Gryphons show they are the real deal in game of the year

Round 6 of the competition saw the match of the year, as Glen Eira/Old McKinnon defeated the Monash Blues by six points in a low scoring affair, demonstrating just how big of a threat they are to the competition.  It was just the Blues first loss of the season, which alas sees them slide from first to third on the ladder, now below both the Gryphs and Oakleigh, further emphasising how tight the competition is. Glen Eira remains undefeated on top of the table.

It was expected to be a thriller on paper, and both teams delivered. Cecilia McIntosh was best on ground with two goals, whilst captain Gemma Strangio led from the front for the Gryphons. Jacqui Greer had two goals for the Blues, whilst Tiarna Byrnes and Tiarna Jericho were their best.

Next up, Glen Eira will host Hampton whilst the Blues will host Oakleigh in the battle for second on the ladder. If the Gryphs’ are defeated by the Rovers, it leaves the race for first wide open.

The Hampton Rovers were triumphant with profound victory over Therry Penola, defeating the Lions by 56 points to jump into fourth position. It was a fairly evenly matched first half, with the Rovers taking a four-goal lead into the main break. However, a 43 to 9 point second half helped secure the win.

Hollie Brodribb continued her impressive run of form, kicking a huge five goals and was named in the best players for a sixth consecutive week. Madeline Pearson and Casey Politarhis were also impressive. For the Lions, Eliza German was named best on and in the best for a third consecutive week, whilst Abbey Duggan kicked two goals to take her tally to 14 for the season.

Therry Penola will play Richmond Central on Saturday morning, whilst the Rovers will come up against the rampaging Gryphons.

Parkdale Vultures looked much improved as they settle into the Div 1 competition, however, were not able to get the job done over the mighty Power House at Ross Gregory; with a final margin of 18 points. In a low scoring affair, the Vultures were held scoreless for the entire first half, whilst Power House were wayward in front of goals, kicking 1.4 in the first half. A more consistent run of scoring was on display in the third quarter, with Parkdale bringing the margin back to four points.

The Vultures failed to capitalise on the momentum, remaining scoreless once again in the fourth quarter whilst Power House kicked 2.2.

Joanne Down had two goals for Power House, whilst Sinead and Emma Doorley were both strong performers. For the Vultures, Chloe Phillips and Ellie Wilson were both strong whilst vice-captain Tayla Ingram kicked a goal.

The Vultures will travel to play Whitefriars on Saturday morning, whilst Power House will host Old Haileybury.

Whitefriars secured their second win of the season, defeating Richmond Central by 10 points. Richmond was held to just one behind for the first half, with Whitefriars kicked 5.2. The Snakes staged a comeback in the second half, with four goals to Whitefriars two behinds. It was a strong performance from both sides, but it was Whitefriars first half that saw them able to hold on and ultimately run out victorious.

Co-captains Clare Fernandes and Caitlin Ryan were impressive in front of goal, whilst Bella Giannangelo was best on. For Richmond, Rionach Nealon, Mia Hyde-Smith and Georgie Hobill were impressive.

Richmond will host Therry Penola next week as they search for their second win of the season, whilst Whitefriars will look to continue their form when they host the Vultures.

Oakleigh were too strong for Old Haileybury, defeating them by 29 points to move up to second on the ladder. Oakleigh were wayward in front of goal in the first half, kicking 2.9 to Haileybury’s 1.2 to keep the contest wide open. However, they corrected their inaccuracies in the second half, kicking three goals to Haileybury’s two behinds.

Kaitlyn Sidopolous kicked two goals for the second week in a row, making it her fourth game of multiple goals. Sienna Bernardo and captain Ruby Ford were impressive once again. Emily Bannon, Gypsy Folwell and Alessia Lettieri were strong for Haileybury.

Next up, Old Haileybury will come up against Power House on Saturday morning. Oakleigh will travel to Frearson Oval to play the Monash Blues, in a game that could shake up the top order.