Ladder leaders continue to dominate the competition

Claudia Didonato

Round 11 saw the league’s first and second placed ladder leaders continue to dominate the competition, while MCC claimed an exciting victory against Ivanhoe as the teams faced off for the second time this season.

Therry Penola faced off against St Mary’s Salesian at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. In what was a low scoring game, the first half saw both teams play with strong defensive pressure. St Mary’s managed to keep Therry scoreless going into the second quarter but were only able to score seven points against the Lions tough defence.

Ruby Gazzo kicked Therry Penola’s only goal of the game to close the margin, however St Mary’s continued to slowly extend their lead throughout the day. Anna Vrsecky and Penelope Heath kicked a goal each for St Mary’s, with the teams five other shots at goal only going through for minor scores, yet it was enough to secure the win. Rebecca Kennedy was best on for St Mary’s, while Gemma Macgregor was best on for Therry Penola.

MCC took on Ivanhoe at Beaumaris Secondary College in a Round 3 rematch. Having lost to Ivanhoe by 60 points earlier in the season, MCC showcased their development as a team with a 60 point win this time around.

Dominating right from the get-go, MCC showed no signs of releasing the pressure as they extended their lead throughout the game. Finishing with a total of 12 majors, MCC star, Anna-Lisa Harris, put on a clinic kicking five goals. Estelle Ashkar and Athena Asmanis both kicked two, while Ellecia Baker, Hollie Brodribb and Summer Wolchyn all kicked one each. MCC’s Summer Wolchyn got the best on votes for her efforts, while Talya Callahan was best on for Ivanhoe.

Over at Fearon Reserve, Williamstown hosted Old Trinity in what was an exciting afternoon showdown. Coming up against the powerful and undefeated Williamstown side, Old Trinity was in for a big day. A strong first half effort from both sides saw an even match up of skill and defensive pressure. Williamstown managed to kick 3.3 to Old Trinity’s 2.2.

Going into the second half only seven points up, it was looking as through Williamstown had met their match, but the highly skilled side took their game to the next level and extended their lead to 33 points by full time. Anais Lipski kicked three goals for Williamstown, Alessia Acquaro kicked two and Hannah Elliot and Kiara Palmar both kicked one each. Bella Eames kicked one goal for Old Trinity as did Meghan Walker.

In a huge match up, Albert Park took on the Parkdale Vultures in what may have been a glimpse into finals for this season. With Albert Park currently sitting in second place and Parkdale in third, this game showcased what these top sides have been building on throughout the season.

Having played off in Round 4 with Albert Park just coming out on top, the Vultures were looking to redeem themselves with a victory. However, it was not to be as Albert Park dominated the game and ran away with a 64-point win.

While the convincing victory was the product of all 23 players putting in their best, Albert Park shared the goal kicking glory amongst many, with Johannah Griffin and Eliza Shalders kicking three each, Hannah Burr kicking two and Sarah Kenny, Abby Battersby and Helen Lawrence all kicking one each. Chole Mcdonald was best on for Albert Park and Breanna Allen was best on for Parkdale. The win for Albert Park is their third in a row, while Parkdale have had their two-game winning streak cut short.