There were plenty of statements made in the past weekend of action in the NFNL Senior Women’s competition.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
An enthralling Friday night clash between Heidelberg and St Mary’s ended in a draw at Warringal Park. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
The first of the two Sunday games in the topflight saw Diamond Creek Women’s 1 return to the winners list with a 34-point win over Montmorency 1 at Montmorency Park North Oval. Only one goal was kicked in the first half by either side, with the Creekers taking a nine-point lead heading into the main break. Angelo Lamanna’s side then kicked another four behinds and kept Montmorency scoreless in the third term before a four goal to three behind final term sealed the 5.9 (39) to 0.5 (5) victory for the Creekers. Grace Farah had a strong game alongside Heidi Gifford while Alexis Baillie kicked two goals for the Creekers. Sarah Chambers and Lani Ward fought hard for the Magpies alongside club debutant Molly McErlain.
Banyule also returned to the winners list, defeating Ivanhoe by 46 points at Beverley Road Oval. The Bears kicked three goals in the first quarter before both sides scored one goal each in the second. Leading by 22 points at half time, Dan Sheean’s side built on that advantage in the second half, kicking five goals to one to secure the 9.6 (60) to 2.2 (14) win. Taylah Manson and Charlotte Paonessa were exceptional in the win for the Bears along with Rebekah Watson and Sienna Gunning while Georgia Pirdis and Avena Henriksen were serviceable for the Ivies.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
Fitzroy Stars jumped back into second place on the table with a 103-point victory over Darebin 1 at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Stars kicked five goals in the opening term before kicking another three goals to take a 45-point lead into half time. They then kicked another nine goals and held the Falcons scoreless in the last to secure the 17.9 (111) to 1.2 (8) victory. Karinda Farrant kicked six for the Stars while Amina Keegan added another four goals to her tally for season 2025. Medika Bonney and Rose Stewart continued their terrific season’s while Julia McArdle fought her heart out for the Falcons.
South Morang claimed the second biggest win of the weekend in Division 2, defeating Panton Hill by 96 points at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. The Lions got off to a fast start, kicking seven goals to one in the opening half to lead by 38 points at the main break. They then finished even stronger, kicking nine goals to just one behind in the second half to claim the 16.7 (103) to 1.1 (7) win. Hailey Cordova kicked four goals whilst Hayley Ball and Chloe Thompson kicked three each for the Lions. Ball was one of the best for South Morang alongside Devony Hoare whilst Bianca Walker and Stephanie Jacobson fought hard for the Redbacks.
Lower Plenty remained on top of the Division 2 table after defeating Kilmore by 62 points in their top of the table clash at JJ Clancy Reserve. The Bears kicked four goals in the opening term before two goals to Kilmore in the second term reduced their deficit to 16 points at half time. Lower then kicked eight goals to just one in the second half to secure the 13.6 (84) to 3.4 (22) victory away from home. Milla Fereday kicked four goals for the Bears who were well led by Amelia Mullane, Shae Audley and Anayah Maher. Sienna Shinners had another solid game for the Blues alongside Jessica Vilinskis while Chiara Nardo kicked two of Kilmore’s three goals.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
In the early afternoon game at Montmorency Park North Oval, Montmorency 2 defeated Diamond Creek Women’s 2 by 22 points. The hosts kicked one goal in each of the first two quarters and kept the Creekers to just two behinds in that period. Diamond Creek Women’s then reduced the deficit to three points at the final break before three goals to no score in the last in favour of the Magpies saw them get over the line 5.6 (36) to 1.8 (14). Sian Capito kicked two goals while Jemma Gersh and Hayley Keating had brilliant games alongside Olivia Nesci. Paris Gay and Bentley Butler continued their solid seasons for the Creekers.
Whittlesea travelled to Laurimar Reserve and claimed a 65-point victory over Laurimar. Aimee McDougall’s side kicked three goals in the opening half and kept the Power scoreless to lead by 24 points at the main break. They then kicked six goals to one behind in the final two quarters to secure the 9.12 (66) to 0.1 (1) win. Tahlia Brander kicked two goals for the Eagles who were well led by Harper McPherson-Goulding, Ashley Fitzpatrick and Audrey Steinke. For the Power, Naomi Hocking and Mikayla Wassell were gallant in defeat.
Heidelberg West won their third game in a row, defeating Reservoir by 55 points at Crispe Park. The Hawks kicked three goals in the opening half before kicking another four goals in the second, finishing on 8.7 (55) while holding the hosts to 0.0 (0). Olivia Antonello kicked three on her Hawks debut while Chloe Rowan and Alanah Moore continued their exceptional seasons. Giuseppina Tarantello and Brigid Howell fought hard yet again for the Mustangs in what was their second biggest loss of season 2025 to date.
North Heidelberg moved to the top of the Division 3 table with an 86-point win over Epping at Epping Recreational Reserve. Shannon Bevis’ side kicked four goals in the opening term before an additional two in the second saw them lead by 39 points at the main break. They then kicked another eight goals to one in the second half to secure the 14.9 (93) to 1.1 (7) win. Remy Moore kicked five goals and was exceptional in the win alongside Serah Bentley and Teresa Cassar, who kicked four goals. Elisha Folino had one of her better games of the year alongside Cindy Turnbull.
Thomastown had their biggest win of the year to date, defeating Darebin 2 by 92 points at Main Street Recreation Reserve. The Bears kicked four goals from 13 scoring shots in the opening half to take a 33-point lead into the main break before a nine goal to nil second half saw them finish on 13.14 (92) whilst keeping Darebin to 0.0 (0). Thomastown captain Cara Mazarella kicked six goals and was superb alongside Rechelle McSwain and Maya Morobita. Falcons skipper Eleni Konidaris had a solid outing alongside Bridgette Harper.
Macleod jumped into second spot with a 22-point win over Wallan at De Winton Park. Joel Steindl’s side kicked two goals to no score in the first half, taking an 18-point lead heading into the main break. Both sides then kicked two goals each in the second half which was enough for Macleod to get over the line 4.10 (34) to 2.0 (12). The Roos had all individual goalkickers and had strong contributions yet again from Mairead Csar and Ally Gunstone. Shayla McAuliffe and Lily Borg continued their solid seasons for the Magpies.
