All go down to the wire as Div 1 Women’s heats up

It was a footy lover’s dream on the weekend, with all five games of the Div 1 Women’s Comp decided by 11 points or less, with two of those coming down to a goal or less.

Therry Penola moved up to equal fourth, just behind the Rovers on percentage after a narrow one goal win over Richmond Central. The loss leaves Richmond with just one win for the season to date, now sitting in ninth on the ladder.

Tenille Moselen, Iso Rennie and Erin Eldon were best on for a much-improved Richmond team. Eliza German was once again impressive for Therry and continues to mount her case for a spot in team of the year, whilst Gemma Macgregor was also impressive. Ruby O’Halloran had a strong week and is another who pushes her case for a spot in team of the year.

Richmond will face a tough match up against Oakleigh on Saturday morning, whilst the Lions will also host top of the table Glen Eira as they hope to move further up the ladder.

Old Haileybury recorded their second win of the season, their first one since Round 3, defeating Power House by a narrow three points. It was a stirring victory, coming from behind the entire game, with a crucial last quarter goal seeing the Bloods snatch victory. They held Power House scoreless in the last quarter in what was a never-say-die team win.

Joanne Down starred for Power House, kicking four goals whilst Grace Read and Rebecca Foley also had a good day out. For Old Haileybury, Mia Zielinski was their best with two goals, whilst Serene Vudiniabola and Ella Gown were also strong.

Power House face a tough challenge in Round 8, playing the Monash Blues at Frearson Oval whilst Old Haileybury will hope to notch consecutive wins for the first time this season when they host Whitefriars.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon continued their dominant run of form on the weekend to stay on top of the ladder, defeating Hampton Rovers by 11 points. It was a very even first half, and whilst the Rovers were scoreless at the quarter time break, they got their jets on in the second and went into the main break with a two-point advantage. It was a tough slog between the two teams in the second half, however the Gryphs’ three goals to the Rovers’ one made all the difference in the end.

Cecilia McIntosh was impressive with two goals for the Gryphs, along with Eleni Nicholls who recorded one goal. Polly Gemell was the best on ground for the day. Millie Smith was the best on for the Rovers, whilst Bryanna Arnold, Grace Bonanno and Madeline Pearson all had a goal apiece.

Next up, the Gryphons will travel to John Pascoe Reserve to take on Therry Penola, whilst the Rovers will play the winless Parkdale.

Monash Blues got back to their winning ways against Oakleigh, defeating them by nine points in a tough contest. This game was high stakes, with the winner to move to second on the ladder. It was a close first half, with both teams missing chances in front of goal as the Blues took a one-point lead into half time.

However, as they have done so many times this season, it was the Blues that came out swinging on the other side of half time. The Blues kicked 2.2 to see out the game and through strong defensive pressure held Oakleigh to just the one additional goal, with the final scoreboard reading 3.5 (23) to 2.2. (14).

Ainslee Elliott had two goals for the Blues and was a big contributor to their victory, with Tiarna Jericho and Alice McGinty. Ruby Ford continued her highly impressive season, being named amongst the best for the seventh consecutive week and is yet to have a round where she is not named. Ford has definitely mounted a strong case for a team of the year nomination.

Monash will host Power House on Saturday afternoon, whilst Oakleigh will play Richmond at Kevin Bartlett on Saturday morning.

Although the Parkdale Vultures are still searching for their first four points of 2025, they looked a much-improved side in Round 7, falling to Whitefriars by nine points. Scoring was pretty hard to come by in the first half, with both teams failing to register a score in the second quarter. Whitefriars had chances to put the game away in the third, with Parkdale kicking 1.1 to stay in it. However, it was the two quick goals from Whitefriars in the final term which saw them run out victorious: 30-21.

Andrea Belmonte and Annalise Vine were both impressive for Whitefriars, kicking two goals apiece. Captain Breanna Allen was strong for Parkdale, whilst Chloe Phillips and Breanon Di Giovambattista were also good.

The victory marked Whitefriars third win of the season, sitting behind Power House on the ladder on percentage alone. They will play Old Haileybury next weekend as they look to continue their climb up the ladder. It doesn’t get any easier for the Vultures, who will play the Rovers and will look to continue their improved form.