Hawthorn and De La Salle fight for top spot in Division 3 Women’s

Two clear contenders continue to emerge as the Division 3 Women’s season reached Round 3. Hawthorn and De La Salle have tightened their grip on the top rung of the ladder, only split by percentage.

Hawthorn 10.7 (67) def Brunswick 2.10 (22)
A five-goal-to-one first quarter set the tone early for Hawthorn in their clash with Brunswick. However, the Renegades held the Hawks to a single goal in the second quarter; unfortunately, they were unable to register a major themselves. The second half saw Hawthorn extend their lead, running out 45-point victors. Tessa Bodin kicked six goals, while the Tackle Your Feelings Medal was awarded to Brunswick’s Jolyn Collins.

Renegades coach Amy Dillon applauded her team’s performance. “(We) showed massive improvement from Round 1 with a solid display of marking and kicking, leading to some beautiful passages of play. We outplayed Hawthorn in marking, which was even noted by the opposition coach, but unfortunately the score didn’t reflect the quality of the game. The Renos showed that we are building towards something great this season.” She also mentioned some individual efforts. “Our mids put in a huge effort, with Badsy (Emily Collins), Larky (Meadhbh Larkin) and Jolyn Collins winning plenty of clearances. Mia was awarded the coach’s badge for a great game of continual effort.”

Hawthorn comes up against Old Haileybury in a second v third match-up that shapes as a great contest. Brunswick faces ladder leaders De La Salle.

Mazenod 4.1 (25) def Albert Park 2.5 (17)
The wind was a massive factor in the clash between Mazenod and Albert Park. Mazenod kicked one goal to none in the first quarter, while the second saw neither team trouble the scorers. Equipped with the breeze, Mazenod kicked truly with two goals to extend the lead. However, with a quarter to play and the wind assisting the Falcons, the game remained wide open. Albert Park stormed home with two goals, but Mazenod’s defence held strong, and with a goal of their own, they sealed the game.

Mazenod coach Matt Foale lauded both teams’ efforts. “Great game, with both teams having moments of control. We were just a little more efficient inside 50 and took our chances when we had them.” Foale also highlighted his side’s ability to hold off the Falcons late. “Albert Park challenged late with the wind; however, we were strong enough to hold on. Abbey Walton was solid down back, while Grace Dipetta and Illiana Skantzos were dominant around the ball.”

Mazenod faces Port Melbourne in what shapes as an interesting contest, with both teams looking to cement a spot in the middle of the ladder. Albert Park takes on Fitzroy.

Old Haileybury 6.11 (47) def Port Melbourne 4.4 (28)
A hot start from Old Haileybury, with five goals in the first half to two from Port Melbourne, saw immediate pressure applied to the Chargers in their first outing of the year after two forfeits. Ultimately, the five-goal head start proved enough, with the Hearts adding one more goal and running out 19-point winners.

Hearts coach David Lappage highlighted his team’s effort from the first bounce. “(We) set the tone with relentless tackle pressure, grit and desperation, ensuring the breeze had little influence on the contest.” He also mentioned some individual efforts. “Tess Baxter was electric early, running rampant in the first quarter and providing great drive, while Zahra Clavarino gave the midfield first use with her strong and consistent ruck work. Shay Phillips, along with leaders Jas Bettess and Kate Langford-Jones, set the standard with their attack on the football and composure under pressure. Across half-back, Jaz Carty, Ivy Compton and Ruby Hartney were outstanding all day.”

Old Haileybury will look to spoil Hawthorn’s unbeaten run when they meet this Saturday, while Port Melbourne takes on Mazenod.

De La Salle 6.12 (48) def Fitzroy 1.2 (8)
Ladder leaders De La Salle kicked three goals to none in the first half of their clash with Fitzroy. The young Fitzroy side only managed to score in the third quarter, with De La Salle winning by 40 points to continue their unbeaten run.

Fitzroy coach Liz Olney reflected positively on the game, outlining the addition of five first-gamers to an already young side. “(We) learnt from the tough game the previous week,” she said, while also noting her team’s defensive effort. “Great defensive pressure again, leading to De La Salle kicking from all points. (We) weren’t afraid to try and take the switch kick. (We) took time to settle in the first quarter; in the second quarter we showed great intensity and ball movement. Overall, just great team football—we got back to playing Fitzroy football and celebrating the small things.” De La Salle will look to continue their winning ways against Brunswick this Saturday, while Fitzroy aims to return to earlier form against Albert Park.