Ladder split in the middle as all top four sides claim victories

Claudia Didonato

Played in the windiest conditions so far this season, every Round 9 game saw an exciting contest between teams determined to make their mark half way through the season.

MCC hosted the Albert Park Falcons at Beaumaris Secondary College in the first time these teams have played this year. With only 17 making up Saturday’s side for MCC, Albert Park was at an advantage with a team of 24. The Falcons were dominant in the opening quarter, keeping MCC scoreless going into quarter time. Kicking with the wind in the second quarter, MCC managed to hit the scoreboard and closed the margin to 21 points heading into half time.

Returning from the main break, Albert Park turned up the heat, extending their lead to 33 points. With no intention of relieving the pressure, the Falcons skillful ball movement in the fourth quarter helped set up opportunities in front of goal where the team was able to convert. Seven separate goal scorers for the Falcons contributed to the score board throughout the game, highlighting Albert Park’s versatile list. The Falcons soared away with the game and a comfortable 40-point victory.

Alexandra Stranger was best on for MCC, while the heart and soul of the Falcon’s team, captain Johannah Griffin, was best on for Albert Park and celebrated her 50th game by leading the team to another win.

In a close match up, Ivanhoe versed the Parkdale Vultures at Ivanhoe Park. Both struggling with the windy conditions, each side was focused on capitalising on scoring opportunities when kicking with the wind at the southern end of the ground.

Ivanhoe opened the scoring in the first quarter kicking two points while keeping Parkdale to zero. With most of the game looking like “ping pong footy”, creating forward fifty entries away from the southern end was a challenge for both sides. Ivanhoe’s Talya Callahan showcased her strength and smarts playing center-half back, taking intercept marks and making Parkdale’s forwards play wide resulting in shots on goal from difficult angles.

Parkdale put on a strong defensive effort in the third quarter, crowding the goal line and stopping Ivanhoe’s attempts at goal. Heading into the fourth quarter four points down, Parkdale’s Sammy Kerr put the team on her back and kicked the winning goal from the pocket to put Parkdale in front until the final siren.

Across town and enjoying the home ground advantage, ladder leaders Williamstown took on St Mary’s Salesian at Fearon Reserve. A decent first quarter effort from Williamstown saw them go into quarter time with a 14-point lead, with St Mary’s still in the game. Williamstown seemed to just be warming up in the first, kicking seven goals out of 13 scoring shots in the second.

The onslaught continued into the second half of the game with St Mary’s struggling to keep up with Williamstown’s pressure and ball movement. Lucy Dobbyn kicked St Mary’s only goal of the game, while Williamstown star forward Alessia Acquaro kicked four goals and led Williamstown to a huge 93-point victory.

Back in Melbourne’s east, Old Trinity faced off against Therry Penola for the second time this season, playing at Hudson Oval Marles Playing Fields. Looking to redeem themselves, Therry Penola had an opportunity to test themselves against a top four side and potentially bring home a win.

An impressive first quarter effort saw Old Trinity keep Therry Penola scoreless going into quarter time, while managing eight shots on goal and scoring 23 points. Old Trinity’s Simone Lin kicked the first goal of her career, leading the team into quarter time in extra high spirits. Kicking with the wind in the second quarter, Therry Penola capitalised on the opportunity and scored one goal, with Old Trinity not making any changes to the scoreboard.

Maintaining the energy going into the second half of the game, the challenge of kicking against the wind worked to Old Trinity’s advantage as they added another 22 points to their total while Therry Penola was stuck on one goal. The last quarter end swap proved too little too late for Therry Penola as they scored one more goal and one behind, leaving Old Trinity the victors of the Round 4 rematch.