A win keeps Marcellin on the heels of the top 4

Lauren Atkinson

Old Brighton have reclaimed second place on the ladder with an authoritative 82-point win over Hawthorn AFC.

It could have been a lot worse for the Hawks if Old Brighton had been more accurate in front of goals, with the Tonners ending the day on 11 goals and a massive 23 behinds. Despite the persistent efforts of Alexandra Crough and Mia Mathias, Hawthorn managed just one goal for the day, coming from the boot of Emogen Johnson.

For Old Brighton, Cat O’Brien and India Tait lead from the front, finishing with a goal apiece, while Daisy Flockart provided a strong target up forward and ended the day with three majors.

Old Geelong hosted Marcellin OC for the match of the round, with both sides fighting for a spot in the top 4 with finals on the horizon.

The game lived up to the hype, with both sides bringing an exciting brand of football to Como Park. The Sherrin was shared around in the first half, but it was Old Geelong who led by four points at the main break, thanks to their superior finish in front of goals.

Marcellin came out firing in the third term, however only managed three behinds for all their efforts, making it a 1-point ball game at three-quarter time. In the final quarter, Marcellin stood tall and finally got reward on the scoreboard, kicking two unanswered goals to snatch the win by 11 points.

Amy Halaby was best on for Old Geelong for the second game in a row, while Charlotte McGilp continued her hot streak of form for Marcellin. Zoe Glascott was the most influential player in front of goals, kicking three for the day to put herself in equal-third place on the division’s goal kicking tally.

Beaumaris proved too strong once again, taking down Old Melburnians by 34 points at Banksia Reserve.

The first quarter was evenly contested with both sides registering two goals. But after the first break, Beaumaris took control, adding another two goals per quarter while the Omelettes only managed one more goal for the rest of the game.

Alana Hilford played a pivotal role in the Shark’s execution, kicking three goals and being named as Beaumaris’ best. Stephanie Barnett put up a brave fight for the Omelettes and was recognised as their best player.

Hampton Rovers and Old Xaverians have swapped positions on the ladder, after Old Xaverians blew the Rovers away at Castlefield Reserve.

Hampton Rovers got on top early, managing two unanswered goals in the first. After the first break, however, Old Xaverians’ defenders switched on and did not allow Hampton Rovers to hit the scoreboard again. Old Xaverians chipped away in the second, until they managed to take a slim lead into the half-time break.

Old Xaverians were dominant across the second half, piling on five more goals, with the final margin a game-high of 41 points. This was another defeat that could have been a lot more brutal if not for wayward goal-kicking, with Old Xaverians logging 6.18 for the day.

Poppy Ward featured in the best for Hampton Rovers for the fifth consecutive match, while Sophia Rothfield was best on ground for Old Xaverians for the third time this season.

The final match of the round was a close one, with Old Haileybury beating Old Camberwell Grammarians by a narrow 7 points.

The game was evenly matched, and Camberwell were not short of opportunities, ending the day with more scoring shots than the victors. However, their inaccuracy in front of goal was their downfall.

Serene Vudiniabola continued in her goal kicking ways, contributing three goals to Old Haileybury’s final score, while Elizabeth Simpkin received the coaches’ best on plaudits. For Old Camberwell, Alexandra Herrington was impressive as ever, listed as the best for her side for the fifth time this season.

With only three rounds remaining of the home-and-away season and six teams still in finals contention, the matchups in Round 14 are starting to feel that extra bit significant.

Old Xaverians will host second-placed Old Brighton, with the result important for both sides’ seasons. Old Brighton will be desperate to maintain their spot in the top two, while Old Xaverians will want to win to enhance their chances of avoiding relegation.

Old Geelong and Old Melburnians will face each other in an exciting third vs fourth tussle, with both teams looking to get back on the winners list and secure their place in finals.

Hawthorn AFC are hunting their second Division 1 win and will be hopeful they can find it next week, when they host Hampton Rovers. On the flip side, the Rovers need this win to get themselves out of the bottom two.

Marcellin OC will travel to Gordon Barnard Reserve, to take on Old Camberwell Grammarians, with a win likely to launch them into the top four.

Finally, Beaumaris will host Old Haileybury at Banksia Reserve. While Beaumaris would be strong favourites going into this game, Old Haileybury have proven themselves capable of causing an upset, and with top spot on the ladder locked in for Beaumaris, is there a chance the Sharks have become complacent?