The finals race is heating up in all three NFNL senior women’s competition’s following another massive weekend of action.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Banyule and Eltham played out a nail-biter on Friday night at Beverley Road Oval, with the Bears holding on to claim a one-point triumph. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
Darebin 1 responded to two consecutive losses with a dominant 63-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside 1 at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Roosters led by four points at quarter time courtesy of two first term goals but failed to hit the scoreboard for the remainder of the match, as the Falcons ran out 10.15 (75) to 2.0 (12) winners. The hosts had seven individual goalkickers for their 10 majors, with Olivia Papaleo standing out as one of the best players on the ground. Rachele Carrozza continued her solid form for West Preston-Lakeside.
Montmorency 1 continues to occupy top spot after a comfortable 59-point win over Diamond Creek Women’s 1 at Montmorency Park North Oval. The Magpies won all four quarters in the 11.9 (75) to 2.4 (16) display and have now made it five successive wins in the competition. Isobel Shaw was terrific for the home team and was a key player in her side’s win along with Taylah Harris. Olivia Caruana impressed for the Creekers as well as Maykaylah Appleby and Chiara Nardo.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
A fourth win on the trot came for St Mary’s after defeating Greensborough by 24 points at Greensborough War Memorial Park. The Boro competed well throughout the afternoon, but the Burra always had their measure, finishing 6.8 (44) to 3.2 (20) victors. Megan Girolami was a clear best on ground after kicking four goals for the third time in the 2023 campaign. Taylor Harvy was also great for the visitors while Emmison Zeally worked hard for Greensborough despite the loss.
The Fitzroy Stars had one of their most impressive performances in recent years after a huge 124-point triumph over Hurstbridge at RMIT Sports Oval. The Bridges were kept scoreless throughout the match while the Stars piled on 34 scoring shots to claim an 18.16 (124) to 0.0 (0) victory. Jessica Bamblett, Bonnie Kairouz and Christine Mayberry all kicked three goals apiece with Stephanie Briggs judged as her side’s best. Kristy Steven and Ruby Moore battled hard in a difficult day for the visitors.
Heidelberg have risen into second spot after leapfrogging Mernda with a 27-point win at Waterview Recreation Reserve. In what’s been a rarity for them in recent years, the Demons were kept scoreless, as the Tigers did enough in all four terms to run out 4.3 (27) to 0.0 (0) winners. Tessa Hankinson kicked two of the away side’s four goals while Mia Tascone starred in a dominant effort across midfield. Reigning Division 3 best and fairest Gulia Ceravolo stood out for Mernda.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Despite being challenged, Wallan’s unbeaten streak in the competition continued after a 17-point victory over Darebin 2 at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Magpies led by just one-point at three quarter time in a tight-knit contest, before kicking two goals to nil in the final term to triumph 3.6 (24) to 1.1 (7) and hand the Falcons their second straight loss. Kia Montgomery (two goals) and Chelsea Paton (Wallan’s best) were the difference in the match while Mia Krasenstein continued a great run of form with another solid effort for the hosts.
An important contest out at Heidelberg Park saw Montmorency 2 take their winning streak into another week with a 16-point win over Heidelberg West. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
Laurimar broke through to win their first game since Round 3 following a 45-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside 2 at J.E. Moore Park. A four-goal opening quarter broke the game open for the Power, keeping the Roosters goalless in the process to finish 6.10 (46) to 0.1 (1) victors. Holly Pitts kicked a season-high three goals with Olivia Thomson playing her best game of the season for the away side. Olivia Nesci has been in the Roosters’ best players in all seven games she’s played in 2023 and was impressive again on Sunday.
Diamond Creek Women’s 2 also ended a losing streak in Round 9, defeating North Heidelberg by 51 points at Plenty Park Oval. After a lead of 14 points at half time, the Creekers kicked seven majors to one to finish 10.6 (66) to 2.3 (15) winners. Simone Secombe had another influential game up forward with three goals while Bentley Butler’s brilliant form continued with another impressive effort. Louisa Harper’s debut for the Bulldogs was a solid one, finishing as her side’s best player for the afternoon.
