SKOB strike Bears, T’s take down Sheagles

Alisha Min

Old Trinity retained their grip atop the William Buck Premier Women’s ladder in Round 10 thanks to a 25-point win at Hudson Oval over Marcellin. Though scores were all tied up at halftime with eight points apiece, the T’s stamped their authority from thereon out – booting 4.2 while holding the Sheagles to a solitary point. In yet another phenomenal display, Big V captain Vanessa Murphy had the Sheagles under siege with her 31 possessions (her second 30+ disposal game in the last three rounds), while Imogen Barnett amassed 35 hit outs and 21 disposals in the ruck and Lauren Sanft took home the BOG honours with her 15 touches. The absence of forward-line superstar, and leading William Buck Premier Women’s goalkicker, Shaylee Taylor (26 goals), was felt in the Sheagles camp, with the team kicking their lowest score of the season after registering just one major for the day through Sophia Ikosidekas. Nevertheless, the tireless work rate of Magdelene Antypas (27 disposals, 5 i50’s) earnt her the best accolade for the day, while Natalie Gills (23 disposals, 9 tackles, 6 clearances) and Rita Nakowska were also good.

With only two points distinguishing Kew from SKOB Saints at the half, it was a 2.4 “premiership” quarter which set the St Kevin’s side up for an eventual 10-point win at Victoria Park. Familiar names Sarah Cameron (1) and Margaret Gleeson (1) were important in the Saints’ victory with their 11 and 12 possession games, respectively, while Bree Doyle laid 12 tackles and topped SKOB’s disposal count with 16. Lily Barr earnt the BOG accolade for Kew with her defensive efforts throughout the day (13 tackles), while Jessica Burger (1 goal), Isabelle Harding (22 disposals) and Danielle Calautti (15 disposals) were able in support. With this, their third consecutive loss, the Bears find themselves in sixth spot on the ladder and three wins outside of the top four with only four rounds remaining in the home & away season.

Outscoring St Mary’s Salesian 2.3 to 1.7 in the second half just wasn’t enough for Fitzroy-ACU to claim win number two for 2019, as a solid two goal lead at half time enabled the Saints to run out 10-point victors. Though scoreboard inaccuracies did come into play within the Saints group considering their 3.9-27 total, their superiority in getting the ball forward (20 i50’s to the Roys’ 14) proved instrumental, and allowed Stephanie Lawrence (2) and Joelly Firmin (1) to register majors. There were plenty of positives for the Roy Girls to take from this competitive outing, particularly the standout performances of Teresa “Razor” Zampaglione (28 disposals, 8 i50’s), Alexandra Monteiro (20 disposals), captain Jess “Lenny” Hayes (1 goal, 20 disposals) and Tash “Lettuce” Plant-Thomas (24 disposals), but there’s no doubt the team will continue to evaluate their goal-scoring avenues as their points scored per game sinks to an average of just 19. For the winning St Mary’s, Rachel Gill was a machine with 13 tackles, Tash Rappos made her presence felt with 20 touches, and Katherine Newton impressed (17 disposals).

A tough day at the office for Melbourne University as West Brunswick held them scoreless, all while booting 8.6, to run out 54-point winners at McAlister Oval. Showcasing their superiority in the stats, the Westies simply held possession for much more of the game (213 v 179 disposals), and peppered the forward-line 31-times to the Mugars’ eight, to control the game from the opening siren to the final. Six individual goal-scorers contributed to the Westies biggest win of the year, with Bridie Walsh (2) and Matilda Hubbard (2) combining for four majors between them. In a field of contributors, Grace Macpherson (1 goal) and Mel “Mustang” Lindsay (26 disposals, 8 tackles, 8 i50’s) shone bright for the Magpies, while Candice Adams (19 disposals), Marinella Salafia (12 disposals), Peggy-Sue Fennell (11 disposals) and Olivia Turnbull (8 tackles) were gallant for the Uni side in a tough afternoon.