Hawks into GF, Panthers keep hopes alive

Wilson Women’s Report by Nicole Erasmus

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

SKOB Saints continued their dominant form into finals with a 39-point win against Fitzroy-ACU at Basil St Reserve. A big second quarter of three unanswered goals saw the Saints take control of the game, with Georgia Lupson making an impact and kicking two goals for the game. Jessica Joyce continued her stunning recent form with a BOG performance for the Saints, while Lauren Atkinson was a real standout for the Roy Girls. SKOB proceed straight into the grand final, while it isn’t over for Fitzroy as they hope to bounce back in next weekend’s preliminary.

A three-goal haul from Laura Robertson led Marcellin to a 21-point win over Old Trinity at Bullen Park West Oval. After an evenly contested first term, the Sheagles dominated for the remaining three quarters with five goals to three. Taylor Padfield and Georgina Robertson both brought their strong home and away season form into this one for the Sheagles, while Stephanie Bull led the charge for the T’s with two goals and a standout performance. The win takes the Sheagles to the next round of finals where they face off with Fitzroy-ACU.

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 1

West Brunswick secured a spot in the Development Division 1 Grand Final after edging out St Mary’s Salesian by one point in a thriller at Ransford Oval. The low scoring affair saw an almost inseparable four quarters, with the first majors for both sides being scored as late as the third quarter. West Brunswick’s Kristen Hancock impressed and was named best afield, while Rachel Gill was St Mary’s best. Bridie Walsh (WB) and Eliza Stanley (SMS) each kicked their side’s respective goal. St Mary’s Salesian take on Beaumaris next week to fight for the final spot in the big dance.

Beaumaris came from behind at every break throughout the day to keep their grand final hopes alive with a stunning five-point victory over Old Haileybury in their semi-final clash at Princes Park, Caulfield. Trailing by three points at the last break, the Sharks nailed 1.2 while keeping the Hearts scoreless in the final term, with Alana Gadsby starring in a best-on-ground performance. Ellen Wood and Amelia Bartlem also impressed for the Sharks, while Mim Waterman kicked two goals alongside a standout performance from teammate Madeleine Leyden for the Hearts. The Sharks will now face off with St Mary’s Salesian in next weekend’s preliminary final. 

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 2

Old Camberwell once again proved themselves as flag favourites after a hard-fought six-point win against Collegians at Gordon Barnard Reserve. The Round 11 rematch saw an Old Camberwell comeback after trailing going into the main break but two goals to one in the second half was enough to claim victory and secure a spot in the final week. Meg Harper and Rhiannon Green were in blistering form for the Wellers, while Charlotte Pooley and Christine Nancarrow stood out for the Lions. Collegians now play Old Carey in the preliminary round.

Dark horses Old Carey continue to pose as a threat with a monster 34-point finals win over Ivanhoe at Carey Sports Complex. After a reasonably even first half, the home side upped their intensity in the third and fourth to build a winning lead of almost six goals. Tarryn Jeffery (3) and Georgia Keramitsis’ (2) combined for five goals for the Panthers, while no bests were added for the Ivies.

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 3

A dominant Old Mentonians proved too good for Hampton Rovers after a 35-point semi final win at Keysborough Playing Fields. The Old Mentonians girls had a solid day of building a respectable score while also leaving the Rovers scoreless until the final term. Ciara Scott produced as BOG performance in her side’s win while Monique Maitland and Hannah Stuart booted two goals each. Tarryn Hurst was the sole goal kicker for the Rovers. The Panthers now get set to take on Ajax in next weekend’s prelim.

Mazenod have secured a spot in the Development Division 3 Grand Final after edging out former ladder leaders Ajax by two points at Gary Smorgon Oval. Although low scoring, Mazenod were slightly on top throughout the entire contest and led after every break with their defensive nous on show. Claudia Maguire, Blaire Bunter and Bek Watson starred for the Nodders, while Julia Caplan kicked a goal and was named best for the Jackettes.

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 4

A combined four goals from Alana Sarec (2) and Keira Colegate (2) helped Hawthorn AFC to a 23-point win against South Melbourne Districts at Rathmines Road Reserve. Hawthorn came to play early and went into the main break with a match winning 30-point lead. Georgia Du Plessis and Grace Webster ran riot for the Hawks, while Lauren Gibbs snagged two majors for the Swans. Hawthorn head straight into the grand final, while SMD continue their finals campaign next weekend.

A fourth quarter comeback at Basil St Reserve saw SKOB Saints (2) defeat Swinburne University AFC by 7 points. After a scoreless first quarter and trailing in the second and third, a courageous and determined Saints side outscored their opponent by one goal to take home the win. Amy Chisholm led the fourth-term charge for the Saints as they now progress to the prelims where they are set to face South Melbourne Districts.