Parkside surges, UHS-VU holds nerve in week one finals

The first week of finals footy for the Division 2 Women’s competition has seen UHS-VU and Parkside progress to qualifying finals next week. The wins now set up an exciting second week of finals action, where the stakes continue to rise and every contest becomes a season-defining battle. With UHS-VU and Parkside carrying momentum into Finals week 2, all eyes will be on them to see how they measure up against quality oppositions like Old Carey and La Trobe University.

UHS-VU etched a victory against a brave Box Hill North outfit to see them play on in season 2025. The contest was always set to be a tight one from the offset, with the sides being very evenly matched throughout the regular season.

No goals were kicked in the first quarter, with both sides getting a feel for finals football in the early stages. UHS-VU gained ascendancy in the second quarter, kicking two goals and taking a 6-point lead heading into halftime. Box Hill kept on fighting throughout the third term, booting the first goal of the quarter and keeping themselves in it. However, class soon prevailed as UHS-VU finished off the quarter strongly, with a goal and three points being enough to extend the lead narrowly heading into the final term. A cagey finish to the game saw UHS-VU run out 9-point winners, holding their nerve when the pressure was at its highest. 

Emma Boeck put in a stellar performance for the home side, kicking two goals, applying relentless forward pressure, and handling the intensity of finals footy extremely well. Box Hill North have competed extremely gamely this season and it will be a shame to see it come to an end, as their effort, resilience, and spirit have been unquestionable across the campaign.

On the other side of the bracket, the form team of the competition Parkside did what they needed to do, but it didn’t come without an early scare. La Trobe University came out of the blocks hot, kicking two first-quarter goals to jump the Devils and lead by seven points at the first change.

Their pressure around the ball and willingness to take the game on looked like it might rattle Parkside early. However, once the contest settled, Parkside’s dynamic duo of Martina Zeevaarder and Ella Smallcombe quickly found their rhythm. The pair combined for six goals between them, swinging the momentum sharply in the Devils’ favour. From there, Parkside began to dictate terms, moving the ball with fluency and making life extremely difficult for La Trobe’s defence. Their ability to score efficiently whenever they went forward became the difference, as the Devils’ midfield began to dominate clearances and control possession.

The game was well and truly put to bed in the final quarter, when Parkside unleashed a goal blitz, piling on three late majors to seal the result and send their supporters home buzzing about what 2025 might hold. The victory not only highlighted their attacking firepower but also underlined their status as genuine premiership contenders. For La Trobe, while the defeat was disappointing after such a promising start, their double chance ensures the season isn’t over yet.

They will regroup quickly and now face UHS-VU next weekend in a do-or-die clash, where both sides will be fighting to keep their premiership hopes alive.