Division 4 Women’s Preview

Nick Armistead

After losing the final two matches of the home and away season, and in accordance with the VAFA’s Covid Policy, the top 4 at the end of Round 12 will feature when women’s finals commence this weekend. While it brings an abrupt end to the season for Parkside, Swinburne, Emmaus St Leo’s and Elsternwick, there’s no denying the top four have been standouts throughout an interrupted year.

Parkdale Vultures vs Albert Park @ Gerry Green Reserve 2pm Saturday

Parkdale Vultures have been the crème de la crème of Division 4 this year and enter the second semi on a nine-game unbeaten run. They’ve defeated the Falcons twice this season by 21 and 10, with their last outing the closest any side has come to beating them this year. Sienna Symons has been a standout for the Vultures and will feature prominently alongside Jess Welford and Jamie-Lee Munn. The most impressive aspect of Parkdale’s dominance as the number one ranked side for points scored (55.9) and points against (10.3) is the fact no one player has kicked more than nine goals for the season, showcasing their tendency to share the spoils in front of goal. As for the Falcons, they will be buoyed by their Round 12 result, especially after going goalless to half-time. Led by Caroline Pullen, Ange Ross, and Rebecca Lane, it was arguably their most impressive defensive effort of the season. It was another best-on-ground performance from star midfielder, Johannah Griffin, while Anna Townshend and Claudia Bowers – who have also been outstanding this year – will join her as they go head-to-head with Parkdale’s midfield.

De La Salle vs MCC @ Waverley Oval 2pm Saturday

All eyes will be on this weekend’s elimination final between the Guns and Dees. These two sides last met in Round 4 when the Guns ran out seven-point winners before their Round 7 clash was cancelled. De La trailed by seven points at three quarter time of that game, before another masterclass from Sally Fyfield and Rachael McDonough led them to a strong come-from-behind victory. Ilena Gentile has been the third banana of that dominant trio throughout the season, while Bridie McConville had led the way with 13 goals. MCC enter the game in serious form after defeating Elsternwick by 66 points in Round 12 on the back of a three-goal performance from Ellecia Baker. As one of, if not the most talented player in the competition, Anna Harris is the key to MCC’s success alongside Baker and Paige Stein, both of whom have been named in the best eight times.