Eagles’ Sunday feast, Fields claim GF re-match

Rebecca Carter

Old Xaverians were unable to exact revenge against Caulfield Grammarians in the 2019 Grand Final rematch at Xavier College. Trailing by 2 points at the main break, Caulfield turned it on in the second half, keeping Xavs goalless whilst booting 4 goals of their own to run away 26-point winners. Leading the second half blitz from Caulfield was the backline duo of Montana White and Margie Purcell, whilst best on ground honours belonged to Samantha Hodgson. Brodi Harris managed to slot 3 majors and Sarah Anderson proved to be Xavs best. Another challenge awaits the red and black, as they meet an in-form SKOB Saints, whilst for Caulfield they’ll look to carry their momentum into their clash with Old Trinity.  

A disciplined defensive unit and dangerous forward combinations led Marcellin to a 55-point win over St Mary’s Salesian. Conceding just a solitary point all day, Lani Pane and Maddie Di Cosmo balanced defence with attack beautifully across half back. Up forward, it was Cecilia Baldassarre (3 goals) and Shaylee Taylor (2 goals) hitting the scoreboard, whilst Liv Getson’s work rate and pressure in the forward 50 was a standout. A disappointing display from St Mary’s was offset by Sasha Byrnes and Abbey Russell putting together their best games for the year. Marcellin will look to extend their undefeated start to the season against an unpredictable Kew team, whilst St Mary’s look to cause an upset and secure their first points for the year against West Brunswick.

22 points was the final margin in a game that was controlled from start to finish by West Brunswick against Kew. Despite only sending through four majors of their own, West Brunswick were able to keep Kew to just one late goal, as they registered a win that was crucial to staying in touch with the top 4. After a goalless opening term from both teams, a consistent effort saw West Brunswick hit the scoreboard in each of the remaining 3 terms. Sophie Stewart was the only multiple goal kicker for the day with two, but best on ground honours belonged to Amy Cater, who was supported by the ever-consistent Laura Holdsworth. Kew will build towards a stronger showing this week against a quality Marcellin unit, as West Brunswick will fancy their chances to put a second win in a row on the board against last placed St Mary’s Salesian. 

An inaccurate SKOB Saints accounted for Old Trinity by 30 points, in what could have been a much larger margin had the Saints converted more of their 18 scoring shots (4.14.38). Scarlett Dunnell slotted seamlessly into the Saints line-up for her first game of the season with 2 majors and a best on ground performance to her name. The familiar sight of Bree Doyle amongst the best for her team continued, and it was Dalia Edward who put together her most complete four quarter effort for the year. For a second week in a row, Madeline Murphy was her team’s best, and Claudia Lacey put through Trinity’s only goal for the game. The match of Round 6 belongs to St Kevins and Old Xaverians in what should be a hotly contested match. Old Trinity has a challenge on their hands as they head to Glen Huntly Oval to face an in form Caulfield Grammarians.