Gryphons flex their muscle with a 92-point rout

With just a handful of rounds left before finals, Round 12 of the VAFA Division 1 Women’s competition saw dominant performances from top-tier contenders and a few gritty battles that showcased the depth of this year’s field. From Glen Eira’s triple-digit masterclass to Power House’s defensive wall, the weekend had it all.

At Packer Park, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon produced their most emphatic performance of the season, defeating Old Haileybury to the tune of 15.18 (108) to 2.4 (16). The scoreboard tells the story of Glen Eira’s offensive depth and structured play, as seven individual goal kickers contributed to the avalanche of scoring.

Maddison Zielinski and Lucy Fitzpatrick each bagged four goals in a dazzling display up forward, while Eliza Morrison was electric around the ball, finishing with three goals and a best-on-ground performance. Grace Strangio, Jade Hosking and Abby Wolfenden also made their presence felt, rounding out a well-oiled unit that never let up.

Old Haileybury managed two goals courtesy of S. Vudiniabola and J. Abraham but were outclassed across the ground. Still, the likes of S. Turudia and Ella Bannon worked tirelessly to stem the tide and earn spots in the best.

Whitefriars solidified their top four credentials with a powerful 10.20 (80) to 2.2 (14) win over Parkdale Vultures away from home. The Friars asserted control early, posting 1.8 in a wasteful first quarter before sharpening their aim as the match progressed.

Ariella Vine was the standout, booting four goals and putting Parkdale’s defence under constant pressure. She was well-supported by Bella Giannangelo, Chloe Notting and Lauren Mimmo, while Claudia Money and Jade Campbell rounded out a commanding midfield brigade.

Parkdale managed majors through M. Medcraft and G. Collinson, but struggled to generate scoring opportunities against the Whitefriars’ territorial dominance. J. Welford and V. Furlonger worked hard across four quarters, earning well-deserved mentions in the best.

In a low scoring but tactically sound affair, Monash Blues handled Oakleigh on the road, claiming a 5.7 (37) to 2.4 (16) victory. It was the Blues’ efficiency forward of centre that proved the difference, converting opportunities where Oakleigh couldn’t.

Monash spread the scoring evenly with five individual goal kickers, including Georgia Kennedy, Emma Draffin, and Sarah Rodgers. Sarah Lock and Emily Conroy were key playmakers, using their composure and clean disposal to keep Oakleigh on the back foot.

For Oakleigh, J. Francis and E. Heverin each slotted a goal, but it was Francis’ all-round game that stood out, alongside efforts from Rebecca Ford and Sarah Bernardo, who toiled tirelessly under pressure.

Power House kept Richmond Central scoreless for three quarters in a defensively resolute 2.8 (20) to 0.2 (2) win at Ross Gregory Oval. In slippery conditions, neither side was able to hit the scoreboard with ease, but Power House’s relentless midfield pressure set the tone.

J. Down led from the front with a goal and a best-on-ground performance, while Georgia McHolmes added the other major. Strong support came from Zoe Uwland, Grace Read and Caitlin Culliton, who were instrumental in repelling Richmond’s forward entries.

Despite the loss, the Snakes showed patches of promise through I. Rao, J. Toms-Wedge and T. Moselen, but ultimately couldn’t convert their few chances in front of goal.

At John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve, Hampton Rovers returned to the winner’s list with a composed 5.5 (35) to 2.2 (14) win over Therry Penola. The Rovers jumped out to an early lead and controlled the tempo of the match from there.

Georgia Bonanno and Maddy Pearson each kicked two goals, while A. Price added one of her own. But it was the midfield presence of Chloe Politarhis and Tahlia Annear that steered the Rovers throughout, keeping the ball locked in their forward half and ensuring scoreboard pressure was maintained.

Therry Penola were valiant, with A. Brown and A. Duggan registering goals, while Grace Macgregor and Emily German stood tall in the contest. However, their inability to find repeat inside 50s made it difficult to stay in touch.

With a few rounds remaining, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon and Whitefriars appear to be emerging as genuine contenders, both notching impressive percentage-boosting wins in Round 12. Monash Blues continue to hum along consistently, while Power House and Hampton Rovers are building form at the right time.

Parkdale, Oakleigh, and Therry Penola will need to dig deep to string together results that can keep them in contention, while Richmond Central and Old Haileybury continue to fight hard for development and pride.

With finals spots on the line, every contest from here on in becomes critical and based on Round 12’s performances, the race is only heating up.

Kicking off Round 13, Power House is set to make the journey South to Gerry Green Reserve to face the Parkdale Vultures, while Hampton Rovers will take on Richmond Central at Castlefield Reserve. Old Haileybury will face off against Oakleigh, and Whitefriars will face Therry Penola at home.

In the match of the round, the top two go head-to-head, with Glen Eira/Old McKinnon doing battle against their biggest competition in the Monash Blues. The last time these two sides met there was a showdown at Packer Park with the Gryphons claiming victory by a mere 6 points.