Division 4 Women’s Round 5 Recap

With the first month of action in the books, the race at the top of the table is already shaping into a fierce battle, with Wattle Park, Old Xaverians and Melbourne University locked in a grind for top spot, while the fight for fourth and fifth remains wide open.

Aquinas 10.11 71 def Fitzroy 1.1 7

The round commenced with Aquinas securing a comprehensive 64-point victory at E.E. Gunn Reserve, lifting Aquinas into fourth spot on the ladder.

Aquinas set the tone early with a strong opening quarter, kicking three goals. From there, they produced their most complete four-quarter performance of the season.

Emily Box starred with four goals, while Olivia Akaruru and Asher De Klijn were also outstanding in front of goal, finishing with three and two majors respectively.

Best

Fitzroy: Nina Bagaric, Sophie Carolan, Evie Deasey, Rhiannon Fraiia, Katherine Ingvarson, Tahlia Baldwin
Aquinas:  Kate McKenna, Dianna Haines, Casey Murphy, Olivia Akaruru, Emily Box, Indi Clarke

Wattle Park 2.2 (14) drew with Brunswick 1.8 (14)

In a thrilling and entertaining match that went down to the wire, Division 4 saw its first draw at Bennetswood Reserve.

Coach Mel Dell’Olio was pleased with his side’s efficiency throughout the contest.

“It was an exciting game with plenty of lead changes,” he said.

“Both teams had moments to win but the draw was a good reflection of the contest. Brunswick were strong in contest with their contested marking a standout. Our efficiency up forward with lower entries really helped us.

“Holly Knight played her first game for us who lined up next to her twin sister. We also bid team legend Lilli Fogarty an emotional farewell, playing her final game.”

Melbourne University 3.6 (24) def Mazenod 3.2 (20)

Melbourne University secured their fourth victory of the season, edging out Mazenod by four points at Central Reserve.

Melbourne University made the brighter start, booting two goals in the opening term to take early control. Mazenod responded strongly in the second quarter with majors to Zoe Spicer and Shelby Vicic, reducing the margin to just one point at half-time.

A tense third quarter followed, with neither side able to break through for a goal as Melbourne University held onto a slender four-point advantage heading into the final term.

The visitors struck first in the last quarter with their third goal of the afternoon, before Amy Ivers responded for Mazenod to keep the contest alive. The final minutes proved a nail-biter, but Melbourne University held firm to bank another valuable four points.

Melbourne University coach Jules Hunter was pleased with the contest work and the amount of possession and fundamentals that worked.

“We were able to break the congestion, get the ball movement in our favour. Goals scored against the breeze,” she said.

“Mazenod saw a lot of the ball in the second quarter and our players made a point of contesting every possession for the rest of the match. We’re developing a resilient, passionate and positive team and it is so fun to be apart of.

“Shoutout Bridget Hudson and Nat Power who were outstanding through the midfield. Aoife Keogan played her first ever game, which showed sensational skills that shone through.

“Shoutout as well to the umpires. We’re grateful that the umpires made the match so enjoyable for the players.”

Best

Mazenod: Iliana Skantzos, Gabrielle Turner, Emily Skrzyniarz, Zoe Hayden, Zoe Spicer, Shelby Vicic
Melbourne University:  Jacinta Cole, Bridget Hudson, Asha Price, Alexis Koufidis, Natalie Power, Scarlett Keast

Albert Park 8.12 (60) def Canterbury 3.5 (23)

Albert Park secured their third win of the season, defeating Canterbury by 37 points at Canterbury Sportsground.

It was a low-scoring opening term as both sides worked their way into the contest, before Ashlea Wilson kicked the first goal of the match for Albert Park. Stephanie Langley responded shortly after for Canterbury, but Albert Park gained control with a two-goal burst to extend the margin to 14 points. Georgia Bold hit the scoreboard just before half-time to trim the deficit to 13 points at the main break.

Albert Park continued to build momentum in the third quarter, with Rhiann O’Donnell booting both of the Falcons’ goals for the term. Georgia Bold added her second for Canterbury, but Albert Park still held a handy 21-point advantage at three-quarter time.

The Falcons lifted their defensive pressure in the final quarter, keeping Canterbury scoreless while adding two more goals through Rhiann O’Donnell and Ashlea Wilson to seal an impressive victory and move into fifth spot on the ladder.

Rhiann O’Donnell starred with four goals in a dominant display, while Ashlea Wilson and Bridget Turner provided strong support with two goals and one goal respectively. For Canterbury, Georgia Bold battled hard with two majors, while Stephanie Langley added the other goal.

Best
Canterbury: 
Albert Park: Rhiann O’Donnell, Bonnie Grining, Vanessa Gan, Darwisyah Faqihah, Ashlea Wilson, Meaghan Donaldson

Old Xaverians 9.11 (65) def North Brunswick 1.2 (8)

Old Xaverians secured their fourth win of the season with a commanding 57-point victory over North Brunswick at Greythorn Park.

Old Xaverians came out firing, piling on six first-quarter goals to take control of the contest early. Daisy Bonnett led the charge with two opening-term goals, while Praan Kulnides, Millie Ventura and Amelia Mauri also found the scoreboard.

North Brunswick responded through Isabella Bennan midway through the second quarter, but Old Xaverians still carried a commanding 35-point lead into half-time.

To North Brunswick’s credit, their defensive efforts tightened considerably after the main break, restricting the home side to just one goal in each of the third and fourth quarters. Old Xaverians added three goals in the third term before sealing the result with another major in the final quarter.

Daisy Bonnett proved dominant in front of goal, finishing with four majors in a best-on-ground performance. Millie Ventura added two goals, while Charli Wapshott, Praan Kulnides and Amelia Mauri each contributed one goal apiece.

Old Xavs coach Gabby  Golds was pleased with her side’s work rate.

“We started off really well in the first quarter, booting six goals which set us up for the rest of the match.

“North Brunswick came out hard in the next few quarter and made it a good competitive game.

“Shoutout to Daisy Bonnett, Amelia Mauri and Remi Di Carlto who were terrific throughout the whole match.”

Best
Old Xaverians:  Chloe Bonnett, Zahli Burgess, Amelia Mauri, Daisy Bonnett, Chloe Psyhogios, Remi Di Carlo
North Brunswick: Matilda Franks, Ange Hall, Maegan Dick, Cassie Muscat, Fiona Spitzkowsky, Sarah Baird