By David Nagel
The final round of the home-and-away season in Outer East Women’s football is about to take place with teams jostling for starting positions ahead of this year’s finals series.
All nine teams have played each other this year, with five division one teams and four from division two battling it out across the course of the season.
At the completion of this week’s round of matches, the two divisions will split meaning eight of the nine teams will play finals.
In division one, Upwey Tecoma and Healesville have separated themselves from the pack, with Olinda Ferny Creek and Pakenham set to lock horns in an elimination final in week one of finals.
In division two, Belgrave is leading the way after a much-improved showing in the second half of the season.
The Magpies will start premiership favourites in division two, with Monbulk, Seville and Thornton Eildon the challengers.
The Magpies confirmed their dominance with a 63-point victory over Thornton-Eildon on Saturday.
Belgrave has played some terrific football of late and hit the scoreboard hard, with three goals each to Serenity Connolly and Danielle Weisgerber setting them on the path to victory.
Tayla Marshall and Jess Walker also bobbed up with a couple each in the very blustery conditions.
Breanna Tivendale kicked the only goal for the Roos.
Olinda Ferny Creek is hitting form at the right time of the year with the Bloods easily accounting for Monbulk at home.
The skilful Grace Belloni was once again on fire for the Bloods, kicking two goals in a dominant display through the midfield.
Maddi Collins also bagged a couple, while Em Keegan and Claire Hyett were others to impress in the 39-point victory.
Kath Gow kicked the only goal for the Hawks, who had Ayla Short, Maddi Dodd and the consistent Indy Bakker in good touch around the ground.
And Healesville continue to impress, this time holding Yarra Junction scoreless in a 77-point victory at Healesville.
Danielle Carrucan continues to be a threat up forward, slotting four goals, while Monique Willemsen kicked two in another impressive display from the Bloods.
Alex Bryan, Paula Pavic, Emily Hay and Amy Frazzetto are building a nice head of steam as the Bloods prepare for a massive shot at this year’s division one title.
In the final game of round 14, Upwey Tecoma didn’t have to raise a sweat with Seville forfeiting their contest at Seville.
Pakenham, meanwhile, had the bye.
The Lions have had mixed results in recent times but will be keen to test themselves against the best when they head to Upwey Tecoma for a 4.45pm start this Saturday.
Key defenders Tash Wakenshaw and Emma Caulfield will have their hands full against one of the most potent forward lines in the competition.
In Eastern Division One, Beaconsfield has fallen agonisingly short of victory in a 3.3.21 to 2.7.19 loss to Ringwood at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.
Things were looking good for the Eagles in the first term, with goals to Lauree Metcalfe and Vicky Liarakos giving them a six-point lead at quarter time.
But inaccurate kicking in front of the big sticks cost the home side, who had six shots at goal without success for the remainder of the match.
Despite the loss, the Eagles still cling to fifth place on the ladder.
The Eagles have a bye this week before games against Chirnside Park (5th) at home and an away trip to North Ringwood (3rd) to round out their home-and-away season.
OUTER EAST WOMEN’S
RESULTS – ROUND 14
Belgrave 11.4.70 v Thornton Eildon 1.1.7, Healesville 10.17.77 v Yarra Junction 0.0.0, Olinda Ferny Creek 7.6.48 v Monbulk 1.3.9. Upwey-Tecoma defeated Seville (Forfeit). Pakenham – Bye.
LADDER
Upwey Tecoma 48, Healesville 48, Olinda Ferny Creek 32, Pakenham 28, Belgrave 24, Yarra Junction 16, Monbulk 12, Seville 12, Thornton-Eildon 8.
FIXTURE – ROUND 15
Upwey Tecoma v Pakenham, Seville v Olinda Ferny Creek, Thornton Eildon v Yarra Junction, Monbulk v Belgrave. Healesville – Bye.
