A week of celebration for multiple milestone games

Claudia Didonato

Round 12 was a week of celebrations with both St Mary’s Salesian and the Parkdale Vultures having club veterans take to the field for milestone games.

St Mary’s Salesian hosted MCC FC at Ferndale Park in a middle-of-the-ladder clash. MCC were short on players and only had a list of 15 while St Mary’s had 22. A low scoring first half saw an even match up with both sides winning clearances and gaining opportunities in front of goal. Having worked hard on forward 50 entries all season, St Mary’s displayed their development as a team and managed multiple forward entries and shots at goal.

Georgia Cropley kicked three majors for the Saints while Gabriella Rawlings kicked two. Nicole Shue, Mia Lanigan and Olivia Giblin all kicked one each. St Mary’s tough tackling pressure paired with their skilful ability to move the ball towards goal proved too much for MCC as the game progressed, and St Mary’s comfortably extended their lead. Despite their best efforts, MCC were defeated, 58-11.

Anna-Lisa Harris kicked MCC’s only goal for the game and Charlie Wade was best on. Felicity Campbell celebrated her 50th game for St Mary’s and played an integral part in the team bringing home the win.

Jess Welford also celebrated her 50th game milestone at Hudson Oval as Old Trinity took on the Parkdale Vultures. Despite the windy conditions, Old Trinity were dominant in the first quarter, taking five shots at goal and successfully kicking two. Going into the second quarter 15 points down, Parkdale lifted the energy and started to gain control of the game.

Both teams put on strong defensive efforts and made scoring difficult for the other as the game progressed. Madi Capsalis managed to kick two goals for Parkdale, while Kellie Woodhouse and Bella Eames kicked one each for Old Trinity. Just managing to hold onto their lead, Old Trinity brought home the win, 20-13. The win for Old Trinity has moved them up into third place.

Over at Ivanhoe Park, Ivanhoe hosted Williamstown CY. Taking on top-of-the-ladder Williamstown, Ivanhoe were able to keep up and match the energy of the ladder leaders, only conceding 15 points by half time.

Returning from the main break only 6 points down, Ivanhoe did their best to maintain the energy and did so throughout the third quarter. Williamstown came into the fourth quarter and showcased why they’re unbeaten this season. A huge last quarter effort saw Williamstown kick five goals and six behinds and walk away victorious. Star forward Alessia Acquaro kicked four goals for Williamstown and sits comfortably as the league’s leading goal scorer.

If the windy conditions weren’t difficult enough, Therry Penola had their work cut out for them coming up against Albert Park. Having been undermanned all season with this week being no exception, Albert Park leant six players to Therry in what was a fantastic display of spirit.

Albert Park was dominant right from the get-go, kicking 47 points in the first quarter, and going into half time with a 58-point lead. The onslaught continued into the second half of the game with Therry unable to add to the score board, and Albert Park piling on goals.

Albert Park’s huge lead was the result of 11 different goals kickers, showcasing the team’s versatility and their ability to rely on many different players to hit the scoreboard. Sarah Kenny led the scoring by kicking five goals for Albert Park. While Therry Penola was defeated by 131 points, the win is Albert Park’s biggest of the season. Despite their best effort and the resulting margin, Therry Penola were valiant in their effort against Albert Park.

Following the bye, Round 13 will see huge match ups with first placed Williamstown taking on second placed Albert Park, Parkdale with face-off against St Mary’s, Therry Penola will verse Ivanhoe and MCC will take on Old Trinity.