Collegians handed shock loss as race for finals positions heats up

Annie Ireland

Old Scotch have proved they are a force to be reckoned with, solidifying their hold on a finals finish with a 55-point victory over Coburg. The Cardinals would have surprised many with their form this season, having been elevated to the Premier Competition for this season.

After a strong win last weekend, Coburg failed to back it up, kicking only one goal via Teagan Brett in the final quarter, being held scoreless for the first three quarters of the game.

It was a high scoring affair for Old Scotch, setting the tone in the first quarter with four goals. It was a true team effort, with six different goal kickers for the match. For the Lions, Lauren Suleiman was their best whilst Olivia Arundel was the Cardinals’ best.

Next up, Old Scotch will host Fitzroy, whilst Coburg go into a must-win clash against Collegians in the Sunday afternoon time slot.

Collegians were handed an unexpected loss on the weekend, falling to West Brunswick by 22 points. A loss in a middle-order clash has potentially put Collegians spot in finals at risk, as they now sit in fourth only one game clear of the Magpies.

In the match of the round, the Magpies’ stepped up, and their second quarter showed they were ready to go to battle for the day, kicking 3.2. Georgia Harris kicked Collegians only two goals for the game, whilst Kayla Slattery was their best. West Brunswick did not list their best players or goal kickers at the time of writing.

Collegians will travel to Piranha Park next weekend in what is a must-win game to ensure their hold on a spot in the finals, as West Brunswick host Melbourne Uni.

It was business as usual for St Kevin’s on Saturday, beating Fitzroy by 42 points at Righetti Oval. Fitzroy were held goalless for the first quarter and went on to kick 1.2 for the remainder of the game.

It was raining goals for SKOB, kicking 7.8 for the game, yet it was their last quarter which was the most impressive. Having kicked 3.6 to three quarter time, the girls found avenues to goal, kicking 4.2 in the fourth quarter.

Ashleigh Byers had two goals for the game to feature in the best, whilst Eliza Straford earned the best on ground. It was a game where less experienced players stepped up and had their moment which is great to see in the lead up to finals. Fitzroy did not upload their goal kickers or best players at the time of writing.

St Kevin’s will have the bye next weekend before they return to finish their run home into finals. Fitzroy travel to Camberwell to take on Old Scotch.

Kew was another one to continue their dominance on the weekend, beating Melbourne Uni by 36 points. It marks a second tough loss for Melbourne Uni after they lost to Fitzroy by 46 points last week.

Melbourne Uni kicked only 1.3 for the game, being held to just one point for the entirety of the first half. Credit must be given to Kew for such strong defence which will hold them in good stead heading towards finals.

Whilst it was a strong victory, Kew will want to review their goal kicking, kicking a total of 15 behinds for the game, including seven in the final quarter. Amelie Smith kicked three goals for Kew to be featured in the best, whilst Michaela and Isabelle Harding shared the best on ground honours for the game.

Kew will host Caulfield next weekend in the match of the round, with Caulfield coming in fresh off the bye. Melbourne Uni will travel to play West Brunswick in what should be a pretty even contest.