Eltham have made it nine consecutive wins in the NFNL women’s competition after cruising to a 52-point win over the Fitzroy Stars at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval to remain on top of the SG Print & Paper Division 2 Women’s ladder.
The game was in the Panthers’ control from start to finish, as they only conceded a single goal for the entirety of the match while piling on nine majors of their own to beat the home side 9.6 (60) to 1.2 (8).
Jacki White led the way for the visitors booting four majors, now making it 27 goals for the season.
Kate Cardamone and Angelique Reibelt each contributed two of their own.
Sarah Huntington, Shannyn Ashby and Maegan Devine were among the best for the Panthers, but it was an even contribution from the entire side that got Eltham over the line, showing once again why they’ve been one of the premier teams of the competition this season.
Leah Seeto and Simone Carre were the shining lights for Lisa Roper’s side, who have lost their last three matches.
The first quarter saw Eltham dominate the inside 50 count, with their midfield performing well enough to prevent the Stars from entering their own forward 50 and keeping them scoreless.
Those up forward for the Panthers were able to add three goals to gain an early 19-point lead at the first change.
The Fitzroy Stars cleaned up their play in the second term and as a result, Leah Seeto was able to kick her side’s first goal for the game.
However, her efforts were countered by a Brooke Taylor goal not long after, and with the help of a couple extra behinds, Eltham’s lead grew slightly to 21 points at half time.
The Stars got on the front foot early in the third quarter and were able to produce repeat entries inside 50. But the home side were only able to add a rushed behind to their score as the Panthers quickly regained the momentum.
Beginning to solidify the lead they had built in the first half, Eltham added three goals for the quarter to put themselves in a commanding position heading into the final term.
The Stars never gave in despite the hefty deficit as they continued to push hard for a second major.
But everything just seemed to go right for the visitors as Jacki White scored her fourth goal of the match before Angelique Reibelt calmly slotted a set shot to conclude what was a comprehensive victory for the ladder leaders.
The result puts the Panthers in good stead for a huge first vs second dual against Banyule next week while the Stars will look to re-enter the top four when they take on Darebin 2.
