By David Nagel
A super-impressive Healesville is looking good for a successful finals campaign after the second-placed Bloods held Pakenham scoreless in Outer East Women’s Football on Saturday.
Both teams have been in good form of late, but it became apparent quite early that a significant gap exists between the top-two teams in the competition – Healesville and Upwey-Tecoma – and the chasing pack.
The Lions put up some early resistance in the 8.15.63 to 0.0.0 defeat, but Healesville’s depth across the ground would soon become a force to be reckoned with.
In the absence of Pakenham gun Abbey Tognazzini, Paula Pavic dominated the ruck for the Bloods giving a midfield of Amy Frazzetto, Dannielle Jones, Alex Bryan and the speedy Scarlett Potter first use of the footy.
The Bloods kicked 1.8 in the first quarter to leave the door slightly ajar.
But two goals in the second and third quarters, and a three-goal finish, gave the Bloods a well-deserved victory.
The classy Dani Carrucan kicked four goals for the winners, while Tash Wakenshaw and Kayla Menere were terrific for the Lions down back.
The Lions midfield of Courtney Stephens, Melina Eppel and Chloe Nagel fought the game out to the end, while first-season player Sarah ‘Sez’ Connelly continues to show promising signs with her grit and determination on the wing.
Healesville should continue its winning form against Yarra Junction this week, while the Lions have a bye before a last-round visit to Upwey-Tecoma.
In other games this week, Danielle Weisgerber kicked three goals in Belgrave’s 36-point win over Thornton-Eildon, while Kath Gow kicked three, and Emily McKay two in Monbulk’s 66-point victory over Seville.
Indy Bakker was once again a star for the Hawks, while Shania Turner and Shaye McLean gathered plenty of the footy around the ground.
In Eastern Division One, fourth-placed Beaconsfield has put in a strong performance against ladder-leading Rowville at Holm Park Reserve.
The Eagles took the enormous challenge in their stride, leading by a straight kick at the first break, before the Hawks broke the game open with a 3.3 to 0.0 second term.
Haneen Bou-Karroum kicked two for the Hawks, while Maddi Lawrence and Tash Bliss slotted one each for the Eagles.
Beaconsfield will look to consolidate fourth place on the ladder when the Eagles host Ringwood at 10.40am on Saturday.
OUTER EAST WOMEN’S
RESULTS – ROUND 13
Pakenham 0.0.0 v Healesville 8.15.63, Thornton-Eildon 1.1.7 v Belgrave 6.8.44, Monbulk 9.13.67 v Seville 0.1.1. Olinda Ferny Creek, Upwey Tecoma, Yarra Junction – Byes.
LADDER
Upwey Tecoma 44, Healesville 44, Olinda Ferny Creek 28, Pakenham 28, Belgrave 20, Yarra Junction 16, Monbulk 12, Seville 12, Thornton-Eildon 8.
FIXTURE – ROUND 14
Seville v Upwey Tecoma, Belgrave v Thornton Eildon, Healesville v Yarra Junction, Olinda Ferny Creek v Monbulk. Pakenham – Bye.
