Round 9 intensifies the finals race in Division 1 Women’s

An upset by Monash Blues cause, a statement win from Power House and a surprise result from Old Carey highlighted Round 9 of the Division 1 Women’s competition.

With the season entering its second half, the race for finals positions continues to tighten.

Monash Blues announced themselves as a genuine contender with a narrow victory over ladder leader Marcellin, while Power House bounced back strongly.

Whitefriars also kept their finals hopes alive with an impressive road win.

Power House 6.7 (43) def La Trobe University 2.2 (14)

Power House returned to the top of the ladder with a commanding 29-point victory over La Trobe University.

The Trobers could not have asked for a better start, kicking the opening two goals of the game, to establish an early lead.

The lead didn’t last long, as Power House took control of the contest, dominating possession and territory, to run away with a comfortable victory.

The win ensured Power House remained firmly entrenched among the competition’s leading sides, as the race for a top-two finish intensifies.

Grace Read was outstanding in attack, finishing with three goals and providing a constant target inside forward 50. Danielle Butler and Kate Jenkin were also lively and hit the scoreboard.

Read was named among Power House’s best players, alongside Caoilfhionn Culliton, Sinead Doorley, Georgia McHolmes, Lily Butler-Woollard and Charlene Maguire.

Despite the defeat, La Trobe showed encouraging signs early and continued to compete throughout the afternoon.

Marleigh Andrews was the standout in attack with two goals, while Makayla D’Angelo, Ineka Hart, Charlotte Croome, Marleigh Andrews, Stephanie Castagnini and Madison Duffy were among the Trobers’ best performers.

Marcellin OC 2.1 (13) def by Monash Blues 2.3 (15)

Monash Blues produced one of the results of the season, defeating Marcellin by two points in a thrilling contest and dropping the Eagles to second on the ladder.

This clash loomed as one of the biggest matches of the round and it delivered. Monash took control early and although they led for the majority of the afternoon, it was a close encounter.

Despite repeated challenges from the home side, the Blues held their nerve in the final quarter to secure a memorable victory.

The result not only handed Marcellin a rare defeat, but also reinforced Monash’s credentials as a serious finals threat.

Tiarna Jericho continued her strong season in front of goal, kicking two majors for the Blues.

Megan Dore led the way for Monash, but received strong support from Emily Conroy, Tiana Jericho, Caitlin Williams, Anna Purtill and Alice McGinty, who were also named in the best.

Marcellin’s Imogen Kendal, Tania Carpinteri, Georgina Robertson, Tess Menzies, Alana Pane and Tessa Ramsay all battled hard in a contest that went down to the wire. While Ava Menzies and Annaleise Xanthos were the Eagles’ goal kickers.

Marcellin still remains among the competition’s benchmark sides, while Monash have now proven that they can match it with the very best teams of Division 1.

Oakleigh 1.2 (8) def by Whitefriars 2.8 (20)

Whitefriars kept their season alive with a hard-fought 12-point victory over Oakleigh, despite a frustrating day in front of goal.

The visitors generated plenty of opportunities throughout the contest, but struggled to make the most of them, managing just two goals from 10 scoring shots.

Fortunately for the Friars, their defensive pressure and ability to control field position ensured the inaccuracy did not prove costly.

A dominant defensive display saw Whitefriars keep Oakleigh scoreless in three of the four quarters, laying the foundation for an important win away from home.

Bella Giannangelo and Elisha Wain each kicked a goal, while Giannangelo was also named in the best.

Caitlin Ryan, Bree Whitehead, Carly Notting, Ariane Webber and Claire Sullivan all made significant contributions in the victory.

Jordyn Bethune, Lily Firth, Romy Klooger, Gisselle Jones-Wilson, Lorri Gunn and Daisy Bird were the best performers for the Krushers and Liv Sossa kicked their lone goal of the afternoon.

This result keeps Whitefriars in touch with the teams above them and provides valuable momentum heading into the back end of the season.

Old Carey 4.5 (29) def Ormond 3.6 (24)

Old Carey produced the upset of Round 9, defeating fourth-placed Ormond by five points, in a spirited performance.

The home side set up the victory in the opening quarter, kicking three goals to one and established an early buffer.

The fast start proved crucial, with Old Carey able to withstand a determined challenge from Ormond in the second half.

As the margin narrowed late in the contest, Old Carey continued to find answers and held on to record one of their most impressive wins of the season.

Sadie Chun starred in attack for the Panthers with three goals, while Mimi Chun also hit the scoreboard.

Lucy Wynne led a strong team win, alongside Isabella Caminiti, Rose Chiaramonte, Zara Purcell, Sadie Chun and Madi Coleman.

While Indiana Harrison, Maddi Wilson, Olivia Steinfort, Madison Harrison, Victoria Kovacevic and Olivia Watkins fought hard throughout the afternoon, as the best for Ormond.

Nina Coghill, Indiana Harrison and Victoria Kovacevic also kicked a goal each for the Monders.

The result was a timely reminder of the competitiveness of Division 1, with Old Carey proving capable of matching it with one of the competition’s leading sides

This has tightened the ladder and is making for an extremely fascinating finals race.