Whitefriars shake up the ladder & Monash Blues gain important win

Round 12 of the VAFA Division 1 Women’s season delivered a weekend full of significant results, with a major upset, a pair of dominant shutout victories and an important win for Monash Blues as the race towards finals continues to intensify.

La Trobe University 3.0 (18) def by Monash Blues 4.12 (36)

Monash Blues claimed an important 18-point win over La Trobe University, overcoming inaccurate kicking to run away with the win.

The Blues controlled large periods of the contest but were made to work for the result after kicking 12 behinds.

Samantha Rodgers was the standout forward with two goals, while Charlotte Fowler continued her impressive season with another best-on-ground performance.

Lara Sirianni, Gabrielle Perry and Sarah-Jade Rose were also influential in helping the Blues secure the four points.

La Trobe remained within striking distance throughout thanks to accurate finishing, converting all three scoring shots into goals.

Claire Wilson and Yasmine Budic led the way while Stephanie Castagnini and Kaitlyn Ritchie competed strongly. Jessica Lowry was rewarded with a goal in an encouraging individual performance despite the defeat.

The result keeps Monash Blues firmly in the finals mix, while La Trobe will be looking to bounce back with just a handful of rounds remaining.

Whitefriars 3.6 (24) def Power House 3.4 (22)

Whitefriars produced arguably the biggest result of the round, upsetting Power House by two points in a thrilling contest.

Separated by just two points at the final siren, the Friars held on for a memorable victory against one of the competition’s strongest sides.

Maeve Bohanna was the hero, kicking all three of Whitefriars’ goals in a remarkable individual performance.

Carly Notting, Caitlin Ryan, Georgie Kirkwood and Jessica Moloney all played key roles as Whitefriars defended bravely throughout the afternoon to record one of the club’s best wins of the season.

Power House generated plenty of opportunities but couldn’t find the decisive goal late in the match.

Caoilfhionn Culliton was once again among the visitors’ best, while Olivia Allen, Georgia McHolmes, Joelly Firmin and Georgia Bosisto all contributed to a spirited performance despite the narrow loss.

Old Carey 0.0 (0) def by Marcellin 7.11 (53)

Marcellin continued their outstanding campaign with another emphatic victory, keeping Old Carey scoreless in a dominant 53-point triumph.

The Eagles controlled proceedings from the opening bounce, eventually running away with the win. Zagontinos was outstanding inside forward 50, finishing with three goals, while Alana Pane added two majors in another polished display.

Chloe Harris was exceptional across four quarters, with Laura Robertson, Billie Harvey and Charlotte McGilp also among Marcellin’s best as the visitors maintained relentless pressure all afternoon.

Despite the difficult result, Old Carey continued to compete until the final siren, with Rosie Chiaramonte, Kellie McLeod, Francesca Anderson and Madi Coleman all fighting hard under constant pressure.

Ormond 6.13 (49) def Oakleigh 0.0 (0)

Ormond also produced a dominant performance, shutting out Oakleigh in a comprehensive victory.

The Monders controlled territory from the outset and created countless inside-50 opportunities throughout the afternoon.

Maddi Wilson starred with three goals, while Izabela Ignjic added two and Isabella Gietzmann finished with a major.

Arcadia Diaz, Olivia Steinfort and Eliza Cooper were instrumental around the contest, consistently winning the football and driving Ormond forward, while Victoria Kovacevic provided plenty of run.

Oakleigh battled hard despite the scoreboard, with Jordyn Bethune, Gisselle Jones-Wilson, Lorri Gunn and Tayla Halvy among the Bears’ best in a tough afternoon against one of the competition’s in-form sides.

With just a few rounds remaining in the home-and-away season, every result is becoming increasingly important, and Round 12 provided another reminder that the finals race is far from settled.

Whitefriars’ upset victory over Power House has added another layer of intrigue, while convincing wins for Marcellin and Ormond ensure they remain among the competition’s benchmark teams heading into the closing weeks of the season.