Powerful Parkdale offence & a tense fight for top spot

Caulfield Grammarians 3.2 (20) def by Parkdale Vultures 5.2 (32)

Parkdale have continued their winning streak with a close victory over the Grammarians. The Vultures three-goal-to-one first quarter set up the game.

Parkdale kept Caulfield scoreless in the second before the Grammarians returned serve in the third to stop the Vultures’ impact on the scoreboard. 

However, with both teams kicking a goal apiece in the last quarter, the away side ran away with the win keeping their spot at the top of the ladder. 

Caulfield coach Lachy Worthy looked at the game constructively. 

“This week was similar to the last time we played Parkdale. They got off to a strong start winning clearances and showing clean ball movement. We played catch up footy all day but couldn’t convert enough of our deep forward 50 entries to hurt them on the scoreboard.

“Lilly Ellis and Lily Wenk worked hard all day in the midfield and Sienna Brittain found plenty of space on the wing while Brig Wolhuter was solid in defence. It’s all a good learning experience for this young and developing thirds team and we will pick ourselves up and look forward to next week.” 

Parkdale coach Jess Welford highlighted what the game meant for her team.  

“It was a milestone game for one of our senior players with Sienna Symons playing her 100th game. A foundation player, Sienna had a great game topped off with three goals. The rest of the team rallied around her, and all contributed to a good win. We moved the ball well and restricted Caulfield opportunities with good defence and pressure. Still plenty to work on.” 

Old Yarra Cobras 1.2 (8) def by Hawthorn 2.2 (14)

This was a tight contest between two teams sitting at opposite ends of the ladder. However, it was the Cobras who looked set for an upset, keeping the Hawks to a singular point for the first half.

At three-quarter-time both teams were even, until the class of Hawthorn returned, surviving the scare to kick the winning goal in the fourth and run away victorious. 

Old Yarra coach Bree Pascoe expressed pride in her team’s performance.  

“Despite the final scoreboard, this was without doubt our best team performance of the season. Every player embraced their role and contributed, resulting in a genuine four-quarter effort. The muddy, slippery conditions suited our style and allowed us to match it with our opposition throughout the game.

“Most importantly, we put ourselves in a position to win, which is exciting new territory for this group. Unfortunately, an early goal to the opposition in the final term proved costly, and despite generating plenty of forward 50 entries, we couldn’t convert our opportunities into scoreboard pressure.

“The growth this group has shown over the course of the season has been incredibly encouraging, and we’re excited to see what we can produce over the final four games.” 

Old Haileybury 5.7 (37) def Prahran/Collegians 4.2 (26) 

A fast start from Old Haileybury set them up well against Prahran/Collegians as they looked to keep their spot at second on the ladder.

With a two-goal lead at the half, the game was there for the taking, however, even with Prahran/Collegians kicking two goals of their own, they couldn’t stop the Hearts from continuing to score.

Prahran/Collegians lifted in the last, keeping the Hearts goalless, but couldn’t close the gap, with Old Haileybury taking away an 11-point victory. 

This week’s matches see first place Parkdale face second place Old Haileybury in a clash that will decide first place coming into the later part of the season.

Hawthorn will look to continue their winning ways against Caulfield Grammarians and Old Yarra (fresh off pushing Hawthorn all the way) will be looking for their second win of the season against Prahran/Collegians.