Some sides picked up vital wins while time is running out for others to book a spot in the finals across all three NFNL senior women’s competitions.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Eltham held their lead throughout to secure a 14-point victory over Diamond Creek Women’s 1 at Plenty Park Oval. The Panthers had the advantage at each quarter break and although they were kept goalless in the final term, they had done enough to go on and prevail 7.7 (49) to 5.5 (35). Alannah Murray was best on ground in an incredible display while Angelique Reibelt was excellent up forward with three goals. Maykaylah Appleby added two majors for the Creekers while teammate Emma Layfield was a solid contributor throughout the afternoon.
Montmorency 1 made it a 12th win in the 2023 campaign, comfortably defeating Darebin 1 by 69 points at Montmorency Park North Oval. Following a 10-point lead in the first term, the Magpies put the foot down, registering 21 scoring shots to finish 11.10 (76) to 1.1 (7) victors. Madison Bayes made it 16 majors for the season after scoring an equal season high of three goals. Madeline Gallagher-Beanland was dominant also for the hosts while efforts from Claire Hardi and Dallas Rowland were admirable for the Falcons.
An intense contest at Beverley Road Oval saw Banyule hang on for a five-point win over West Preston-Lakeside 1 to stay in second position. The Bears had kept the Roosters goalless until three quarter time but only led by 10 points, before the visitors kicked the next major of the game, putting the pressure on the Bears. However, it was the hosts who got over the line with a 1.7 (13) to 1.2 (8) win. Drew Barnes was exceptional as was Maggie O’Reilly for Banyule, while Rachele Carrozza was key in keeping the Roosters in the hunt throughout.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
A massive Friday night contest at Warringal Park saw the top two sides in Heidelberg and St Mary’s go at it, with the latter winning by 19 points to go two games clear on top. The Burra only led by three points at half time but then kept the Tigers goalless for the rest of the match, going on to win 3.11 (29) to 1.4 (10). Brigid McEntee was outstanding in just her third game of the season, with Jessica Ryan also impressive for the ladder leaders. Tessa Hankinson led the way for Heidelberg and was named in her side’s best for the seventh time in 11 games.
Greensborough took a massive step towards securing a spot in the finals after a strong 52-point triumph over Hurstbridge at Greensborough War Memorial Park. The Bridges were kept scoreless again while the Boro produced 22 scoring shots to win 6.16 (52) to 0.0 (0). A season high four goals from Amy Vine had a big say in the win, as did the performances of teammates Elly Huber and Meggan Nelsen. Kristy Steven was named in Hurstbridge’s best for the sixth time in seven games after standing out again for her side.
Mernda bounced back to winning ways and have returned to third spot after defeating Whittlesea by 21 points at the Whittlesea Showgrounds. The Demons produced their highest score since Round 8 in the 4.4 (28) to 1.1 (7) triumph and are now one game clear of the Stars in third. Taylah Liberatore, Teneisha Fiore and Tianah Teo all played key roles in securing the four points for Mernda while Annette Carle and Jessica Vilinskis were always in the thick of the action for the Eagles.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Heidelberg West scored their best win of the season to date, after defeating Wallan by seven points to end their unbeaten run in the competition. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
Diamond Creek Women’s 2 solidified a spot in the finals after a dominant 55-point win over Laurimar at Plenty Park Oval. The damage was done in the first half as the Creeker kicked five goals to nil on their way to claiming a 7.14 (56) to 0.1 (1) victory. Simone Secombe again had a major impact for her side inside 50 with another two goals while the efforts of Stefanie Memos contributed to the win for the hosts. Tiahn Cowan continues to stand out for the Power and did so once again on Sunday despite the loss.
North Heidelberg’s finals hopes came to an end after going down by 23 points to Darebin 2 at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Bulldogs were kept scoreless until the final term while the Falcons had scored four goals in that same period, going on to win 6.1 (37) to 2.2 (14). Cambel Rowland was again excellent for the hosts and has been named in the side’s best in four consecutive games. North Heidelberg were led by great performances from Mikayla Clarkson and Louisa Harper.
