There were plenty of close games this past weekend in the NFNL Senior Women’s Competition, with four games decided by less than three goals.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
The first of two Friday night games in Division 1 took place at Warringal Park, with Heidelberg victorious by 79 points against Ivanhoe. Heidelberg built a strong base in the opening half of the match, kicking four goals to nil in the opening term before adding another seven in the second to lead by 66 points at the main break. Another three goals were added by the Tigers to Ivanhoe’s one in the second half to secure the 14.9 (93) to 2.2 (14) victory at home. Mikayla Lee added another five goals to her tally and was one of the Tigers best alongside Mia Tascone and Ava Vincent, the latter kicking three goals. Avena Henriksen and Talya Callahan yet again fought their heart out for the Ivies, with Henriksen Ivanhoe’s only goalkicker.
In the other Friday night game at Eltham Central Park, St Mary’s remained undefeated after defeating Eltham by 31 points. Both sides were evenly matched in the first quarter before two quick goals midway through the second for the Burra seeing them take a 13-point lead into half time. Troy Bickerton’s side then kicked two goals to nil in the third term before two goals each in the final term saw scores settle on 7.9 (51) to St Mary’s versus Eltham’s 3.2 (20). Emmison Zealley was at her brilliant best alongside Elyssa Rees, Mikayla Plunkett and Georgia Kitchell. Ashleigh Snow and Nicole Hales were both exceptional in their Eltham debuts while Eliza Heath kicked two goals.
Sunday’s only game in the topflight saw Diamond Creek Women’s 1 overcome Banyule by 17 points at Beverley Road Oval. The Creekers kicked the only two goals of the opening term before a three goal to two second quarter in favour of the Bears saw their deficit reduced to four points at the main break. Angelo Lamanna’s side then kicked three goals to one in the third before one goal each in the final quarter saw the Creekers home 8.3 (51) to 5.4 (34). Linda Thorp kicked another three goals while Tiana McClain and Ashlee Elward both had terrific outings for Diamond Creek. Annabel Goodison and Hayley Moxon were excellent for the Bears who’s leading goalkickers on the day were Olivia Mincone and Rebekah Watson.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
South Morang claimed their third win from their last four games with an 84-point triumph over Hurstbridge at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. After a two goal to one opening term the Lions then kicked away, scoring six goals whilst keeping Hurstbridge scoreless in the second to lead by 45 points at the main break. The hosts then kicked six goals and kept the Bridges scoreless in the second half to secure the 14.8 (92) to 1.2 (8) victory. Hailey Cordova booted another four goals and was yet again brilliant alongside Devony Hoare, Hayley Ball and Ella Pinney. Melissa Martini had one of her best games of the season while Kristy Steven continued her excellent 2025.
In a second vs third clash at JJ Clancy Reserve, Kilmore came away victorious over the Fitzroy Stars by four points. Andy Stewart’s side kicked the only goal of the opening quarter to lead by five points at quarter time, a lead they were able to retain at half time after both sides kicked two goals each in the second. The Stars then kicked the only goal of the third before a Chiara Nardo goal with less than two minutes left sealed the victory for the Blues 4.2 (26) to 3.4 (22). In game No.150, Nardo was one of the best for Kilmore alongside Kasey Marden, Macey Kubeil and Chloe D’Elia. Medika Bonney was yet again terrific alongside Rachele Carrozza and Renae McKeown.
Lower Plenty moved clear atop the Division 2 table after defeating Panton Hill by 59 points at Montmorency Park South Oval. The Bears victory was set up in the first half, kicking three goals in each of the opening two terms whilst conceding just one behind to lead by 39 points at the main break. Stewart Lewis’ side then added another two goals in the second half enroute to an 8.12 (60) to 0.1 (1) victory at home. Shae Audley kicked three goals and was one of Lower’s best alongside Ava Klaic and Olivia Houlihan. Emma Parks had one of her best games of the season for the Redbacks along with Ruby Moore.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
The first of four games in Division 3 women’s this past weekend saw Darebin 2 claim a four-goal win over Diamond Creek Women’s 2 at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Creekers kicked two goals to one in the opening term before the Falcons kicked two goals to nil in the second quarter saw them lead by five points at the main break. Only three behinds were kicked in the third before the hosts kicked three goals in the last to secure the 6.3 (39) to 2.3 (15) win. Karmen Wong kicked four goals for the Falcons and was one of their better players alongside Claire Hardi and Autumn Robinson. Bentley Butler continued her excellent season for the Creekers along with Mele Manu and Kelsey Bannon.
Heidelberg West made it four wins a row after winning their clash with Epping at Heidelberg Park by 70 points. After a three goal to one opening term the Hawks kicked another three in the second to boost their advantage from 12 points at quarter time to six goals. They then kicked another six goals in the second half and held the Blues scoreless to secure the 12.8 (80) to 1.0 (6) victory at home. Elizabeth Toumbourou and Chloe Rowan had excellent games alongside Crystal Grech for the Hawks whilst the Blues were yet again well led by Elisha Folino and Cindy Turnbull/
One of two games decided by less than a kick in Division 3 took place at Greenhill Reserve, with Wallan claiming a come from behind one-point victory over Thomastown. The Bears kicked the only two goals of the opening half which saw them lead by 12 points at the main break. After the Magpies kicked two behinds to nil in the third term they straightened up and kicked two goals to just one behind in the last to claim the 2.3 (15) to 2.2 (14) win. Kelly Lennox was sublime in the win alongside Chelsea Paton and Melanie Hope, the latter one of two goalkickers for the Magpies. Rechelle McSwain had another stellar performance alongside Busra Mankir, with McSwain also impacting the scoreboard with a major.
North Heidelberg have moved a game clear at the top of the NFNL Division 3 Women’s table after defeating Macleod by five points at De Winton Park. You can read the full match report by clicking here.
