By David Nagel
The stage is set for a thrilling three weeks of finals football in the Outer East Women’s competition with eight teams fighting for glory across two divisions.
Upwey-Tecoma will start favourites in division one, with Healesville hot on its heels, while Olinda Ferny Creek and Pakenham will be keen to upset the apple-cart.
In division two, Belgrave and Monbulk are set for a mouth-watering clash in this week’s second semi-final, while Seville and Thornton-Eildon will lock horns in the early-finals eliminator.
The last round of the home-and-away season gave us an indication of what we can expect over the coming weeks.
Upwey Tecoma was simply awesome against Pakenham, handing the Lions a football lesson in a 19.24.138 to 0.0.0 victory.
The Tigers were at their ruthless best from the outset, having 15 scoring shots in the opening term, but could have blown the game apart even further if not for some inaccuracy in front of goal.
The Tigers kicked 4.11 in the opener, asserting their dominance, before catapulting their way to an impressive victory.
Alex Bantock was fantastic for the Tigers up forward, booting five goals, while the lively Jess Occhipinti was at her busy best with four.
Penelope Dousset and Madi Walsh were others to shine for the winners, while Jess Walton controlled the ruck contests against under-sized opposition.
In what was a sorry day for the Lions, skipper Chloe Nagel and vice-captain Courtney Stephens battled things out to the final siren.
Melina Eppel, Donna Monckton and Tayla Sbisa were others to hold their heads high.
Olinda Ferny Creek has warmed up for this week’s eliminator against Pakenham with a 102-point defeat of Seville.
Madeleine Collins was on fire for the Bloods, booting six magnificent goals, while Ella Smith was still impressive, although half as effective, with three.
Madi Ward capped off a great game for Seville by kicking her team’s only goal of the contest.
In other games, Monbulk has gained an edge over Belgrave ahead of this week’s finals contest with a 15-point win at Monbulk.
The Hawks led easily at the first two breaks before the Magpies kicked three in the third to take a two-point lead.
But Monbulk steadied nicely, kicking 3.0 to 0.1 in the final term to record a steady victory.
Emily McKay and Claire Scully slotted two each for Monbulk, while Madi Walters kicked two for Belgrave.
And Yarra Junction has ended its season on a high with a 29-point triumph over Thornton Eildon.
In Eastern Division One, Beaconsfield had the bye.
RESULTS – ROUND 15
Upwey-Tecoma 19.24.138 v Pakenham 0.0.0, Seville 1.0.6 v Olinda Ferny Creek 15.18.108, Thornton-Eildon 1.7.13 v Yarra Junction 5.12.42, Monbulk 7.1.43 v Belgrave 4.4.28. Healesville – Bye.
LADDER (FINAL)
Upwey-Tecoma 52, Healesville 48, Olinda Ferny Creek 36, Pakenham 28, Belgrave 24, Yarra Junction 20, Monbulk 16, Seville 12, Thornton-Eildon 8.
FINALS FIXTURE – WEEK ONE
Sunday, 31 July
WOMEN’s DIVISION 1
SECOND SEMI-FINAL – 3.20PM
Upwey-Tecoma (1) v Healesville (2) at Upwey
FIRST SEMI-FINAL – 1.35PM
Olinda Ferny Creek (3) v Pakenham (4) at Upwey
WOMEN’s DIVISION 2
SECOND SEMI-FINAL – 11.50AM
Belgrave (1) v Monbulk (2) at Upwey
FIRST SEMI-FINAL – 1.35PM
Seville (3) v Thornton-Eildon (4) at Healesville
