Some upsets took place as sides looked to either strengthen their grip on a finals spot or continue their push for finals in Round 12 action of the NFNL senior women’s competition.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
In the early Sunday afternoon match at Montmorency Park North Oval, Montmorency 1 consigned St Mary’s to their first defeat of season 2025, winning by four points at home. The Magpies trailed at quarter time after kicking six behinds to the Burra’s 1.3 before kicking three goals to nil in the second to rush out to a 16-point lead at the main break. Troy Bickerton’s side then pegged back their deficit to eight at three quarter time. However, they couldn’t complete the comeback in the final term, falling 5.8 (38) to 4.10 (34). Jessica Nursey and Molly McErlain were both influential in the Magpies victory alongside Sarah Chambers who kicked two goals. Jaydah Hope kicked two for the Burra and was one of their better players alongside Jessica Fitzpatrick.
Eltham moved two games clear inside the top five with a 75-point victory over Ivanhoe at Ivanhoe Park. Darren Cardamone’s side kicked three goals to one in the opening quarter before a two-goal to one second term in favour of the Ivies reduced their deficit to 17 points at the main break. The Panthers then proceeded to kick four goals to one in the third before a six goal to no score final term secured them the 14.10 (94) to 3.1 (19) victory. Emily Wunderlich kicked a season-high five goals while Abbey Vaughan and Ashleigh Snow continued their excellent season’s. Avena Henriksen also continued her strong season for the Ivies, kicking two of their three goals.
The final game of Division 1 this past weekend saw Heidelberg claim a 21-point victory over neighbours Banyule at Beverley Road Oval. Banyule kicked the first goal of the match to lead by four points at quarter time before an inaccurate Heidelberg kicked the only goal of the second term to lead by six points at the main break. Craig Hayes side then kicked three goals straight to one behind in the third before they were able to hold off a late Banyule charge, securing the 6.10 (46) to 4.1 (25) win. Mikayla Lee led the way in attack with two goals while Ella Norris and Danika Spamer were both influential in the victory. Rebekah Watson kicked three for the Bears while Taylah Manson and Sienna Gunning were also serviceable.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
In the only Saturday game in the senior women’s competition the Fitzroy Stars secured a 102-point victory over South Morang at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. The Stars kick started the contest with a three-goal to nil opening term before adding another four goals in the second to lead by 50 points at the main break. Kaelun Brown’s team then pressed home their advantage, kicking six goals in the third term before another three goals to just one in the last to win 16.12 (108) to 1.0 (6). Karinda Farrant made it 15 goals from her last three games with a seven-goal haul while Rachele Carrozza and Rose Stewart were also excellent. Ruby Failla and Rhianna Bennet both had solid outings for the Lions.
Lower Plenty made it seven wins from eight games in the Division 2 competition, defeating Darebin 1 by 76 points at Montmorency Park South Oval. The Bears kicked four goals to one in the opening term before a three goal to one second quarter saw them take a 30-point lead into half time. Stewart Lewis’ team then kicked five goals to nil in the third before another three goals to just one in the last secured them the 15.8 (98) to 3.4 (22) win at home. Amellia Mullane kicked seven while Amy Saunders was influential alongside the returning Bree Unthank. For the Falcons, Claire Hardi, Karmen Wong and Amy Crowden continued their excellent season’s.
Kilmore claimed their sixth victory since joining Division 2, defeating Hurstbridge at JJ Clancy Reserve on forfeit. The Two Blues kicked five goals to nil in the opening term before the game was called off during the second term due to a severe injury to a Hurstbridge player, with scores settled on 5.4 (34) Kilmore to Hurstbridge’s 0.0 (0).
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
The only early afternoon game in Division 3 saw Diamond Creek Women’s 2 return to the winners list with a 95-point victory over Reservoir at Plenty War Memorial Park. After kicking five goals in the opening term, the Creekers then kicked another five in the second to take a 65-point lead into the main break. The Creekers added two goals in each of the final two terms to claim the 14.11 (95) to 0.0 (0) win. Grace Addamo kicked four goals while Bentley Butler and Kelsea Bannan were influential in the Creekers victory. Jacinta Brew and Natalie Spidla fought hard all day for the Mustangs.
Laurimar claimed their second victory of season 2025, defeating Darebin 2 by 20 points at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Power kicked two goals to nil in the opening quarter before a two-goal to one second term in favour of the Falcons reduced the deficit from 13 points to 10 at the main break. Laurimar then returned the favour with a two goal to one third term before a goalless final quarter secured the Power a 5.10 (40) to 3.2 (20) victory at home. Naomi Hocking was superb in the win alongside Brianna Curran and Stephanie Crook while Mackenzie Belot kicked two goals. Sussan Novak kicked two for the Falcons and was one of their better players alongside Maria Quadrino and captain Eleni Konidaris.
Heidelberg West continued their late charge for a finals spot, defeating Macleod by seven points in their meeting at De Winton Park. Brett Pollard’s team got off to a fast start, kicking two goals to nil in the opening term before kicking one behind in the second to take a 15-point lead into half time. Macleod then kicked the only goal of the third before adding another goal in the final term, however it wasn’t enough as they went down 2.7 (19) to 2.0 (12). Chloe Rowan and Olivia Antonello continued their terrific seasons alongside Natasha Kiper. Ally Gunstone and Mairead Csar were also terrific for the Roos alongside Rebecca Stellini.
Whittlesea jumped into second on the table with a 31-point win over Wallan at the Whittlesea Showgrounds. The hosts kicked two goals in each of the opening two quarters whilst holding the Magpie scoreless to take a 26-point lead heading into the main break. After a scoreless third quarter the Eagles kicked the only goal of the last to win 5.2 (32) to 0.1 (1). Emma Hancy, Shae Ashworth and Tahlia Brander, the latter in her 100th game, were all terrific for the Eagles while Katrina Bruch kicked two goals. Lily Borg and Kelly Lennox continued their solid seasons for the Magpies in the loss.
North Heidelberg made it five wins on the trot with a 41-point win over Thomastown at Shelley Street Reserve. After kicking just one behind in the opening quarter the Bulldogs kicked three goals to nil in the second to lead by 19 points at the main break. Shannon Bevis’ side then kicked one goal in the third before a four goal to two final term saw them win 8.5 (53) to 2.0 (12). Division 3 leading goalkicker Teresa Cassar made it 32 goals for the season with a five-goal haul while Louisa Harper and Amelia Gunn had terrific outings. Rechelle McSwain kicked two for the Bears and was one of their best players alongside Aiyanna Ananiev and Raffaela Inturrisi.
Montmorency 2 made it seven wins from their last eight games with a hard-fought 25-point victory over Epping in the second game yesterday afternoon at Montmorency Park North Oval. The Magpies lead by two points at quarter time after both sides kicked one goal in the opening term before one behind each in the second saw the hosts retain their two-point lead. A two-goal to one behind third term then opened the game up for the Magpies, kicking another two goals in the last to win 5.5 (35) to 1.4 (10). Hayley Keating, Ruby-Lily Howse and Saiorse Doherty were all key to the Magpies victory, with Doherty kicking two goals for the hosts. Abi Morgan and Zara Howell continued their solid seasons while Amelia Di Benedetto fought hard for the Blues.
