A terrific slate of games concluded an outstanding home and away season in our senior women’s competitions.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Banyule ended their 2024 season on a high, defeating Diamond Creek Women’s 1 in a nail-biting three-point victory at Beverely Road Oval on Saturday. The Creekers held narrow leads of four points at quarter time and one-point at the main break before the Bears edged their opponents to take a four-point advantage into the last quarter. The away side got in front thanks to a Grace Addamo goal as well as multiple behinds, before Olivia Mincone found the big sticks with five minutes remaining to help Banyule win 5.6 (36) to 5.3 (33). Mincone finished with two goals for the game with Bears teammate Megan Barnes excellent again. Adele Coppola was the Creekers’ best.
With Diamond Creek Women’s 1’s defeat, St Mary’s ended the season on top of the ladder after a dominant 59-point triumph over Darebin 1 at N.J. Telfer Reserve. The Burra led by just a point at quarter time before keeping the Falcons scoreless for the remainder of the game, registering 16 scoring shots to pick up a terrific 10.6 (66) 1.1 (7). A five-goal effort from Megan Girolami helped the home side get over the line, she has now kicked 14 majors in her three games against the Falcons in 2024. Emmison Zealley also impressed for St Mary’s, while Darebin had multiple contributors to conclude their campaign this year.
Montmorency will enter the finals series on a five-game winning streak after an eight-point victory over Heidelberg at Montmorency Park North Oval. The Magpies led throughout the entire contest, keeping the Tigers scoreless in the opening half, before holding off a mini Tigers surge in the second half to win 2.9 (21) to 2.1 (13), ending the home and away campaign in third position as a result. Magpies co-captain Madeline Gallagher was super impressive again and played a key role in her side’s win. Taylah Harris and Ella Spark were other Montmorency players to contribute to the victory, while Emily Baldi and Emily De Sando were standouts for Heidelberg. The two sides will now meet again in the first semi-final.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
Mernda picked up a massive 60-point victory over Montmorency 2 at Montmorency Park North Oval, although it wasn’t enough to see them sneak into the top five by season’s end. The Demons kept their opponents to just one major for the entire afternoon while also posting their third highest score of the 2024 campaign in the 9.14 (68) to 1.2 (8) triumph. Mernda captain Teneisha Fiore led from the front and starred up forward with five majors, with teammates Janelle Bertoni and Laila Zayat capping off their great seasons with more excellent performances. Sian Capito and Ella Peatling stood out for the Magpies.
The Fitzroy Stars will arguably be one of the most in-form sides heading into the finals series, after a comprehensive 90-point win over Greensborough at Anthony Beale Reserve. For the fifth time since coming up to Division 2, the Stars posted a total score of 80 points or more in the 12.19 (91) to 0.1 (1) victory, also keeping an opponent to just one behind for the second time this year. Natarsha Bamblett maintained her excellent form this season with another starring performance, while Kristen Atkinson led the way inside 50 with three majors. Sheridan Blizzard stood tall once again for the Boro to end a solid individual season.
Thomastown returned to the winners list to solidify fifth position and a maiden finals berth but had to hold off Whittlesea in a nine-point victory at Main Street Recreation Reserve. The Bears led at each quarter break despite being goalless after quarter time, and although the Eagles managed two second half majors, it wasn’t enough for the visitors to cause an upset, as Thomastown prevailed 2.12 (24) to 2.3 (15). Olivia Antonello and Brooke Gibson were brilliant for the home side, with the latter kicking both of her side’s goals for the afternoon. Meanwhile Ivana Pecanac made it four mentions in Whittlesea’s best in her last five games, ending her season on a high.
A thrilling four-point victory confirmed a top three finish for Ivanhoe in their inaugural senior women’s campaign, defeating fellow finals bound side Lower Plenty at Ivanhoe Park. Read the full match report by clicking here.
West Preston-Lakeside locked in the minor premiership after accounting for Darebin 2 in a huge 58-point win at A.H. Capp Reserve. The damage was done in the opening half, with the Roosters firing home eight goals to nil in the first two quarters on their way to a 9.10 (64) to 1.0 (6) triumph. It’s the club’s first minor premiership in the women’s competition since 2018, where they went on to win the Division 2 flag. Sarina Galati was superb for the visitors and teammate Trinity Mills produced a season-high three goals to help contribute to the winning score. Aisling O’Mahony made it four consecutive appearances in the Falcons’ best following another great display.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
In just their second season in the senior women’s competition, Heidelberg West claimed the minor premiership after an impressive 26-point win over Hurstbridge at Heidelberg Park. After scores were level at quarter time, the Hawks burst the game open with a three-goal to nil second quarter, which proved vital in their eventual 4.5 (29) to 0.1 (1) victory. Chloe Rowan’s influence was profound again for the hosts, finishing as her side’s best, while Kiana Horman was the winning team’s only multiple goalkicker with two majors, and has now kicked goals in each of her last four matches. Kristy Steven once again stood out for the Bridges.
South Morang jumped into third to end the regular season after an 18-point win on the road over North Heidelberg at Shelley Street Reserve. The Lions put together a strong opening half to set the tone for their 4.3 (27) to 1.3 (9) win, with the club making another finals appearance following their return to the senior women’s competition in 2024. Hayley Ball was the one to star for the visiting Lions, kicking three of her side’s four majors in the win, while Ella Pinney and Bianca Muraca were others to play their role. Ellouise Bishop was the Bulldogs’ best.
Diamond Creek Women’s 2 finished their season on a good note, defeating Epping by 44 points in a strong performance at Plenty Park Oval. The Blues were kept scoreless for the afternoon by the Creekers, who produced their third highest score of the season in the 6.8 (44) to 0.0 (0) triumph. The home side’s best efforts came from Mia Hammond and Kayley Reid, with Grace Zadorozniak kicking two goals in her fourth match of the season for the club. With just 15 players on the field, the Blues were led by Tahlia Simper and Michelle Teoteo.
Panton Hill will enter the 2024 finals campaign on a four-game winning streak after a strong 39-point victory over Wallan at Greenhill Reserve. The final margin could have been a lot greater had the Redbacks been a bit more accurate, as they registered 20 scoring shots or more for the third time in their last four matches to help them prevail 4.16 (40) to 0.1 (1). Stephanie Jacobson was excellent for the visitors, as was Bianca Walker, who has now been named in her side’s best in five straight matches. Macey Kubeil’s great campaign continued for the Magpies despite the defeat.
