Oakleigh krush the competition, as a draw blows the top 4 wide open

Round 10 had it all, with a top order draw, a showdown between Old Trinity and Whitefriars, and a thrashing by Oakleigh at home. The draw leaves plenty of opportunity for a shake up in the top 4 as we head toward the pointy end of the season.

Mazenod and Old Camberwell/AJAX went head-to-head for the first time this season, in a highly anticipated clash that would see one side secure their first victory of the season to leap from the bottom rung of the ladder. The game was slow to get going on a frosty morning at Central Reserve, before Mazenod slotted their first goal in the second to take a lead.

Despite being fairly evenly matched teams, Mazenod was the better side on the day with 3 goals coming from three individual goal kickers (Luisa Giannetti, Natalia Prioriello, Tiani Wiropuspito) to run home victors, 27 to 3.

Ava Sandy, Hayley Mrocki, and Alannah Frampton were impressive for the visitors, whilst the momentum sat with Mazenod led by Zoe Spicer and Claudia Maguire.

Oakleigh have soared to another victory that sees them sit comfortably, one game clear in fourth. The Krushers executed a comprehensive 4-quarter smashing over Hawthorn with a final margin of 42 points.

Oakleigh were crafty with their ball use around the ground, with six players contributing a goal each to the final score. Meanwhile, Hawthorn struggled to get into the game and were held to just 2 behinds for the morning.

Emily Roos stood up for the Hawks, while Krushers’ skipper Ruby Ford was once again best afield for her side leading them home to their third win on the trot.

In what was arguably the most exciting match up of Round 10, equally placed Old Trinity and Whitefriars fought tooth and nail to secure a 4-point advantage in the middle order.

In a back-and-forth tussle, the Friars looked the stronger of the two sides early on, winning the opening half 15-3. Trinity imposed their way back into the contest by increasing their pressure around the ball and hitting the scoreboard to square things up at the third change.

Trinity booted the opening goal of the final term to take a six-point advantage, until Whitefriars came over the top, taking home the win 5.8 (38) to Old Trinity’s 5.4 (34). Lara Young played her standout match for the season for Trinity, while Bree Whitehead impressed in just her third game for the season, while Hayley Notting kicked 2 for the Friars.

This clash was as exciting as they come with both sides well in contention to break into the top four with plenty of footy left to be played.

It was always going to be an uphill battle for Richmond Central taking down the ladder leaders in Glen Eira/Old McKinnon. To their credit the Snakes put up a good fight, utilising their home ground advantage and cohesion as a team to keep the top dogs to just 24 points for the match, whilst scoring a total of 14 themselves.

Glen Eira have proven themselves as the team to beat this season in Division 3 Women’s and have rarely put a footy wrong, with the likes of Madeline Box and Aleesha Whittle leading the charge yet again.

Richmond put in a valiant effort, even holding a lead at the main break. Although Glen Eira came over the top in the premiership quarter, a strong defensive effort kept them scoreless in the last quarter.

Rounding out the weekend, a top order clash between the Hampton Rovers and Power House delivered the first draw of the season at 22 apiece. In a low-scoring affair, that had swings of momentum for both sides, 36 players were left feeling mixed emotions at the final siren with neither a victory nor defeat to process.

Power House had the upper hand early, booting the sole first quarter goal. It wasn’t until the premiership quarter when Hampton retaliated to take a 2-point advantage heading into the fourth. Both sides had their changes, with inaccuracy plaguing Power House late in the game, costing them 4 points, in exchange for 2.

Grace Read is no stranger to the best on list for Power House in another outstanding performance, while Bryanna Arnold had another strong day out for the Rovers.

Heading toward the business end of the competition, every win counts and every match up is an opportunity to secure a position to make a case come finals. Kicking off Round 11, Oakleigh will be looking to continue their winning ways as they travel to face Old Camberwell/AJAX who are yet to register a win this season.

Whitefriars host Richmond Central in what could be an exciting contest between two middle order sides, while Hawthorn come up against Old Trinity with both teams looking to get back on the winners list ahead of the Bye.

Mazenod are schooled to face the Hampton Rovers at home, while Glen Eira/Old McKinnon host Power House at Packer Park in what is set to be the match of the round between the top of the table giants.