LAKERS INTO DECIDER, EAGLES THROUGH TO PRELIM
By Kel Rowe |Â
Saturday saw two exciting fixtures play out in Week 1 of the St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee Senior Women’s Finals Series. A reigning premier was knocked out and the top two finishers provided a potential Grand Final preview, with both games well attended by supporters and local footy fanatics alike.
Elimination Final – Werribee Centrals def by Yarraville Seddon
A much-anticipated match — with both teams bringing out the contest in each other — the Centurions and the Eagles went head-to-head in a do-or-die Elimination Final on Saturday morning.
A blistering first term saw Yarraville Seddon take the lead by two goals, making the most of their entries inside-50 through forwards Katelyn Kissack and Phoebe McWilliams.
Following a rev-up from coach Jade De La Rue at the quarter-time break, Werribee steadied and responded via an explosive breakthrough from utility Jessie Spall.
With the Eagles ahead by a kick at the main break, the Centurions worked hard to close the gap, closing the deficit to a two-point differential at the last change, desperate to defend their 2024 premiership by keeping alive their hopes of going back-to-back.
The fourth quarter proved to be a highly competitive arm wrestle, with both sides’ electric at the contest and hitting the scoreboard for additional majors. But it was the Yarraville Seddon ahead at the final siren, holding on to the win by a margin of just five points.
Rosie Ronan-Yates (one goal) was integral at the contest, and was named best on for the Eagles, alongside teammates Akec Makur Chuot and Phoebe McWilliams (two goals) — whose experience and exceptional footy IQ shone through. Katelyn Kissack was Yarraville’s top forward, bagging three majors for her side.
The Centurions were best served across the ground with the high repeat work rates of ruck Julia Nash, last year’s Senior Women’s best and fairest winner Jess Spall (three goals), the hard run and carry of winger Paige Cook and the defensive efforts of Meghann Basto.
Whilst the result sees the reigning premiers bow out early, Yarraville Seddon are set to make a historic appearance in the second round of finals this coming weekend.
Final Score
Werribee Centrals: 6.4 (40)
Yarraville Seddon: 7.3 (45)
Goal Kickers
Werribee Centrals: Jessica Spall 3, Madi Cronin, Khayle Forsyth, Kyleisha Kinces.
Yarraville Seddon: Katelyn Kissack 3, Phoebe McWilliams 2, Maya Jess, Rosie Ronan-Yates.
Qualifying Final – Caroline Springs def Parkside Spurs
Following on from the first final at Donald McLean Reserve, Caroline Springs took on Parkside Spurs, in what many considered to be a possible Grand Final preview which will be played in just a few weeks’ time.
The Spurs came out strong in the first term and put the Lakers under pressure to secure the momentum of the game, with dangerous forward Mary Sandral adding a second Spurs major right before the quarter time siren.
Settling into the second term, the Caroline Springs kicked back strong, to head into the halftime break with a single-point advantage.
The third term saw the teams lock in equally, with Parkside the only side to kick a major, despite looming pressure inside 50 from the Lakers.
In the final term, Caroline Springs broke away, kicking three unanswered goals to secure the win and a spot in the 2025 Senior Women’s Grand Final.
Caroline Springs players Taylah Lea, Jordin Williamson and Caitlin Pretty were all brilliant on the day, whilst Rita Ceravolo, Nadine Lampard and Taquila Angel were all leading performers for Parkside.
Lakers forward Jacinta Kondis continued her competition dominance inside 50, kicking three majors, whilst the Spurs had an even spread with four individual players contributing on the scoreboard.
The Spurs will now have to take the long way to challenge for the silverware and will meet the Eagles in a Preliminary Final this Saturday.
Meanwhile, for Caroline Springs, who are no stranger to this time of the season, their upcoming Grand Final appearance will mark the sixth consecutive year that their dominant women’s program has featured in a premiership-deciding match in the WFNL.
Final Score:
Caroline Springs: 6.11 (47)
Parkside Spurs: 4.5 (29)
Goal Kickers:
Caroline Springs: Jacinta Kondis 3, Nikki Perret, Ebony Stevens, Jordin Williamson.
Parkside Spurs: Samara Arena, Nadine Lampard, Natalie Pearce, Mary Sandral.