VU POLYTECHNIC SENIOR WOMEN’S FINALS PREVIEW
By KEL ROWE
VU Polytechnic Senior Women’s Division 1 Semi Final 2
(Winner through to Grand Final, Loser to play for second chance in Preliminary Final)
Saturday 26 Aug, 10am – Saltwater Reserve, Point Cook – Spotswood v Werribee Centrals
The Centurions climbed a seemingly impossible mountain when they knocked off Spotswood in Round 6, and they’ll be looking to bring that same energy in this Semi Final. Be on the lookout for the golden boots of Kyleisha Kinces (23 goals) and Centurion stalwart Larissa Renaut (36 goals) to hit the scoreboard for Werribee Centrals, and the work rate of their engine-room teammate Keely Spiteri.
The Wolves, meanwhile, will be keen to put the stamp of authority on the match and claim their spot in the big dance come September 10. Molly Althouse (17 goals) and Hannah McMahon (22 goals) have starred in front of goals all season, and with 11 times in best to her name, Jacinta Reid is sure to be influential across the ground for Spotswood.
It’s always a great, physically contested battle between these two foes, and Saturday is set to be no different.
VU Polytechnic Senior Women’s Division 1 Semi Final 1
(Winner through to Preliminary Final, Loser eliminated from Finals Series)
Sunday 27 Aug, 12pm – TIV Oval, Laverton Park – Caroline Springs v Parkside Spurs
It’s fitting that these two sides meet in again in Finals, with the match-up opening the competition all the way back in Round 1. The Spurs ran close to victory then, and will be keen to go one better, despite the late-season momentum that the Lakers have acquired in recent weeks. Captain Aleisha Casely will lead out her side in typical, stoic fashion, and should be well supported by the efforts of Spurs workhorses Nadine Lampard and Taquila Angel.
Caitlin Pretty is on track to lead her side to back-to-back Grand Final appearances, with the defending champs finding ascendancy in Round 13 against the ladder leaders — thanks to a stunning Captain’s goal. Charlize Sindoni and Jordin Williamson have been dangerous across the ground for Caroline Springs all year and should come out firing for the Lakers come Sunday.
Expect to see grit and determination from both sides, as they leave it all out on the ground in an effort to keep their finals dreams alive.
VU Polytechnic Senior Women’s Division 2 Semi Final 2
(Winner through to Grand Final, Loser to play for second chance in Preliminary Final)
Saturday 26 Aug, 12pm – Saltwater Reserve, Point Cook – Wyndhamvale v Spotswood
Despite only meeting once this season, it’s fair to say that there is no love lost between two these sides — with the Wolves claiming the win by just a single point, in an extremely physical contest. Both teams boast skilful players and ball smarts, and know how to push their opposition to the limit.
The Falcons nearly lost their top spot to Spotswood and will be keen to firmly close the book on that chapter in this Semi Final. Watch for the Falcons calculating, confident ball movement courtesy of Angel Noone and Mariah Burton and the ankle-breaker sidestep of sister Rachael.
Spotswood will be looking to claim dual division premiership glory, and whilst being one of the younger sides in the comp, they possess the speed and drive to play top-shelf footy for four quarters. If left unaccounted for, Isabel Choate and Natasha Dunn-Richards will wreak havoc around the ground for the Wolves opposition.
VU Polytechnic Senior Women’s Division 2 Semi Final 1
(Winner through to Preliminary Final, Loser eliminated from Finals Series)
Sunday 27 Aug, 2pm – TIV Oval, Laverton Park – West Footscray v Laverton
In scenes reminiscent of the 2018 Finals Series, this Division 2 Semi Final presents a fierce battle of the birds, and a rematch for the ages. In 2018, the Pies ended the Roosters finals run, and the West Footscray faithful won’t be keen to see a repeat.
With fast outside runners and stars across the ground, the Roosters look set to improve their finals record in 2023. Boasting solid depth, and the talented forward craft of both Jemma Hay (40 goals) and Emily Gillespie (21 goals), West Footscray will be keen to lock down the win and progress to the Prelim next week.
Laverton on the other hand, have experienced nothing short of a phoenix-like rise from the ashes, putting in the work this season to establish themselves as a genuine contender. Blood, sweat and tears have gone into this new-look side, particularly that of Pies stars Mirae Holland and Hayley O’Reilly, and sharpshooter Summer Farley (26 goals).
Be sure to get around some cracking finals footy this weekend, and witness the crème of the crop of our Senior Women’s competition go at it for footy finals glory!