Round 13 is in the books as the race for ladder positions continues to tighten. Percentage is now all that separates Mazenod and Aquinas, while the gap between fourth and sixth has grown to two games.
At the other end of the ladder, the margin from fifth to eighth has stretched to one game, setting up an intriguing run home as teams battle for finals positions.
Aquinas 4.4 (28) def Wattle Park 0.8 (8)
The round commenced at JW Manson Reserve, where Aquinas recorded a 20-point victory to secure their ninth win of the season and remain second on the ladder.
Aquinas kicked the only goal of the opening quarter before extending their advantage to 16 points at half-time with two second-quarter majors from Meg Dargan and Emily Box. Dargan added her second goal in the third term to further strengthen Aquinas’ lead.
Neither side was able to find a major in the final quarter, with Aquinas comfortably holding on to claim the four points.
The visitors shared their four goals between three players, led by Meg Dargan with two, while Asher De Klijn and Emily Box each contributed one.
Aquinas coach Phil Box was pleased with his side’s efforts after half-time.
“Tough conditions particularly in the second half. We were happy that we were able to compete with such a skilful and physically strong side that Wattle Park are,” he said.
“Ash Broderick played a strong four-quarter game and Asher De Klijn was a tackling machine.”
Best
Aquinas: Tia Steen, Hannah Jones, Meg Dargan, Ash Broderick, Paige Johnston, Louise Morris
Wattle Park: Charlotte Norton, Ebony Ratcliffe, Olivia Frost, Madeleine Mazar, Jemima Clancy, Hannah Pear
Mazenod 8.11 (59) def Fitzroy 0.0 (0)
Mazenod secured their ninth win of the season with a commanding 59-point victory over Fitzroy at Central Reserve, regaining top spot on the ladder.
The visitors made an ideal start, with Zara Lukies and Emily Skrzyniarz each kicking a goal in the opening quarter. The Nodders continued to control proceedings in the second term, as Alicia Basham and Bridget Hollard added majors to extend the lead to 37 points at the main break.
To Fitzroy’s credit, they lifted their intensity around the contest in the third quarter, restricting Mazenod to a single goal. However, Mazenod finished strongly, with Amy Ivers and Stephanie Smith each finding the scoreboard in the final term to seal a convincing 59-point victory.
Alicia Basham and Stephanie Smith were the leading goalkickers with two majors apiece, while Bridget Hollard, Amy Ivers, Zara Lukies and Emily Skrzyniarz each finished with one.
Mazenod coach Matt Foale was pleased with his side’s performance, particularly given the reduced numbers available and praised the team’s ability to maintain their intensity throughout the contest.
“We got the jump and scoreboard pressure early and never looked back,” he said.
“Shelby Vicic was unstoppable, consistently getting free, breaking tackles and using her long kicking to advantage. She was well supported by Alicia Basham who was one of our best again, kicking two goals from ruck/half back.
“Annabelle Davies-Todd relished her opportunity to play through the midfield, and Amy Ivers gave us the celebration of the day where she scored a major in the second term.
“We ran out comfortable winners, giving our percentage a good boost as we look forward to the run home.”
Best
Mazenod: Shelby Vicic, Jessica Hart, Annabelle Davies-Todd, Matilda McKenzie, Amy Ivers, Alicia Basham
Fitzroy: Eilish Wallace, Sophie Carolan, Sophia Carr, Alice Becker-Scott, Tahlia Baldwin, Isabel Tozer
North Brunswick 2.3 (15) def by Albert Park 6.5 (41)
Albert Park recorded their fifth win of the season with a 26-point victory over North Brunswick at ATC Cook Reserve, moving to seventh on the ladder.
It was a tightly contested first quarter, with Albert Park scoring three first quarter goals, while North Brunswick scored two.
Albert Park scored one goal in the second quarter through Meaghan Donaldson, extending the margin to 11 points at the main break.
The Falcons controlled the second half with two goals in the third quarter to complete a comprehensive victory.
Rhiann O’Donnell and Aine Conlon led the way in front of goal for Albert Park with two majors each, while Beckie Esdaile and Samantha Dale finished with one goal each.
Albert Park coach Anthony De Jong was pleased with his side’s start to the game. Despite North Brunswick kicking the first goal of the game, his side built momentum.
“Our first five scoring shots were helpful. In a high scoring first quarter Rhiann O’Donnell kicked two important goals for us followed by Sammy Dale kicking her first goal for the club,” he said.
“In the second quarter we managed to kick the only goal for the term into the wind with Irish recruit Aine Conlon kicking her first ever goal from a set shot after a free kick.
“Two early goals in the third quarter to Conlon and Beckie Esdaile who scored her first ever goal put a margin on the scoreboard.
“When the drizzle started in the last quarter, the match played out without much change to the scoreboard.
“Our best players were Rhiann O’Donnell, Aine Conlon and Emma Sullivan.”
Best
North Brunswick: Delfina Estrada, Ruby-Rose Gibson-Haywood, Isabelle Brennan, Tahlia Shields-Bathgate, Molly Dale, Caitlin Hennessey
Albert Park: Rhiann O’Donnell, Ashlea Wilson, Aine Conlon, Emma Sullivan, Samantha Dale, Katie Talbot
MUWFC 5.3 (33) def by Brunswick 6.4 (40)
Brunswick recorded their fifth win of the season, defeating MUWFC by seven points.
It was a goal fest in the first half, as both teams used their pace to hit the scoreboard. MUWFC finished the second term strongly with three quick goals by Asha Price, Ella Ashley and Sophia Goodwin, to take a seven-point lead into the main break.
Brunswick kicked one goal in the third quarter, reducing the margin to one point at three-quarter-time.
Brunswick kicked two goals in the last quarter to seal a thrilling victory.
Rubee-Leigh Poata and Cobie Farmer starred in front of goal with two majors each, while Han DeBuhr and Jolyn Collins scored one goal each.
The Renegades and Muggers banded together in celebration of inclusivity, community and connection for Pride Round.
Emily Molnar and Siena Jacques also celebrated their 50th games.
Brunswick coach Amy Lee was delighted with her side’s team effort that sealed the win.
“It was a tight, high-pressure contest from the start. Scores were level at three quarter time and the intensity never dipped,” she said.
“The midfield group was outstanding, showing off the layers and quick stoppage exits built at training.
“Emily Goodes and Emily Molnar brought relentless tackling pressure that kept us in control around the contest.
“Captain Rubee-Leigh delivered two crucial goals, Meg Whiteman battled fiercely in the ruck and Tahlia Hayes produced clutch defensive saves when the game was on the line.”
Best
MUWFC: Mickey Gostencnik, Chantelle Warren, Maddison Noack, Asha Price, Isabella Grutzner, Scarlett Keast
Brunswick: Gina DiBenedetto, Tahlia Hayes, Liliana Jaques, Morgyn McCarthy Harding, Rubee-Leigh Poata
Old Xaverians vs Canterbury
The match between Old Xaverians and Canterbury ended in a forfeit, with Canterbury taking the points.
Round 13 of William Buck Premier Men’s was hurtling towards four upsets, before a couple of Top 4 teams managed to steady late and find a way to win. Has
Canterbury 18.12 (120) def Aquinas 13.9 (87) An eight-goal first-quarter blitz from Canterbury helped secure their 10th win of the season as they defeated Aquinas by 33 points. Canterbury kicked
Parkside 13.5 (83) def by Oakleigh 13.11 (89) In what was a high-pressure, momentum-swinging game, Oakleigh managed to hold out for a six-point win over Parkside. The win brings both
