A return to senior women’s action in the NFNL this week saw some big results across all three competitions, as sides look to produce their best football ahead of finals action.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
On Saturday we saw a huge first vs second battle between Banyule and Montmorency 1 at Beverley Road Oval, with the Magpies all but locking up the minor premiership with a 27-point triumph. Montmorency had their measure throughout, keeping the Bears at bay to produce a 7.4 (46) to 3.1 (19) win and moving two games clear on top of the ladder. Taylah Bugeja was superb for the visitors as well as Emily Beanland who is producing a brilliant campaign. Drew Barnes led the way for the Bears.
A fourth vs fifth contest with massive implications was played out between Diamond Creek Women’s 1 and Darebin 1, with the hosts prevailing by 38 points at Plenty Park Oval. Read the full match report by clicking here.
Eltham has put more pressure on Banyule as they look for a double chance spot after defeating West Preston-Lakeside 1 by 42 points at Eltham Central Park. The Roosters kept the margin to 10 points at half time but were blown out in the second half, with the Panthers finishing 8.8 (56) to 1.8 (14) winners. Angelique Reibelt made it 15 goals for the year with another bag of three while Maegan Devine was named as the home side’s best. The return of Tallia Pulcino and Ashleigh Snow was a boost for the visitors, with the latter being named in the best.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
Whittlesea still cling on to fifth spot on the ladder after defeating Hurstbridge by 27 points at Ben Frilay Oval. The Eagles never looked like dropping off against a determined Bridges outfit, finishing 7.9 (51) to 3.6 (24) winners to secure their third win of the year. Tahlia Brander and Tiana Markey were the standouts for the visitors, with the latter also kicking two majors. In her first game since June, Belinda Harris was exceptional for the Bridges and has now been named in her side’s bets in each of the four games she’s played in 2023.
St Mary’s were in total control from start to finish in their impressive 109-point triumph over Mernda at N.J. Telfer Reserve. The Demons were just kept to one behind while the Burra piled on 30 scoring shots to claim a 16.14 (110) to 0.1 (1) win. Sarah Johnston’s five majors earnt her best on ground honours, she now has 20 goals for the season. Megan Girolami was just as impressive with four goals while again, Gulia Ceravolo was a standout for the Demons.
The closest game of the round took place at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval, where Greensborough came from behind to sneak a two-point victory over the Fitzroy Stars. The Boro led by nine at half time but trailed by a point heading into the final term before kicking nine points to six in the last quarter to prevail 6.4 (40) to 5.8 (38). Tayla Hill and Kelly Mullins were brilliant for the visitors and did everything they could to get a result for their side. Meanwhile the Stars were led by Jessica Bamblett who was outstanding.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Darebin 2 were able to produce a 13-point win over Diamond Creek Women’s 2 at Plenty Park Oval, moving them back into fourth as a result. The 3.3 (21) to 1.2 (8) victory is the Falcons’ second straight triumph and their second straight win over the Creekers. Susan Cadman kicked two of the side’s three goals for the afternoon while Tamara Olcorn impressed all around the ground, kicking the visitors’ other major for the day. Holly Pink exceled in a terrific display for the Creekers despite the loss.
Heidelberg West secured a double chance spot in their first season in the women’s competition following a comprehensive 43-point victory over North Heidelberg at Shelley Reserve. The Hawks led by two straight goals at the main break before kicking 5.8 to 1.1 in the second half to finish 8.14 (62) to 3.1 (19) winners. Taya Barnett was the star up forward with four majors for the visitors, while teammate Molly Reinke was also solid. Teresa Cassar stood out for the Bulldogs.
Montmorency 2 also locked in finals and a top three position after defeating Laurimar by 67 points at Montmorency Park North Oval. The Magpies kept the Power scoreless and piled on 22 scoring shots to win 9.13 (67) to 0.0 (0). Nicole Brattusa and Sian Captio both registered three goals apiece and were each named in their side’s best. Laurimar were led by great efforts from Rachel Chettle and Tiahn Cowan.
