In what was considered the match of the round between two top four sides, it was the underdogs who prevailed with Oakleigh Districts running away victors by 23 points. This contest was ridden with inaccurate kicking with Oakleigh’s waywardness the only thing keeping Bentleigh in the match.
After a slow start and poor execution in the first quarter, Oakleigh District clicked into their gears with the side playing brilliantly football. Jordan Misfud and Rhiann Leighton were exceptional for Oakleigh with the pair accumulating possession after possession as they looked to dominate a the Demons.
Quarter by quarter Oakleigh stretched their lead with the District girls sure to be practicing their goal kicking during the week with the side leaving the door ajar at three quarter time, leading by 14 points. The match didn’t shift with the story staying the same in the final quarter with Oakleigh keeping it a struggle for Bentleigh to trouble the scorers with the side only kicking two goals for the whole match.
East Brighton 10.4-64 def Clayton 5.2 - 32
In what was a clash that would ultimately not affect the final standings come season end. The way this game was played didn’t suggest that, the intensity that both East Brighton and Clayton brought was not expected given the time slot, the weather and the fact that this game wouldn’t determine anything.
Rebekah Halprin has had an unbelievable 2019 season for the Vampires with the forward continuing to dominate her opposition, finishing the home and away season with 32 goals from 11 games. Kiani Mitchell has put together two brilliant games of football coming to the end of the season and with the finals just a week away, her ability to accumulate bulk possessions is something that will be instrumental come finals time.
Unfortunately for Clayton the 2019 season - their first in the top grade - didn't yield the team success they had hoped for. East Brighton will face Oakleigh Districts in round one of the finals with the winner finding themselves in a Division one Preliminary Final.
Endeavour Hills def Lyndhurst by forfeit
A dearth of numbers unfortunately forced Lyndhurst to forfeit their match against the ladder leaders, ending a disappointing season for the Lghtning.
Finishing minor premiers has been an outstanding effort for the Falcons, however the season starts now as they look to achieve their ultimate goal in winning a Division one women’s grand final.
DIVISION 2
Endeavour Hills 5.10-40 def Mordialloc 1.3-9
In what was a must win clash for Mordialloc to give them any chance of playing in finals, the lights were on as the teams played in a unique night game clash, trailing by just one point at three quarter time the potential of a finals berth started to creep into Mordialloc’s mind. Like most teams this year, opposition’s inability to play four quarters against Endeavour Hills ultimately resulted in a heartbreaking result come the conclusion of this clash with the minor premiers winning by 31 points.
The game was riddled with miss opportunities with both sides failing to capitalise on their territory gain with both sides visibly frustrated with their efforts in the forward half.
Lara Nicholas was exceptional for Endeavour Hills with the forward kicking three crucial goals alongside Danielle Dodos who’s form in her five games has ensured she will be one to watch in the finals as the Falcons look to do the double in both Division one and two.
Unfortunately for Mordialloc this season will be one to forget with the side ultimately falling short of their goal in playing finals, this season has been one full of ebbs and flows with the side ruing from miss opportunities. Finishing fifth at the end of the season that side will look to attack the preseason head on as they approach their 2020 campaign.
As for Endeavour Hills their journey continues as the face Lyndale in a semi-final that will sure to be compulsive viewing.
Lyndale def Lyndale by forfeit
With South Yarra unable to field enough numbers, the match was unfortunately called a forfeit. However, that didn't deter the two sides, who instead had final hitout before they commence their respective finals campaigns.
Lyndale controlled proceedings throughout with the side trialling a few things in preparation for their finals campaign, something that has been infectious throughout their playing group this season is their inaccuracy in front of goals, again on the weekend that was apparent kicking 10 behinds to just 5 goals.
South Yarra will look to respond in a must win semi-final clash against Hallam at Meade Reserve with both sides having similar 2019 seasons, Emma Checkley performed valiantly for South Yarra all day, awarded best on ground for the losing side. This is sure to be a thrilling clash. As for Lyndale they have guaranteed themselves a double chance with the side facing ladder leaders Endeavour Hills in a mouth-watering semi-final contest.
Doveton Eagles 2.3-15 def by Hallam 0.16-16
In what were horrific conditions for the clash between Doveton and Hallam with the weather taking control of the girl’s skills, with Hallam remarkably wining the match without kicking a goal! Extraordinarily, Hallam kicked 16 behinds compared to Doveton’s two goals three with Hallam holding on to a thrilling one point victory.
Hayley Gasparini was again terrific for Hallam with the young gun reaping the rewards for her effort with Hayley being awarded best on ground in what was a finals like clash given the situation on the scoreboard.
Much to the disappointment of Doveton, the result has been far too common for the side in their 2019 season finishing with just three wins for the season, the club will endeavour to improve from their 2019 as they look to put their foot forward in their 2020 season and throughout. As for Hallam they will look to battle it out against South Yarra in what is an elimination final.
