NORTH WEST PREVIEW:
Week one of finals in the North West division of the VWFL kicks off this weekend with a double-header at Avalon Airport Oval, (Werribee) on Saturday. Kate Withers previews the clash.
Undefeated Melton will do battle against the Manor Lakes Storm for a spot in the 2016 Grand Final, while Shepparton and Jacana will face off in the do or die Elimination Final.
Last time the sides met in Round 9, Shepparton put on a goal-kicking clinic. Playing coach Britt Tancred bagged eight majors in the Bears’ 80-point win over Jacana, and finished in third position on the North West goal-kicking ladder for season 2016.
In its inaugural year in the North West competition, Shepparton narrowly missed taking out second spot to the Manor Lakes Storm, matching the semi finalists on nine wins and three losses for the season.
After losing to the Storm by 60 points in Round 1, the Bears enjoyed a surge in form, dropping just one game en route to reclaim bragging rights against the girls from the lake in Round 8.
Scraping into the top four, Jacana edged out Fitzroy to snare a finals berth with five wins and seven losses for season 2016.
On the end of consecutive losses to ladder leaders Melton and Manor Lakes, Jacana faces a Shepparton outfit that has impressed across all lines this season.
The Homewood sisters are two Bears the Jaguars will need to be wary of this weekend, with Sammi proving unyielding in defence and Casey earning a regular feature on the best players list for her on ball work.
Not to be outdone, Jacana’s own Birmingham sisters have been solid throughout season 2016, but it’s the trio of Schwarze, Kelly and Young up forward that will likely cause headaches for the Jaguars this weekend.
The winner of Sunday’s Elimination Final will face off against the loser of Melton and Manor Lakes in the Preliminary Final next weekend.
Melton Centrals were too strong for the Manor Lakes Storm last time the sides did battle in Round 12, holding the Storm to just four goals for the day in the 29-point win.
Finishing a top the table with 14 wins and an unblemished record, the Centrals’ proved indomitable during the home and away season, and handed Manor Lakes two of its three defeats for season 2016.
Adding to the simmering rivalry between the two, Melton quashed the premiership hopes of the Storm last year on their way to a 25-point win in the West Preliminary Final.
The Centrals’ biggest victory came in Round 10 against Glen Orden, with spearhead Jaime Nankiville putting on a staggering 12 goals to help the Bloods to a 195-point triumph.
One half of arguably the most potent forward line in the competition, Nankiville will no doubt attract a lot of attention from the Storm this week after taking out the North West goal kicking honours for 2016 with 42 majors, alongside Tara Crisp who claimed third place with 27 for the season.
With scoreboard stars of its own, Storm forwards Kellee Mcintosh and Yana Frontczak will likely test the resolve of Central’s defence, finishing second and fifth respectively in the league goal kicking stakes.
While the winner of this Saturday’s Semi Final will be rewarded with a spot in the North West Grand Final, the loser will face off against the winner of Shepparton and Jacana in the Preliminary Final next weekend.
SOUTH EAST PREVIEW:
The Victorian Women’s Football League finals kick off this weekend, with two blockbuster matchups featured in the South East Division. James Szabo previews the two South East matches.
Mornington and Beaconsfield will do battle for an automatic place in the Grand Final, with the loser set to play the winner of the Elimination Final between Rosebud and Seaford.
Mornington finished in top spot after losing just two of their 14 games this season.
The Bulldogs had a number of strong performers throughout the season, including Hannah Lewis, Ginger Parker, Vicki Sanford and Laura Noonan.
Renee Dun was also a key contributor to Mornington’s impressive percentage, with her 27 goals for the year.
Opponents Beaconsfield also had a strong season to finish in second place, although lost their last three games of year.
The side lost just four games for the year which included a defeat to Mornington back in Round 2, before beating them by 32 points the last time they met.
One of Beaconsfield’s strengths this season was the spread of players who stood up at different times throughout the year, however Millie Shone, Jade Hough, Madeline Martin and Sarah Allingham were some of their most consistent.
Katie Angelis had a standout year with an incredible 44 goals and featuring in the best players on seven occasions.
Rosebud and Seaford go into their Elimination Final on equal points, after producing the same record of nine wins and five losses.
The sides met just once this season, with Rosebud ending victorious by 7-points in a tight contest.
Rosebud lost their last game of the season to Mornington, although won five consecutive games prior.
The side were helped by their stars of Rebecca Stephens, Erin Mackey, Rebecca Waymouth and Stacey Vernon. Skye Roberts won the goalkicking tally with 27.
Seaford won their last three games heading into finals and have been aided by the luxury of having an even spread of key contributors.
Some of the most consistent performers for the Tigerettes include Cahli Parker, Amy Caulfield and Naomi Brisbane. Parker kicked 27 goals this season, with Victoria Aspinall coming second with 23 of her own.
The South East Elimination Final between Rosebud and Seaford starts from 11am at Frankston Park, with the Semi Final between Mornington and Beaconsfield starting at 1pm.
CLICK HERE for the finals hub with entry and ground details
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 05/08/2016 13:43