Rovers run rampant in race to Preliminary Final

The race to the flag has begun and some dominant performances are shaping what should be an exciting finish to the Division 2 Women’s competition. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon blitzed Whitefriars in a Semi Final rampage, while Hampton Rovers got the upper hand over Power House to progress through following an Elimination Final.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon and Power House are no strangers to Finals football, both getting a taste of the action in 2023, while Whitefriars just missed out finishing on the cusp of the top 4. Hampton Rovers however, had a troublesome season last year, and have bounced back finding their groove in Division 2 in Season 2024.

Power House and Hampton Rovers have pulled together two almost symmetrical seasons finishing on 46 points apiece to claim the third and fourth ladder standings respectively, with Power House’s almighty percentage the only obvious differential.

The last time these two sides met they couldn’t be separated: their match up producing the only draw for the season. With a pretty even head-to-head and everything to play for, the Elimination Final was the stage to determine who could thrive under finals pressure and who would close the curtains on Season 2024.

The whistle goes both sides go hard at the footy. Whilst their determination cannot be questioned, neither side were able to convert opportunities with few goal stoppages paving the way for a tiresome opening quarter.

With not much to take away from a term that recorded 1 behind at each end, there was plenty of opportunity to take the game on. Sinead Doorley and Caoilfhionn Culliton did just that for Power House with impressive performances from the pair.

The big sticks came into play in the third; a goal each way tying things up at 9-points apiece with a quarter to play. A neck and neck tussle made for an exciting finish. It was Hampton Rovers who took control and ran away with it. In a low scoring affair, a couple of goals made all the difference and Power House’s torch was snuffed.

While Hampton Rover’s leading goal kicker Maegan Miller kicked one for the day it was great to see youngsters in Pearl Daniel-Reid and Isla Tucker hitting the scoreboard. Some late shots on goal from Power House went awry in what ultimately proved costly losing the game by 13 points.

Hampton Rovers are riding the coattails of an Elimination Final victory straight into a Preliminary Final next week. Winning three straight come finals is a big ask for anyone, but ultimately that is the task at hand should they wish to claim the flag.

Unlike the Elimination Final, the Semi Final between Glen Eira/Old McKinnon and Whitefriars had a clear favourite going into the clash. The Gryphons have been a dominant force all season, dropping just one game at the hands of Hampton Rovers.

Whitefriars have had a strong back-end to the season to secure themselves the double chance come finals, alas, even that momentum was not enough to carry them on the big stage.

It took a half for both sides to find their groove, but after the main break it was Glen Eira who came out firing. They left nothing in the tank in a comprehensive attack on the footy to record a final score of 7.8 (50) to the Friars’ 1.2 (8). The Gryphons maintain their reputation as the standard to beat in Division 2 Women’s this season, with their ability to hit the scoreboard, whilst backing it up with a solid defensive effort.

Glen Eira boasted six individual goal scorers for the afternoon with Sarah Fitzpatrick the only player to score multiples. At the other end, Clare Fernandes contributed the lone goal for Whitefriars.

Madeline Box had one of her best games for Glen Eira, while Whitefriars superstar Caitlin Ryan led from the front in a tough loss.

The Gryphons are primed for a red-hot crack at a Premiership this season and it will take something mighty for either Whitefriars or Hampton Rovers to take them down. With an almost clean sweep in the home and away season, Glen Eira are full of confidence, and it really seems like their Premiership to lose.

Meanwhile, Whitefriars will need to shake off the loss and regroup ahead of a massive clash against Hampton Rovers in the Preliminary Final to earn the chance to take on Glen Eira once again in the Grand Final.

Whitefriars have the edge over Hampton Rovers in their match ups this season, claiming victory on both occasions by a single kick. The Rovers will no-doubt be out for revenge and work their way to that spot in the Grand Final against Glen Eira. And Whitefriars who have improved week on week will need to bring their best to get through the upcoming Preliminary Final unscathed. Who will face Glen Eira/Old McKinnon in the Division 2 Women’s Grand Final? Let’s find out…