Statement blowout contents in season opener

Round 1 of the Division 3 Women’s competition was a statement of blowouts, with the opening game between North Brunswick and Albert Park the sole scoreline that came down to the wire in a thrilling encounter. The buzz and excitement from players and coaches was palpable with Round 1 producing fresh energy, new game tactics, new talent, and setting up an exciting year ahead.

Here is a closer look at how each of the opening games unfolded:

To start off the round, Ormond travelled to Elsternwick Park bright and early, where they opened their campaign in winning fashion with a strong 7.15 (57) to 1.0 (6) victory over Elsternwick.

Despite the best efforts of Elsternwick’s Tori Christie, the home side struggled to contain Ormond’ strong attack, as Ormond piled goals of 2, 2 and 3 goals across each quarter of the game.

It was a terrific team performance from Ormond, who shared the load with four individual goal scorers, and Teagan Engelander leading the charge with 4 majors to her name.

It was a thrilling down to the wire match at Allard Park, where Albert Park kicked the winning goal in the final quarter against North Brunswick, with the final scores reading 2.4 (16) to 1.3 (9).

Both teams were tight for majority of the match, with Albert Park kicking the only goal in the first quarter. North Brunswick got back into the game kicking a goal in the second, coming off the boot of Molly Dale.

Albert Park retained the lead in the third quarter, with neither side capitalising on opportunities. Goals dried up as a few more behinds progressed the scores and Albert Park held on to win by seven points.

In a strong performance to start their season, St Mary’s Salesian recorded an emphatic 13.13 (91) to 1.0 (6) victory over Canterbury.

St Mary’s were led by an unbelievable performance from Georgia Crowley, who kicked seven goals. Strong contributions also came from Emily Wedrien, Lucy Dobbyn, Holly Wilson, Emma Hall and Phoebe Stephen.

Brigette Roberts fought valiantly for Canterbury, scoring one major and doing her best for her side.

It was a one-sided affair at Central Reservewhere Mazenod dominated from start to finish over South Melbourne Districts,as Mazenod piled goals of 1, 4, 1 and two goals in each quarter respectively.

Lara Del Conte finished with three goals for Mazenod, whilst having strong contributions from Clough Good and Davies-Todd with two goals, whilst Basham finishing with a single goal.

In the last game of the round, Old Camberwell kicked off their campaign in style, coming away with the chocolates at Gordon Barnard Reserve in a 90-point defeat over Prahran.

Old Camberwell were on song from start to finish, kicking 1, 3, 3 and five goals respectively in each quarter.

Old Camberwell shared the load of goals throughout the match, with Facey, Peterson, Vogel and Willie all finishing with two majors for the match.

Looking ahead, either Prahran or Elsternwick will secure their first win of the season when they face off at Toorak Park. Elsewhere, Albert Park host Old Camberwell, while Canterbury will come up against Mazenod at Central Reserve. Finally, St Mary’s Salesian will host the South Melbourne Districts and rounding out the weekend North Brunswick will go head to head with Ormond.