Snakes bite Rovers in upset as top sides flex muscle

As Round 13 wrapped up, the ladder tightened once again in VAFA Division 1 Women’s. With just one round to go before finals, the battle for a coveted top four spot is fierce. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon kept their unbeaten run alive, while Richmond Central pulled off the upset of the round. Here’s how it all unfolded.

In a game that had massive finals implications, Whitefriars came from behind to outlast fellow finals hopeful Therry Penola, 3.9 (27) to 2.6 (18), on home turf. Trailing by 14 points at quarter time, the Friars found another gear after half-time, tightening up defensively and gaining ascendency through the middle.

Bella Giannangelo was the difference up forward, booting all three of her team’s goals and providing a reliable target inside 50. Around the ground, Laura Mimmo and Clare Fernandes were clean in traffic and composed with ball in hand, helping drive Whitefriars’ second-half surge.

Therry’s pressure was fierce early, with Eliza German dangerous around goal and Ruby O’Halloran racking up intercepts, but they couldn’t halt the Friars’ run in the final term. The result puts Whitefriars level on wins with Hampton Rovers and Power House as the scramble for fourth intensifies.

Oakleigh locked in their finals credentials with a dominant 12.11 (83) to 5.3 (33) win over Old Haileybury, notching their ninth victory and solidifying third spot on the ladder.

With a blistering first half that saw them pile on 7.5 to 1.2, Oakleigh put the game to bed early. Kaitlyn Sidopoulos and Emily Heverin shared eight goals in a powerful forward duo performance, while Ruby Ford and Sienna Bernardo controlled the midfield and delivered inside 50 with precision.

Old Haileybury rallied late, booting three final-quarter goals to close the gap, with S. Vudiniabola again among their most threatening forwards. Zahra Clavarino and Sophie Butler were solid for the Bloods, but the class and spread of Oakleigh proved too much to contain.

Power House kept their finals hopes alive with a convincing 5.8 (38) to 1.4 (10) victory over winless Parkdale Vultures. With their trademark physicality and structure behind the ball, Power House controlled the match from start to finish.

Lisa McCombs bagged two goals and presented strongly up forward, while Georgia McHolmes and Grace Read dominated the contest, linking defence and attack with run and carry. Rebecca Foley was also key in transition, showing composure under pressure.

For Parkdale, it was another learning experience. Breanna Allen kicked their only major, and Maya Dunne was a standout in defence. Despite their winless record, Parkdale continues to compete admirably each week against the division’s top sides.

In the shock of the round, eighth-placed Richmond Central toppled fourth-placed Hampton Rovers, 4.6 (30) to 4.4 (28), delivering a hammer blow to the Rovers’ top four ambitions.

The Rovers ran out and through a banner as the club recognise a huge milestone for Mandy Naylor who played her 100^th game and made history as the first female to do so for Hampton.

In a tense, end-to-end clash at Castlefield Reserve, it was the Snakes’ hunger at the contest and calmness under pressure that stood out. A. Geary booted two timely goals, while Marissa Bergamin and Susnnah Rennie each chimed in at critical moments.

Richmond’s midfield brigade, led by Laura Quinton and Isabella Rao, were relentless in applying pressure, and the Snakes’ rebound work was a key factor in the win. The Snakes held firm in the final minutes as Hampton surged, clinging to their narrow lead as the clock ticked down.

Hampton had chances, with Maegan Miller slotting two and Madeline Pearson working tirelessly. But the missed opportunity to lock in their finals spot will sting, especially with Power House and Whitefriars breathing down their neck.

In a top-of-the-table blockbuster, ladder leaders Glen Eira/Old McKinnon maintained their undefeated record with a polished 6.5 (41) to 4.3 (27) win over second-placed Monash Blues.

The Gryphons came out firing, slamming through four goals in the opening term to catch Monash flat-footed. From there, they managed the tempo brilliantly, controlling territory and limiting the Blues’ run.

Mia Zielinski once again proved why she’s one of the most dangerous forwards in the comp, finishing with four majors and proving a constant aerial threat. Sarah Fitzpatrick and Gemma Strangio were clinical in defence, while Eliza Morrison added her usual composure around stoppages.

Monash had their moments, especially in the second half, with Hannah Konstanty and Gemma Cowin both hitting the scoreboard and Johannah Dallas among the best. But Glen Eira’s ability to capitalise on their early dominance sealed the win and underlined their premiership credentials.

With just one round remaining, the fight for fourth is on a knife’s edge. Hampton, Whitefriars, and Power House are locked on 28 points, with Therry Penola still an outside chance. Expect fireworks next weekend as the race for September goes right down to the wire.

This coming weekend, Oakleigh are gearing up to take on the Hampton Rovers in a massive third v fourth clash. Also in the early time slot, Parkdale Vultures welcome Richmond Central to Gerry Green Reserve. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon are hosting Therry Penola, while Monash Blues will come up against Whitefriars. Rounding out the afternoon, Old Haileybury have a tough match up against Power House on home soil.