Hawthorn win nailbiter as Prahran/Collegians lock in finals

Hawthorn 2.4 (16) def Caulfield Grammarians 2.3 (15)

It was a close call for second-placed Hawthorn with Caulfield pushing them all the way in a thrilling contest.

The Grammarians struck first, scoring the opening goal of the game in the second term. The Hawks answered in the third, scoring their first goal and were strong defensively keeping the Grammarians scoreless in the third.

This set up a tantalising last quarter with a point the difference. Both teams managed to find the goals, making it even more tense, but Hawthorn held on as one-point victors.

Caulfield coach Lachy Worthy talked constructively on his team’s performance.

“It was another close game with no more than a goal separating the teams all day. In the end Hawthorn were able to convert more of their opportunities than us. They were strong in the air and able to clear the ball from our forward line well.

“Lilly Ellis continued to drive the midfield with support from Eliza Grills and Alyssa Bernardo roaming the half back line. We will continue to work on our execution and look forward to a strong finish to the season.”

Prahran/Collegians 8.16 (64) def Old Yarra Cobras 0.2 (2)

It was a dominant four-quarter performance from Prahran/Collegians.

The first term saw Collegians kick five goals to none. However, it was in the second where the Cobras held the Collegians goalless.

Prahran responded in the third kicking two goals and holding the Cobras scoreless for the second half. After kicking another goal in the fourth Prahran came away with the victory by 62 points.

Old Yarra coach Bree Pascoe spoke about her team’s performance positively.

“Despite the final result, there were plenty of positives to take away from our performance. The opposition dominated the clearances in the opening quarter, which led to five goals and put us on the back foot early.

“After quarter time we made some important adjustments around the contest, and the response from the group was outstanding.

“From that point on, we were able to even up the contest, holding them goalless in the second quarter and restricting them to just two goals in the third.

“Our pressure, work rate and ability to compete around the ball showed great improvement, and it was pleasing to see the team fight hard and stick to the plan.

“Unfortunately, the game got away from us in the final term, with the scoreboard blowing out late. While the result wasn’t what we were after, the effort, resilience and determination the group showed for the majority of the game was something to be proud of.

“If we can bring that level of intensity for four quarters, we’ll continue to close the gap against strong opposition.”

Old Haileybury 4.6 (30) def by Parkdale Vultures 7.3 (45)

With the winner moving to the top of the ladder and the loser slipping to third, this game had huge consequences.

Parkdale got the jump early, kicking two goals to one in the opening term. Unfortunately for Old Haileybury, they didn’t look back, kicking two goals to one in every remaining quarter.

In the end, they ran away with the win by 15 points and holding onto first place on the ladder.

Parkdale coach Jess Welford expressed pride in her team’s performance.

“It was another good game against Haileybury. We moved the ball well and created some great scoring opportunities, but the game was probably closer than the scoreboard suggests.

“I’m super proud of everyone who played. Everyone worked hard, contributed, and made it incredibly difficult to choose our best players.”

Old Haileybury coach David Lappage reflected on his team’s performance and the factors that impacted on it.

“Our young side had too many quality players away on holidays and the experience of Parkdale got a hold of us. Ruby Hartney was best for us playing on all and stand in captain Gypsy Folwell battled hard all day up forward trying to inspire us.”