The finals race is far from over throughout all three competitions following some important results during last weekend’s action in the NFNL senior women’s football competition.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Montmorency 1 hosted Eltham under Friday night lights, with the Magpies run continuing after a 22-point victory at Montmorency Park North Oval. The Magpies only led by eight points at three quarter time, before a two goal to nil final term secured the 6.5 (41) to 2.7 (19) triumph. It was Madeline Gallagher-Beanland who stood out for the hosts in a dominant display, also finishing with a major. Abbey Ward and Shelby Coall produced great game too for Montmorency while Jacki White was named as Eltham’s best.
Darebin 1 and Banyule’s contest was decided in the final term, with the visitors winning by 10 points at A.H. Capp Reserve. Scores were locked at 1.3 (9) apiece heading into a huge final term, before both sides registered the same scoring shots, however it was the Bears who were more accurate, holding on to win 3.7 (25) to 1.9 (15). Annabel Goodison had her best performance in what has been a brilliant couple of months, now being named in her side’s best in six consecutive matches. Olivia Perillo also impressed while Karmen Wong was outstanding for the Falcons in the tight loss.
Diamond Creek Women’s 1 moved one step closer to snatching fourth spot on the ladder after a comfortable 63-point triumph over West Preston-Lakeside 1 at J.E. Moore Park. A six-goal to one first half set up the 14.9 (63) to 4.6 (30) win and has seen the Creekers jump into the top four on percentage with just three games remaining in the home and away season. Linda Thorp kicked five majors in another terrific game, while Maykaylah Appleby led her side brilliantly with three majors. Chiara Fitzgerald made it back-to-back weeks as the Roosters’ best.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
St Mary’s further stamped their authority on the competition on Friday night, after a 170-point victory over bottom placed Hurstbridge at Whatmough Park. The Bridges were kept scoreless in the 26.14 (170) to 0.0 (0) win, putting the Burra in the hot seat to claim the minor premiership. The two standouts throughout the night were Megan Girolami, who produced seven majors, and Jessica Hardy, whose talent was on show throughout the match. Natarsha Harrop rallied hard for the Bridges despite the loss.
The Fitzroy Stars pulled away from Mernda in the second half to claim an important 29-point triumph at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
Heidelberg’s push for top spot remains intact after defeating Whittlesea by 42 points at the Whittlesea Showgrounds. A huge five-goal to one first half was the base of the 7.6 (48) to 1.0 (6) result, which is now the Tigers fifth consecutive victory in the competition. Mia Tascone was excellent as was Emily De Sando with the duo dominating the midfield. Paige Thompson and Emma Rowe kicked two majors apiece for the visitors, while Tiana Markey was a standout for the Eagles and was her side’s only goalkicker for the afternoon.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
North Heidelberg are keeping their slim finals hopes alive after a 31-point win over West Preston-Lakeside 2 at J.E. Moore Park. The Bulldogs third triumph of the season came after an impressive six goal to one second half, which saw them secure a 7.5 (47) to 2.4 (16) result and go one game behind fifth placed Diamond Creek Women’s 2. Mikayla Clarkson had a great afternoon and has now been named in her Bulldogs’ best eight times in 11 games in 2023. Nikita Scott and Amy Pullar kicked two goals each for the visitors while Sara Santoro’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed for the Roosters.
Heidelberg West have locked in a double chance spot in their inaugural season of the women’s competition after defeating Darebin 2 by 51 points by 51 points at Heidelberg Park. The Hawks registered 18 scoring shots to two in the 8.10 (58) to 1.1 (7) win, and now extend their gap from the Falcons to 16 points with two matches remaining. Chloe Rowan kicked three goals in a best on ground performance with Molly Reinke also excellent. Alfe Larkin and Cambel Rowland did their best for the Falcons.
Montmorency 2 came from behind at half time to claim an important 15-point victory over Diamond Creek Women’s 2 at Montmorency Park North Oval. The Magpies trailed by seven points at half time before keeping the Creekers scoreless and kicking three majors themselves in the second half to prevail 4.5 (29) to 2.2 (14). Sian Capito kicked two majors for the hosts, now taking her tally to 14 majors, while teammate Josephine Akuei performed well. Jessica Thompson kicked both of the visitors’ goals with Bentley Butler being named as the side’s best.
Wallan have gone 12 straight games without a loss after proving too good for Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve, winning by 63 points. The Power were kept scoreless until the final term, while the Magpies dominated throughout to win 10.5 (65) to 0.2 (2). Kelly Lennox was simply superb and led the way up forward with three majors. Chelsea Paton and Nicole Evans also played important roles in the win for the visitors, while Tiahn Cowan again impressed for the Power.
