The fourth and final grading round in the NFNL Women’s competition was completed ahead of the representative break.
Darebin 2 returned home to A.H Capp Reserve to secure a 5.6 (36) to 2.1 (13) win over the VU Western Spurs 3. A strong first half from the Falcons saw them pile on five unanswered goals and the Spurs were unable to catch them, despite an improved second half performance that saw them add 2.1 to the Falcons’ solitary behind. Claire Hardi, Clare Sullivan and Tineka Austin-Laughton were the best performing Falcons, while Natasha Phipps and Nikita Magriplis kicked two goals each.
Diamond Creek Women’s 2 produced their third win on the trot, defeating Montmorency 2 5.1 (31) to 0.3 (3) at Plenty Park Oval. The Creekers took a handy 11-point lead into half time and built on their momentum after the main break to run away with the match. Jessica Johnston continued her consistent season, while Elly-May Dreier kicked three of the Creekers’ five goals. Ellen Brasier and Jazmyn Keppel played their roles for the Magpies.
Bundoora returned to winning ways after last week suffering its first-ever loss – holding off a gallant Bendigo 3.2 (20) to 2.3 (15) at Queen Elizabeth Oval. Kicking the opening goal of the match, the Bulls took an important six-point lead into half time in the low-scoring battle. Both teams kicked third term goals and the Bulls were able to hold onto their lead heading into the final change. The sides remained evenly matched throughout fourth quarter with both kicking goals once again, but the Bulls’ early lead proved pivotal in ensuring they were able to hold on for the tight win. Talia Vincent and Candice Dyson were fantastic for the Bulls, while Madeline Holt and Ayrlea Bailey-Mcclanahan worked especially hard for a Thunder outfit with no bench.
VU Western Spurs 1 maintained their undefeated record after an enthralling 3.3 (21) to 2.6 (18) victory away to an in-form Darebin 1 outfit at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Falcons controlled much of the play in the opening quarter but came away with only three behinds to show for it. The Spurs made them pay in the second quarter, with three goals including a great set shot conversion from Alyssa Mifsud. The Falcons however, had their turn at the scoring end in the third quarter and closed the gap to one-point by the final change thanks to goals via Elizabeth McGrath and Rachel Harris. The Falcons fought hard to grasp a winning goal in the last quarter, but the Spurs proved to be too strong around the contest and held on until the final siren. Playing her milestone 50th game for the Spurs, Sabrin Nyawela was terrific in the ruck and Jasmine Maljevac was also in great touch. Caitlyn Jeffress and Millie Caddy were important in the Falcons’ fightback.
Mernda backed up their win in Round 3 with a 6.4 (40) to 3.6 (24) victory over Hurstbridge. After conceding the opening three goals and falling behind by 17 points by the main break, the Bridges hit back with a two-goal third term that saw them close within five points at three-quarter time. Mernda responded to the challenge with an outstanding three-goal final term to seal the four points. Courtney Corr and Shelby Nanscawen excelled for Mernda, while Belinda Harris and Natarsha Harrop were highlights for the Bridges.
Heidelberg returned to the winners’ list after defeating Reservoir 7.11 (53) to 0.0 (0) at Crispe Park. After adding only 1.4 to the scoreboard in the first quarter, the Tigers produced a stunning second quarter that saw them pile on five goals to set up the win. Ashleigh Riley and Rianne Coldebella kicked three goals apiece in the Tigers win, while Stevie Hare and Alisha Priestley tried hard for Reservoir.
South Morang bounced back from their defeat last week, overcoming St Mary’s 2.8 (20) to 0.3 (3) at Greensborough Park. In what was a hotly contested match, the Lions produced plenty of opportunities to hit the scoreboard while also holding strong in defence all day. Cassie Hurst and Demi Hallett provided plenty of run for the Lions as they continued their exceptional seasons, while Laurie Alonzo and Maddison Savvidis were the Burra’s best.
VU Western Spurs 2 continued their unbeaten run with a dominant 20.12 (132) to 0.0 (0) win over Greensborough at Greensborough War Memorial Park. In what was a clinical display, the Spurs put the game away early with an eight-goal first half and didn’t let up in the second half where they added another 12 goals. Aleisha Casley booted seven goals in an exceptional performance, while Alana Doherty and Danielle Mazzocca also found plenty of the football. Lauren Collis and Lauren Green battled hard for the Boro.
Diamond Creek Women’s 1 and Montmorency 1 played out the first draw of the season, with both sides level on 39 points apiece at the final siren at Plenty Park Oval. The Magpies had more scoring shots in the 5.9 to 6.3 result. After a tight first half, the Creekers took a one-point lead into half time and the Magpies were left to rue an inaccurate half that saw them kick 2.7. A two-goal third quarter to the Magpies gave them a 13-point lead by the final change, but a gusty three-goal to one last quarter by the Creekers put them back in the match and the siren blew before the tie could be broken. Amanda Kennedy was named best for the Creekers, while Paige Cardona contributed three crucial goals. Tanisha Giordano and Bailey Schultz were influential throughout the match for the Magpies, while Sian Capito and Ashleigh Setches each kicked two goals.
Laurimar travelled to Wallan Recreational Reserve to snap up their first win of the season, defeating Wallan 5.3 (33) to 1.3 (9). The Power set up a handy 12-point buffer at quarter time and stretched it out to 22 points with another two goals in the second term. The Magpies were unable to close the gap between the two sides, despite Madison Reesor and Ashleigh Grindlay’s great efforts. Elyse Scheuermann and Renee Grant produced their best performances of the season for a Power side who will take confidence from their away victory, while Nicole Aldridge booted three majors.
