The finals brackets are starting to take shape in our NFNL women’s competitions, as we build towards the last month of home and away action.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Banyule enjoyed a fourth consecutive win and a second win over Diamond Creek Women’s 1 in the 2023 season, this time it was 14-point triumph at Plenty Park Oval. The Bears established a two-goal lead into half time, and it was an advantage they maintained throughout the game, winning 5.7 (37) to 3.5 (23). Heidi Cummins was superb for a second straight week, asserting her authority on the contest to help will her side to victory. Talisha Rowland and Lauren Durante were some of the Creekers’ more influential players, with Durante kicking two majors.
Eltham took another step towards securing a finals spot after a tight seven-point win over Darebin 1 at Eltham Central Park. The Panthers led at each quarter break and had a 13-point advantage heading into the final term and while the Falcons kicked two goals to one, it wasn’t enough to get over the line, as the hosts prevailed 6.12 (48) to 6.5 (41). Michaela Molenberg continued her outstanding season with another three-goal haul for Eltham, with Maalu Choka also impressive in her second game at the club. Jordan Smyth and Dallas Rowland were key contributors in the visitors’ efforts to win the game.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
St Mary’s continued their winning ways with a convincing 44-point triumph over Whittlesea at N.J. Telfer Reserve. The Burra registered 21 scoring shots while keeping the Eagles to just two on their way to a strong 6.15 (51) to 1.1 (7) victory. Sarah Johnston and Megan Girolami formed a powerful duo up forward, combining for five majors, while Taylor Harvy and Jessica Hardy had terrific games for the home side. Ella Stewart stood out for Whittlesea while Emma Pyle kicked their only goal of the afternoon.
It was a fourth straight win for Heidelberg when they hosted the Fitzroy Stars at Warringal Park, putting together a brilliant performance to run out 39-point victors. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
Greensborough returned to the winner’s list after an excellent 31-point triumph over Mernda at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Boro began well with a three goal to nil first term, before keeping the Demons goalless until the final quarter to finish with a 6.9 (45) to 2.2 (14) result. Emmison Zeally again starred for the visitors and has now been named in her side’s best for four straight games. Emily Bell and Gulia Ceravolo were solid contributors for the Demons who are now four points adrift from the top two.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Heidelberg West produced a big response to their loss to Montmorency last week, after travelling to Plenty Park Oval and defeating Diamond Creek Women’s 2 by 61 points. The Hawks kicked 5.2 in each half, keeping the Creekers goalless in the process on their way to a 10.4 (64) to 0.3 (3) victory. Ashleigh Riley extended her lead in the competition goalkicking charts following a brilliant five-goal performance; she now has 16 majors in her four games in 2023. Chloe Rowan also excelled with three majors while for the Creekers, Mia Hammond shined bright.
A strong effort from Darebin 2 saw them claim a 44-point win over West Preston-Lakeside 2 at A.H. Capp Reserve. A four goal to nil opening term set up the 8.3 (51) to 1.1 (7) triumph for the Falcons, who have now taken another step towards finals football after bouncing back from two straight defeats. Susan Cadman was influential up forward with four goals while teammate Mel Griffin had a terrific game. Georgia Agnew put together a great effort for the Roosters as well as Julie Cherubin.
North Heidelberg claimed their first victory since Round 4, after holding on for a three-point win over Laurimar at Shelley Street Reserve. The Bulldogs led at all quarter breaks but had to steady their nerves in the final term when they were kept scoreless by the Power; however, they did enough to cling to a 2.3 (15) to 1.6 (12) win. Amy Pullar was the home side’s best, also being one her side’s two goal scorers for the afternoon. Harper McPherson-Goulding stood out for Laurimar and almost helped get her side over the line.
Wallan have remained unbeaten for a 10th straight week after getting the better of Montmorency 2 by seven points at Wallan Recreational Reserve. The ladder leaders kicked the only goal of the game in the second term, holding on throughout the afternoon to keep Montmorency goalless and prevail 1.6 (12) to 0.5 (5). Teagan Sheldon was superb for the home side as well as Nicole Evans, who produced the sole major of the match. Ella Peatling had one of her best games of the season for the visitors, with Monique Migotto also impressive.
