Women’s Review: May 26-28


Published on Monday, May 29, 2023

The finals race is as even as ever in all three divisions after another big weekend of action in our NFNL senior women’s competition.

Heideberg Golf Club Division 1

Montmorency 1 made it three consecutive wins in the top flight after coming from behind to defeat Eltham by 22 points on Friday night at Eltham Central Park. Read the full match report by clicking here.

Diamond Creek Women’s 1 bounced back from two closes losses to convincingly defeat West Preston-Lakeside 1 by 47 points at Plenty Park Oval. An eight goal to one first half set up the 10.8 (68) to 3.3 (21) victory, as the Creekers produced their second highest score of the season. Linda Thorp kicked four majors to make it 14 for the 2023 campaign, her efforts alongside the exceptional work of Creekers captain Maykaylah Appleby was the key to the home side’s win. Chloe Kalanj continued her strong form for the Roosters with another great game.

Banyule claimed their fourth win of the season and their second in the top flight, following an 11-point triumph over Darebin 1 at Beverley Road Oval. The Bears trailed by three points at the main break after kicking 0.5, but despite their inaccuracy, they delivered a solid final two terms to win 2.10 (22) to 1.5 (11). Drew Barnes made it back-to-back weeks where she was named as Banyule’s best with Keely Welsh also a standout. Dallas Rowland was terrific for the Falcons.

Cleaning Melbourne Division 2

Heidelberg turned around a heavy loss in Round 6 to comfortably prevail over Hurstbridge, winning by 88 points at Warringal Park on Friday night. The Tigers finished with 29 scoring shots, 18 of those coming in the first half, to secure a 13.16 (94) to 1.0 (6) triumph. Nikki Watts kicked a season high four goals for the hosts while Emily De Sando was incredible as always in midfield. Ruby Moore’s class was on show for the Bridges despite the heavy defeat.

Greensborough held a narrow lead throughout all four quarters to take a six-point victory over Whittlesea at Greensborough War Memorial Park. The margin didn’t exceed five points at any quarter break as the Boro did enough to make it a second straight win with the 3.5 (23) to 2.5 (17) result. Amy Vine kicked two of the home side’s three goals; the other major being kicked by Sarah Huber who was a great contributor. Charlee Brander was superb for the Eagles in the tight loss.

Only a last quarter surge prevented the Fitzroy Stars from causing an upset win, with St Mary’s grabbing a two-point triumph at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. The Stars led by 16 points at half time and 10 at three quarter time before the Burra produced a three goal to one final term to sneak through for a 5.3 (33) to 5.1 (31) victory. For a third consecutive week, Sarah Johnston kicked two majors for the visitors, while teammate Georgia Kitchell was excellent. The hosts were led by strong performances from Kristen Atkinson and Medika Bonney.

NFNL Division 3 Women’s

Heidelberg West made it back-to-back convincing wins in the competition, this time defeating West Preston-Lakeside 2 by 94 points at J.E. Moore Park. The Hawks kept the Roosters scoreless while piling on 29 scoring shots to prevail 13.16 (94) to 0.0 (0), keeping them in second spot as a result. Ashleigh Riley led the way up forward with three majors in her first game of the season while Chloe Rowan was outstanding for a third straight week. Olivia Nesci and Alessia Stepien were solid contributors for the Roosters.

Darebin 2 produced their third consecutive victory with a 32-point triumph over Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve. The Falcons maintained their advantage throughout the entire afternoon, keeping the Power scoreless for the match to win 4.8 (32) to 0.0 (0). Cassie Willocks’ 2023 goalscoring tally increased to seven after leading all scorers with two majors, while Cambel Rowland was impressive, also getting on the scoresheet. Stephanie Crook backed up her solid performance for Laurimar last week, with another great effort on Sunday.

Wallan are still yet to taste defeat in season 2023 following a 27-point triumph over Diamond Creek Women’s 2 at Wallan Recreational Reserve. The Creekers were unable to hit the scoreboard while despite being inaccurate, the Magpies were too strong, winning 3.9 (27) to 0.0 (0). Mikayla Coats, Nicole Evans and Kristy Nunn were the three goalkickers for the home side, with Evans standing out in a brilliant performance. Simone Secombe continued her strong campaign with another solid outing for the Creekers.

Montmorency 2’s winning streak remains intact following a 40-point victory over North Heidelberg at Montmorency Park North Oval. The 6.11 (47) to 1.1 (7) win keeps the Magpies in a comfortable position in the top five, just two games behind top of the table Wallan. Ashleigh Bayes was dominant inside 50, kicking five of her side’s six majors for the afternoon while Gemma Morganti was impressive. Ellouise Bishop has produced a stellar three weeks for the Bulldogs, and she was named as her side’s best player again on Sunday.

Related News