Top three all square – Division 3 Women’s Round 14 Review

Old Haileybury 6.9 (45) def Hawthorn 5.3 (33)

Old Haileybury has joined the three teams equal on points at the pointy end of the ladder after beating the Hawks in a battle of second versus third.

An even first quarter saw the Hearts up by a point at the first break. However, a goalless second quarter from the home side saw the Hawks take an eight-point lead into the half.

After a two-goal-apiece third quarter, Hawthorn took a 7-point lead into the last quarter. However, the Hearts held the Hawks scoreless in the final quarter, kicking three goals to clinch a 12-point victory.

Old Haileybury coach David Lappage explained the high-pressure nature of the game.

 “It was a manic and frantic first quarter with high pressure football. Hawthorn was the first to settle and dominated the 2nd quarter. Emogen Johnson for them was dominating. She’s the best in the comp.”

“Our girls started to get our hands on the ball first in the second half with Tess Baxter and Gypsy Folwell dangerous up forward. Shalyn Phillips put a hold on Johnson’s dominance and with Meg Nailon dominating in the ruck and feed Jas Bettess we were able to run over the top of them.”

Parkdale 2.3 (12) def by Prahran/Collegians 6.6 (42)

Prahran/Collegians have ended Parkdale’s winning run and have assured themselves of a finals berth. Prahran/Collegians’ Madeline Marquet-Walker kicked four of her team’s six goals in the victory.

It was a tight first quarter with Parkdale holding a 2-point lead at quarter time. However, it was the second quarter where Prahran/Collegians turned the tide holding the Vultures scoreless and kicking two goals of their own.

The Vultures struck back in the third holding Prahran/Collegians scoreless however couldn’t take back the lead before the away side kicked three unanswered goals in the last to run away 27-point victors.

Parkdale coach Jess Welford looked constructively at her team’s performance. “Prahran/Collegians played well and deserved the win. While we weren’t able to get our game flowing consistently and only showed it in patches, there were still some positive moments throughout the match. Plenty of learnings to take away, and we’ll use this as an opportunity to improve heading into next week.”

Caulfield Grammarians 6.7 (43) def Old Yarra 0.0 (0)

The Grammarians produced a dominant performance against the Cobras on the weekend, with an excellent defensive effort to hold the Cobras scoreless for the game.

Lauren Yarrow led the way with three goals, as Andrea Mills slotted two and Lily Ellis kicked for Caulfield.

Caulfield coach Lachy Worthy was impressed by his team’s performance.

“This week our aim was to get off to a fast start and then keep the pressure on for four quarters. I was really pleased with our ball movement from half-back to our forward line with Alyssa Bernardo, Lottie Finster and Amy Barklamb providing great connection.”

“While Andrea Mills and Lauren Yarrow were dangerous up forward it was a full team effort this week. We are looking to maintain that momentum into the last two games for the season.”

Old Yarra coach Bree Pascoe reflected on her team’s performance constructively.

“It was another slow start for us, which immediately put us on the back foot and allowed our opponents to make the most of their opportunities on the scoreboard. Their speed and ball movement around the ground caused us plenty of problems early, and we became too focused on reacting to what they were doing rather than playing to our own strengths.”

“To the group’s credit, the response after half-time was much improved. We shifted our focus back to our own game, competed much harder at the contest, and were able to win our share of the football.

“Unfortunately, despite giving ourselves more opportunities, we struggled to connect in our forward half, which meant we couldn’t capitalise on our improved midfield work and put enough scoreboard pressure on the opposition.”

“While the result wasn’t what we were after, there were positive signs in the way we adjusted after the main break. If we can start games with the same intent and focus that we showed in the second half, while continuing to improve our connection going inside 50, we’ll give ourselves a much better chance of competing for all four quarters.”