Finals hopes well and truly alive for UHS-VU, while the Renegades make it three on the bounce

The weekend that had it all! Round 11 of Division 2 Women’s saw big blowouts, nail-biters, a forfeit and a bye. The match of the round was arguably a come from behind thriller where UHS-VU clinched a 1-point victory over the mighty Hawks. As the competition gets down to the business end, it is now or never for the five middle-order teams vying for a spot in Finals.

Box Hill North put MCC to the sword, demolishing them by 65 points. They were able to gain ascendancy right from the get-go, making it difficult for MCC to get anything going.

It was a fantastic day for Box Hill’s Josephine Pope who kicked 6 goals, propelling her side to a dominant win. It was a fairly close contest right throughout the early stages, with Box Hill taking a slender lead heading into quarter time. However, after booting 3 goals to 0 in the second quarter, Box Hill began to kick away.

MCC have struggled to get the wins on the board in the second half of this season. Although, they match up well on most opponents, it just hasn’t been enough to gain the momentum needed to shoot up the table.

UHS-VU stormed home to knock Hawthorn off by just 1 point. It was a heartbreaking day for the Hawks who led all day. In a low scoring affair, the brown and gold army led 15-4 at three quarter time.

Funnily enough, UHS-VU did not kick a goal until 10 minutes into the last quarter and still managed to emerge victorious. It was a great thrill for Abbey Mills who kicked the sealer for UHS-VU, in what was one of the great comeback victories of the season.

It was a must-win game for UHS-VU who now keep themselves within touching distance of the top four. Despite being on the wrong side of the result, Emogen Johnson was fantastic for Hawthorn, booting two goals.

The result could prove pivotal as the season tightens, and for UHS-VU, belief will only grow from here. The Hawks will be desperate to bounce back quickly, while UHS-VU’s stunning final term will be remembered as a defining moment in their 2025 campaign.

In another close encounter, Parkside’s two goal second quarter proved pivotal as they defeated La Trobe University by 3 points, 2.6 (18) to 3.3 (21).

The Devils were able to gain control of the contest after quarter time, looking incredibly quick when transitioning forward with the ball. Parkside were able to remain composed throughout the second half and grind out the victory.

La Trobe coach Samantha Greene was proud of her sides effort despite inaccurate goal kicking killing them in both contests against the Devils. “Although we have lost the last two games against them, we have been in both contests until the final siren, which is really promising”, Greene said.

Parkside are the form team in Division 2 and have cemented themselves in second position behind Old Carey. The brand of football they are currently playing will put them in good stead to advance deep into season 2025.

Brunswick continued their great run of form, as they defeated De La Salle away from home by 17 points. In only their second home defeat all season, De La were unable to go with Brunswick after half time, conceding three goals.

The Renegades managed to record four different goalkickers and share the load in the scoring ranks. This round’s win makes it three on the trot for Brunswick who are starting to make a serious charge up the ladder.

Following their bye in Round 6, De La have played six games and only managed one win. The form slump comes at a costly time, with them now sitting outside the top four and in serious danger of missing finals. It makes their Round 12 clash with UHS-VU that little bit more important, as the club is in desperate need of a win to break this poor run of form.

The match up scheduled between Coburg and Old Carey was ultimately decided by forfeit, with the Panthers taking the four points on this occasion. Meanwhile, Aquinas had the weekend off with the Bye.

Looking ahead to Round 12, and the final match before the league-wide double bye, there are plenty of must-win matches for those looking to stay in touch with the top of the table.

Kicking things off, La Trobe University will host Aquinas, while Box Hill North are on the road to face Coburg. In a 6^th vs 5^th tussle, UHS-VU welcomes De La Salle to Brens Oval in a critical contest for both sides. Round out morning proceedings, MCC are fixtured to host Hawthorn. Gillon Oval is set to host a clash between Brunswick and Parkside on Saturday afternoon, while Old Carey will no doubt take full advantage of their Bye with a 3 week break before they return to the park for Round 13.