Hearts spoil Vultures undefeated run, Hawks win nailbiter against Grammarians — Round 8 Division 3 Women’s review

Old Haileybury 2.8 20 def Parkdale 1.7 13

Both the Hearts and Vultures struggled to find the goals in the first half with both teams going into half time goalless. It was the Hearts who took control in the third, with goals from Gypsy Folwell and Kate Langford-Jones, before the Vultures clawed a goal back with five minutes left in the fourth to create what Old Haileybury coach David Lappage described as “a tense last three minutes” for the Hearts.

The Hearts withheld the late run by the Vultures to run away seven-point victors, handing Parkdale their first loss for the season.

Parkdale will look to return to their winning ways against Old Yarra at Home, while Old Haileybury play Caulfield at home.

Hawthorn 4.6 30 def Caulfield Grammarians 4.3 27

It was a tight game all throughout for the Hawks and Caulfield Grammarians with four points being the largest margin at any break in the game. However, it was the Hawks who held off the Grammarians to take away a three-point win.

Caulfield coach Lachy Worthy was pleased with his team’s performance despite the defeat.

“(It was) a tight game with both teams evenly matched with strong midfields and solid defence. Eva Mackevicius and Lilly Ellis really stood up in our midfield and Jess Van Es and Bridget Savic were dangerous up forward. Our defence was led by Brig Wolhuter who repelled plenty of Hawthorn attacks.

 “A goal to Neve Thompson early in the last quarter gave us the lead but an interesting free kick to Hawthorn on their goal line in the dying stages gave them a goal and the lead. There was a lot to be excited about with this young and inexperienced team, but we still have plenty to work on as we look the next week.”

Hawks coach Aaron Miller described many individual efforts which helped the Hawks get across the line.

“It was great to see so many players step up and play important roles. Sophie Siddons had a breakout game in the ruck with outstanding defensive marking and a huge impact around the ground. Georgie Shugg was superb down back with the golden fist on display and her ability to rebound and create attack from defence. Flash (Imogene Hage Nebyl) was brilliant through the midfield with her work rate, contest and ability to drive us forward.”

He also highlighted the importance of his leaders and their performances in a close game like this.

 “But we do not get the win without our leaders standing tall. Tessa and Charlotte were outstanding as captain and vice-captain, leading from the front and setting the standard for the whole team. A great team win where everyone contributed and played their role.”

This week sees Caulfield play an in-form Old Haileybury whilst Hawthorn face Prahan/Collegians, with the winner of that clash taking third place on the ladder.

In the final game of the round, Old Yarra forfeited seeing Prahan/Collegians taking the four points.