Two Blues keep finals hopes alive, Warriors displace YOGs

Meg Saultry

Competition leaders Preston Bullants seem to be gearing up for finals after a sending a 47-point statement to second-placed MCC Football Club at Beaumaris Secondary College on Saturday. The Bullants were well in control by half time, leading by a comfortable 25 points, before four unanswered goals in the third term took the margin out of MCC’s reach. Olivia Couchy and Elyse Scheuermann both finished with two goals each for the Bullants, while Jacara Thomas was named best afield. Jamie Bond kicked MCC’s only goal, while Sienna Costello was also a strong contributor for her side. The results solidifies Preston’s position at the top of the table, and fortunately for MCC, fails to push them out of second.

Power House secured their spot in the finals with a 19-point win over Emmaus St Leo’s at Ross Gregory Oval. The Animals pounced first with the opening goal of the game, before Power House reigned back control and extended their lead by a goal over each of the remaining quarters. Power House’s Michelle Duane was her sides’ most damaging player, with the team also boasting an even contribution of goal kickers down forward with no player slotting more than one. Susan Fearn-Wannan kicked both of the Animals two majors, while Gabrielle Biedenweg—Webster was best afield for the visitors. Power House sits firmly in third, and with 10 points separating them from fifth place, can comfortably play out the remaining two games knowing they are headed straight to finals. The Animals unfortunately sit outside finals contention in seventh.

Westbourne Grammarians made the jump into the top 4 by displacing Yarra Old Grammarians from the converted spot with a 30-point victory at Westbourne School Ground. The Warriors started strong and kicked four goals in the opening quarter, before finishing with another four across the second half to secure the win. Emi Nishiguchi was best afield for the Bushrangers, while Alyssia Blewonski took her season goal tally to 21 with another two majors against the Warriors. A change of position is the outcome from the result, with the Warriors moving from fifth to fourth and the Bushrangers slipping a win outside of the Top 4 into fifth.

Prahan Assumption kept their finals aspirations alive with a much need win and percentage boost, after defeating South Melbourne Districts by 116 points at Lindsay Hassett Oval. Sarah Guest’s seven goals for Prahan earnt her Best on Ground honours, while Mikaela Peel also starred with her three majors. Seven other teammates contributed goals, as Prahan piled on 66 points across the first half, before following up with an equally impressive 50 points in the second half. And while South Melbourne were held scoreless for the day, Sarah Leigh was best afield for the Bloods in her first game of the season while Tracey Bowe also fought hard. Prahan remain one win outside the Top 4 in sixth and get the side benefit of a much needed percentage boost (64.29 to 89.39), while South Melbourne remain at the bottom of the ladder in eighth.