to their fourth win of the season. Greensborough had an even spread of contributors throughout the game, led by Lauren Collis and Meg Nelsen, while Jessie Hulett booted three goals for the second-successive game. Minami Adcock was a shining light for Heidelberg.

It was an incredible weekend of results in Mirvac Division 2 Women’s, with three results including two draws and another match decided by just 11 points.

In the early game, Diamond Creek Women’s secured a 6.11 (47) to 4.12 (36) win over St Mary’s at Plenty Park Oval. The Creekers led at every change in a see-sawing contest, where the result hung in the balance until late in the piece. Ahead by five points at the last change, Diamond Creek Women’s booted the only major of the last quarter. Brittany Grech’s four goals were pivotal in securing the win for the home side, while Olivia Caruana and Olivia Papaleo were just as important. St Mary’s was well served by Ebony Clayton and Elyssa Rees.

Darebin and Wallan shared the points at A.H. Capp Reserve, with the sides locked at 3.4 (22) apiece when the final siren sounded. It was an arm-wrestle early, with neither side able to put through a goal in the opening half. By three-quarter time the scores were tied at 1.3 (9) apiece, before the game opened up in the last term – where four goals were kicked. Darebin was well led by Claire Hardi and Amy Tacey, while April Stok and Larissa Sahyoune were among the key contributors for Wallan.

Incredibly, the match at Ben Frilay Oval also finished in a draw, with Hurstbridge and Montmorency unable to be separated in a score line that finished 4.9 (33) apiece. Less than a goal separated the sides at each of the quarter breaks, with Hurstbridge booting 2.4 to 2.2 in final quarter to tie the game. Keely Fitzgerald and Heidi Cummins found plenty of the ball for Hurstbridge, while Stephanie Reid was the game’s only multiple goal kicker. Makaela Egan was a standout for Montmorency, while Maddi-Taylor Wilde and Tahlia Morgan featured prominently.

Banyule moved to the top of the Mirvac Division 3 Women’s ladder with a commanding 62-point victory over VU Western Spurs. The Bears kept their host scoreless at Henry Turner Reserve to secure their third win of the season. Maggie O’Reilly played her best game of the season, while Drew Barnes was again a star for the Bears. Rebekah Di Paola, Olivia Atwell and Jane Cahir were constant threats in front of goal and combined for all nine majors. Maria Soldatos was best for VU Western Spurs.

Mernda secured bragging rights against local rival Laurimar in a 5.10 (40) to 0.4 (4) win at Laurimar Reserve. The Demons kept the scoreboard ticking over in each quarter and managed to deny their opposition from kicking a major in the impressive 36-point win. Ruby Sommerville, Lucy Petruccelle and Abigail Adams were all influential for Mernda, whose five goals were shared by five players. Tess Keogh tried hard for the Power.

Fitzroy Stars made it two wins on the trot against Reservoir in a 5.11 (41) to 1.2 (8) result at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. It was a closer result than when the sides met a week prior, which will provide encouragement for the Mustangs as they continue to hunt their first win of the year. Leah Seeto was again brilliant for Fitzroy in a best on ground performance, with great support from Ocearna Nabelski and Jessica Nannup (two goals). Rowyn Williams and Jaydah Hope were best for Reservoir.

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