The Victorian Women’s Football League finals start this weekend, with massive games coming up in both Division 2 and 3. James Szabo previews the finals in each division
DIVISION 2 PREVIEW:
The first game of interest will involve Chirnside Park playing host to VU Western Spurs in the Division 2 Semi Final.
Chirnside Park finished the year in first place after losing just one of their 14 games this season. That loss, by a four-goal deficit, was at the hands of their upcoming opponents back in Round 6.
Following the loss, Chirnside Park went onto to prove their dominance with an impressive run for the remanded of the season, led by their stars Carly Robson, Jayde Van Dyke, Rachael Palmer and Sophie Ruddick.
Leah Oswald was also a key contributor to the Panther’s success with her 18 goals for the season, while Hayley Bullas had a strong campaign with 10 of her own.
The VU Western Spurs finished in second place on the ladder after losing two games for the season, including a five-point loss to Chirnside Park last week.
Madison Lister, Yasmin Speekman and Hannah Elliot all had standout seasons for the Spurs, with Jasmine Maljevac and Jessica Heath also helping the charge into finals with 13 goals each for the year.
The loser of the exciting Semi Final clash will have to play the winner of the Division 2 Elimination Final between Seaford and Sunbury.
Seaford finished their season in third place after winning nine of their 14 games, while Sunbury finished in fourth with a record of eight wins and six losses.
The two sides met twice throughout the season, with both games falling in favour of Seaford. The first clash back in round four ended in a 46-point win and a comfortable five goal victory was the result of their game four weeks ago.
Seaford’s Alice Rogers, Kaea Tua, Melanie Carroll and Teagan Sheldon were all star performers for the Tigerettes this year, while the clubs had a spread of goal kickers throughout the season, with Grace Hollingsworth leading the way.
The Division 2 Semi Final between Chirnside Park and VU Spurs starts from 6pm at Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee, Saturday August 6.
The Division 2 Elimination Final between Seaford and Sunbury starts from 2pm, Sunday August 7, at Bill Lawry Oval.
DIVISION 3 PREVIEW:
Division 3 of the Victorian Women’s Football League also provides exciting matchups in their first week of finals.
First placed Gippsland will go up against second placed AJAX in the Division 3 Semi Final this Sunday.
Gippsland produced an incredible ten game winning streak to finish the season unbeaten. Emily Jolly, Kimberley Cunico, Nicole Garner and Shani Dixon are all expected to be big performers this finals series after making consistent appearances in the best players all season.
Gippsland will also look towards Sarah Jolly and Rachel Drenen once again, after the pair produced an outstanding 71 goals between them for the year.
AJAX will go into the game as underdogs, after losing three of their ten games this season. The side recorded a number of dominant wins throughout the season, although went down to Gippsland twice throughout the year by 126 and 99 points respectively.
AJAX will need their stars of Chelsea Fisher, Maya Glikfeld, Danielle Robinson and Tamara Epshtein to shine if they are to overcome the powerful Gippsland.
They will also look to Toni Hamilton, who kicked 12 goals for the year, and Rebecca Benett who slotted 10 of her own.
The loser of the Semi Final will be forced to go up against the winner of the hotly contested Elimination Final between Fitzroy and SKOBS Saints.
Fitzroy finished their season in third place after winning seven of their 12 games, while SKOB Saints ended in fourth place on equal points, with a lesser percentage.
Good seasons from Gabrielle Livy, Ashleigh Riddell, Sarah Lynas and Christina Atkinson have proved they are the Fitzroy players to look out for in this finals series. Riddell also recorded the most goals for her side with 24, although Elizabeth Olney was right on her tail with 19.
SKOB Saints have stars of their own, with Breanna Doyle, Gleeson Margaret, Alexandra Hangan and Georgia Cropley having impressive seasons. Georgi Conlan kicked the most goals for the Saints with 10.
Even though they finished below Fitzroy on the ladder, the Saints go in as favourites after beating the opposition twice throughout the year season.
The sides met for the first time in Round 7, with the SKOB ending up winners by 17 points. The sides did battle again last week, with Fitzroy going down by two goals this time around.
The Division 3 Semi Final between Gippsland and AJAX starts from 3pm at Frankston Oval, Sunday August 7.
The Division 3 Elimination Final between Fitzroy and SKOBS Saints starts from 12pm Sunday August 7, Bill Lawry Oval.
CLICK HERE for the finals hub with entry and ground details
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 05/08/2016 13:42