We got to experience 10 games of NFNL senior women’s action across three days with yesterday’s enthralling ANZAC Day clash bringing Round 2 to a close.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Darebin 1 made it two wins from two following an impressive 67-point win over Greensborough at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Falcons produced a strong performance, only losing the third quarter, on their way to a comfortable 13.6 (84) to 2.5 (17) triumph. Imogen Kendal and Rikki Ryan stood out for the home side with some great efforts alongside Claire Hardi who was influential around the ground. Elly Huber was one of the best for the Boro in their defeat.
In a highly anticipated clash between West Preston-Lakeside 1 and Diamond Creek Women’s 1, it was the Roosters who prevailed by 21 points at J.E. Moore Park. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
Montmorency 1 secured their second consecutive big win to start the 2023 season, following a 46-point victory over Eltham at Montmorency Park North Oval. Just 10 points separated the two sides at half time, but an eight goal to two second half paved the way for the Magpies to triumph 9.7 (61) to 2.3 (15). Chiara Scuderi kicked three goals in a terrific display, with Nicole Blythe also playing a great game for the hosts. Rhiannon Burleigh and Sienna Gunning were solid contributors for the Panthers.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
An incredibly close contest out at Ben Frilay Oval saw the Fitzroy Stars open its 2023 account with an eight-point triumph over Hurstbridge. The Stars registered eight more scoring shots in the 4.11 (35) to 4.3 (27) victory but had to survive a late surge from the Bridges in the final quarter to hold on. Atelini Seeto kicked two goals for the visitors with Medika Bonney also having an impressive game. Melissa Martini was a standout for the Bridges while Ruby Moore kicked two majors.
St Mary’s produced their best effort in a 99-point victory over Darebin 2 at N.J. Telfer Reserve on Sunday. After having the bye in Round 1, the Burra didn’t waste time in getting back to their best with a 15.10 (100) to 0.1 (1) win. Sarah Johnston got back to her impressive goalkicking form, leading the goalkicking with four goals. Caitlin Kreuzberger was also brilliant for the hosts, while Ruby Cray was one of the Falcons’ best in the loss.
A huge ANZAC Day contest saw the accurate Heidelberg defeat Banyule by three points at Warringal Park. Scores were tight throughout the whole match but the Tigers held their lead in all four quarters to run out 6.0 (36) to 4.9 (33) winners. After seven majors against the Falcons last week, Emma Rowe was again hard to beat inside 50 for the Tigers, kicking five of her side’s six goals. Grace Papgianis was also terrific for the home side while Candice Dyson was Banyule’s best.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
In a Saturday twilight clash at Waterview Recreation Reserve, Mernda continued their undefeated start to the season with a strong win over Laurimar. The Demons kept the Power scoreless throughout the match and had it not been for inaccurate goalkicking, the 9.20 (74) to 0.0 (0) scoreline could have been much greater. Mernda skipper Teneisha Fiore was superb as was reigning Division 3 best and fairest Gulia Ceravolo. Rachel Chettle was named as the best for the visitors.
Heidelberg West also made it two wins from two last weekend, when they took care of West Preston-Lakeside 2 by 93 points at Heidelberg Park. The Hawks shot out of the gates with a massive seven goal opening term, keeping the Roosters scoreless in the 13.15 (95) to 0.0 (0) triumph. Emily O’Keefe kicked four majors and was a constant threat inside 50, with Fiona Sheehan and Jemima Fox also impressive. Mimi Hamilton stood out for the Roosters.
The same start to the season occurred for Wallan who held off Diamond Creek Women’s 2 to claim a 26-point victory at Plenty Park Oval. Inaccurate goalkicking kept the Creekers in the hunt in the first half, but the Magpies proved too strong in the 3.9 (27) to 0.1 (1) win. Kristy Nunn slotted two goals while Shazi Cappello produced a best on ground performance for the visitors. Simone Secombe and Elly-May Dreier were key contributors for the Creekers.
Meanwhile Montmorency 2 bounced back to record its first win of season 2023, with a 21-point triumph over North Heidelberg at Shelley Reserve. The Bulldogs put up a good fight, but the Magpies had the answers throughout the afternoon to secure the 4.6 (30) to 1.3 (9) victory. Sian Capito was the only multiple goalkicker on the ground with two goals whilst Tahlia Morgan was terrific for her side. Although they didn’t get the result, Charlie Short kicked North Heidelberg’s first ever goal in the women’s competition.
