WHITTLESEA has roared into the second semi-final of the Northern Football Netball League division three senior women’s competition, kicking the final four goals of its qualifying final matchup against Montmorency 2 at Tony Sheehan Oval to book a date with North Heidelberg for a spot in the grand final.
The final margin of 19 points didn’t exactly reflect how much of a dogfight the first three quarters were for the Eagles, with Montmorency 2 throwing everything at them.
The Magpies stole a march in the opening term by kicking the only goal of the quarter, while Whittlesea could only manage two behinds, trailing by four points at the opening change.
However, the second quarter saw a big change in fortunes, with Whittlesea dominating the territory battle.
An early goal to Katrina Bruch was the result to allow the Eagles to hit the front, but this was the only goal they could manage for the term. Instead, three behinds were what the Eagles could muster, as they held on to a five-point lead at the main break, 11-6.
Whittlesea came out of the sheds a little flat in the third quarter, and Montmorency 2 was the beneficiaries, largely dominating play. The Magpies kicked two goals in the first half of the quarter to steal the lead, and a shell-shocked Whittlesea outfit could only manage one behind for the term as it trailed by one straight kick at the final change, 12-18.
With the pressure on, the Eagles responded.
Instead of hanging on as they did for much of the third quarter, the Eagles came out with a clear game plan to utilise their run across the wide expanses of the La Trobe University ground, one which worked to perfection.
At the seven-minute mark, it was fitting that Olivia Hodgson, who was the best player on the ground, made her biggest impact, kicking the goal to put Whittlesea in front for good.
Further goals to Bruch and two goals to 50-gamer Leah O’Dell ensured this would be the Eagles’ day, maintaining their hold on the double chance and having their opportunity to book a spot in the grand final, taking a 5.7 (37) to 3.0 (18) victory.
Hodgson was outstanding with her run and carry, while captain Ashley Fitzpatrick led strongly from the front. Harper McPherson-Goulding, Eden Attard, O’Dell and Hayley Osborne also had some exciting moments.
Meanwhile, South Morang’s season is over despite a brave fight against Darebin on La Trobe’s second oval.
The Lions were well and truly in the game throughout the first quarter, and were able to generate opportunities, but the end result saw both teams start the quarter as they ended it, deadlocked with two behinds to their name.
Unfortunately for the Lions, this was as close as they would get.
Darebin struck first in the early stages of the second quarter and would take control by kicking four successive goals to take a 26-point lead.
South Morang did have a response, with Jessica Hyde kicking a late goal to leave the Lions sitting 20 points down at the main break, 28-8.
After conceding the first goal of the third quarter, Stefania Pauga provided a much-needed response to keep the Lions in the contest, kicking two successive goals to reduce the margin to 13 points.
Ruby Failla would add another to keep the Lions in it, but this was punctuated by two Darebin goals, which left the margin the same as it was at half time, frustrating the Lions, 47-27.
Unfortunately, South Morang had no gas left in the tank, and it was Darebin who controlled play. The Falcons kicked the only two goals of the last quarter to extend the margin to 32 points by the close of play, 9.6 (60) to 4.4 (28).
Despite the loss, Failla was excellent, as was Hailey Cordova. Devony Hoare, Ella Pinney, Mikayla Bennett and Pauga completed the list of best players.
