Glen Eira back on top, as Richmond win on the road

Power House produced a percentage boosting victory over a winless Mazenod in Round 8 to propel them up to second rung, just four points behind the new ladder leaders in Glen Eira/Old McKinnon. Meanwhile, Oakleigh, Whitefriars, and Richmond Central all made their way back onto the winners list just ahead of the bye.

Hawthorn held their annual Wings Round on the weekend to bring greater awareness to the importance of Mental Health. Whilst this was a successful day for their club and community, it was not to be on the scoreboard, with Richmond Central defeating the Hawks by 22 points.

Things got off to a slow start on a crisp Saturday morning at Rathmines Road Reserve with scores level at a goal apiece heading into the first change. Richmond took control in the second to further their cause whilst holding Hawthorn to a single point with a strong defensive effort. The Snakes soared to the finish line with an epic 3-goal final term.

Ann-Marie Geary kicked 2 goals for the visitors and was acknowledged as the best on ground, whilst Hawthorn vice-captain Emogen Johnson starred for her side in a tough match, finishing with a goal to her name as well.

In an important middle-order clash between Oakleigh and Old Trinity, the Krushers took their chances, with the 42-15 victory resulting in a leapfrog into fourth spot. Oakleigh hit the scoreboard early and had the upper hand right from the outset.

Trinity’s first goal came late in the third quarter and the deficit sustained to that point was too significant to overcome. Old Trinity is known for their competitive spirit, however, will need to prove they are capable of beating the top performing sides should they wish to see finals action.

Kaitlyn Sidopoulos stole the show for the Krushers, booting four or their six goals for the match. Rachel Douglas and Bianca Vuetibau joined the star forward, delivering their own stand out performances, to earn a spot in the best.

It was demolition derby at Ross Gregory Oval, with Power House manufacturing a full throttle rampage over Mazenod. The home side walked away on 71 points, whilst conceding just a single goal for the match. Their connection around the ground proved a treat for their forwards who took their chances in front of the big sticks, slotting 10.11.

It was a day out for Kayla Slattery who unleashed in front of goals with 5 majors, whilst Ella Camerotto was responsible for the lone score for the visitors.

Despite being up 44 to zip heading into the final term, Power House showed no signs of slowing down, wanting to finish strong, whilst understanding the importance of percentage with a close top order. The 65-point victory has them placed comfortably in second with.

The Hampton Rovers have been in form with 3 wins on the trot, however, that came to a steady halt on the weekend when they were upset by a determined Whitefriars outfit. Although the Rovers had an early lead, scores were level at 8-all at the main break.

The premiership quarter proved to be the defining factor with a 2-goal to 1 differential giving the Whitefriars a slight edge over a formidable opponent. The Friars did well to keep their cool in the final term, maintaining their lead, securing a much-needed victory in a tight contest.

There was just one goal in it at the final siren with Caitlin Ryan leading the charge for the Whitefriars with 2 majors. For the Rovers, Maegan Miller was their leading goal kicker once again with 2, furthering her campaign as the competition’s overall leading goal scorer.

Toni Robb and Rhiann Sterry, two veterans of the Whitefriars women’s squad, both lead from the front in their side’s Round 8 victory with notable performances.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon got the better of Old Camberwell/AJAX in their Saturday afternoon fixture, but strong pressure from the home side prevented a blowout result.

The Gryphons have shown they are a team to beat and have delivered a host of cohesive performances as a squad, placing them in good stead for the back half of the season. On a number of occasions, they have been plagued by inaccuracy in front of goals, which will be an area of their game they’ll look to improve.

The Gryphons kicked 3.8, off the boots of three individual goal kickers (Julia Pavlou, Zoe Rossiter, and Alice Woldenden), to Old Camberwell/AJAX’s single straight kick. The 20-point final margin reflected the nature of the contest and the tight defensive efforts of both sides.

AJAX, who comprise half of the Old Camberwell/AJAX women’s team this season, preceded the match with a flag unfurling of their 2023 Division 3 Premiership flag.

At the half way mark of the competition, finals contenders are beginning to take shape. With 8 rounds of football to be played there is still time for the underdogs to claw their way up and make a bid for a spot in that illustrious top 4.

Coming back off the league-wide bye, Hawthorn remains at home as they come up against a high-flying Whitefriars in what should be an evenly matched contest. Meanwhile, Old Trinity will have their work cut out for them in an all-important clash, as they travel to face an in-form Power House at Ross Gregory Oval.

Over at Kevin Bartlett Reserve, Richmond Central take on Oakleigh, with both sides coming off strong wins. This match will be a must-win for the Snakes if they want to make their move for finals contention.

Hampton Rovers will host Old Camberwell/AJAX, whilst Glen Eira/Old McKinnon will take on Mazenod who are still searching for their first victory of the season.