PARRAMATTA Goannas secured a double chance in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division finals series and eliminated UTS Bats on the weekend following a 40-point victory over last year’s grand finalists. The Goannas needed a win to leapfrog North Shore Bombers who had the Round 18 bye, and they did just that, securing an 8.8 (56) to 2.4 (16) victory.

Spearheaded by young gun Lauren O’Sullivan, the Goannas ran rampant in the first term, kicking four goals to one and taking a 19-point lead into the first break. If the Bats were to make finals, they needed to stem the bleeding and they did just that in the second term. Unfortunately while being able to restrict the visitors to just one goal, they failed to score themselves and still trailed by 28 points at the main break.

By the final break, the Goannas had extended the lead out to 33 points and had one hand on the win, and into the qualifying final. Though the Bats never gave up, the Goannas were able to hold them out, kicking the only goal of the fourth quarters. After the first break, Parramatta kicked four goals to one which showed marked improvement from UTS, but not enough to take home the win.

O’Sullivan finished with four of her side’s eight goals and was named among the best with Lauren Easton who converted a couple of majors herself. While young Bats ruck Madeleine Quinn impressed through the middle, the Goannas midfield of Amanda Farrugia, Megan Mifsud, Kiera Yerbury and Caitlin Fletcher were able to control the play and get their hands on the ball consistency.

Not only that, but the Goannas were able to restrict the chances of dominant Bats’ goalkicker Jessica Quade. She only kicked the one major along with skipper Kaitlin McCaffery in the loss. Hannah Cerezo continued her great form for the Bats, while Charlotte Owen and Aoife Berry were also very good despite the defeat.

UTS BATS 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 2.4 (16)
PARRAMATTA 4.1 | 5.4 | 7.4 | 8.8 (56)

GOALS:
UTS Bats: K. McCaffery, J. Quade
Parramatta: L. O’Sullivan 4, L. Easton 2, A. Farrugia, B. Wade

BEST:
UTS Bats: H. Cerezo. C. Owen, A. Berry, A. Houlahan, B. Martini, M. Quinn
Parramatta: L. Easton, C. Fletcher, A. Farrugia, L. O’Sullivan. O. Plummer. Z. Clubb

AROUND THE GROUNDS

By Parramatta winning, it meant Sydney University held onto fifth spot despite a loss to reigning premiers East Coast Eagles. The Eagles secured the minor premiership before the start of the round, and did have some lapses in a weather-affected match. However despite 11 of the 13 goals being kicked up one end, the Eagles were able to secure the 8.12 (60) to 6.1 (37) victory.

Emily Hurley (four goals) went to work as the surprise leading goalkicker as the Eagles finally got the pairing of Caitlin Davidson and Rylee McGartland together and both kicked two goals apiece. Jessica Whelan and Caitlin Reid were huge in providing a target, while Frances Walsh and Kendra Blattman each kicked two goals and were among the Students’ best in the win.

Manly Warringah Wolves stormed into second spot with a comprehensive 74-point win to close out St George Dragons’ season. In typical St George fashion, the Dragons never stopped trying and finished strong, but were ultimately outclassed. A five goals to one second term was the key difference, with the Wolves winning 14.9 (3) to 3.1 (19).

Isabella Rudolph had a day out to remember, slamming home seven goals in her side’s huge win. She was well supported by Peggy Stanbury, while the usual suspects in Hannah Woolf and Zara Hamilton were superb once again. For the Dragons, Maggie Ritchie kicked two majors, while Caitlin Edmonds stood out throughout the game.

In the only match that did not have any finals ramifications, UNSW-ES Bulldogs ground out an 11-point victory over Pennant Hills Demons. The Bulldogs trailed at quarter time and half-time, before slamming on three goals to one in the premiership quarter to take a three-point advantage into the last change. From there, the Bulldogs kicked the only goal of the final term to win, 5.2 (32) to 3.3 (21).

Emma Haley slotted three goals in a best on ground performance for the Bulldogs, while Chloe Anderson and Abby Cunningham were both impressive. For the Demons, Natalie Pajor was the sole major goalkicker with two, while Jesse Smith and Hayley Lowe were both very good.