DAREBIN Falcons secured a thrilling four-point victory over the Sandringham Zebras in a tense battle to headline Round 10 of the VFL Women’s competition. Elsewhere, North Melbourne Werribee extended its undefeated streak, Collingwood made a massive statement against Box Hill, and Williamstown and Port Melbourne claimed important wins.

Sandringham Zebras 5.3 (33) def. by Darebin Falcons 5.7 (37)

In a match defined by wild momentum swings, the Darebin Falcons held their nerve to secure a vital 5.7 (37) to 5.3 (33) victory over the Sandringham Zebras in the last match of the round.

The Zebras started brightly, kicking the first two goals of the match through Kera Galaminda Gellar and Chloe Saultry. However, Darebin quickly responded, slamming on the next four majors – including two each to Monique De Matteo and Isabella Daddo – to take a 13-point lead into quarter time.

Sandringham fought back fiercely over the next two quarters. After Jacinta Boyd became the sole goalkicker in the second quarter, Joanna Lin and Sophie Locke found the big sticks to give the Zebras a one-point lead late in the penultimate term. But an Olivia McLennan goal just before the final break restored Darebin’s five-point advantage.

In a tense final quarter, neither side could manage a major, with just a combined three behinds kicked as the Falcons held on for the win.

Darebin dominated the inside 50 count (34-21), largely off the back of stoppage dominance. The Falcons won the hitouts 58 to 21 and the clearances 36 to 30. Shannon Egan was a towering presence in the ruck with a massive 45 hitouts, giving first use to a midfield led by Caitlin Bunker (26 disposals, 10 clearances and eight tackles).

Daddo was arguably best afield for the Falcons, racking up 28 disposals, a massive 25 contested possessions, nine clearances, seven tackles and two goals. McLennan (17 disposals, seven tackles and a goal) and Alyssa Mifsud (16 disposals, six clearances and six tackles) were also crucial.

For Sandringham, the outside game was strong. The Zebras took 56 marks to 32 and won the overall disposal count by five, but struggled to get into enough scoring positions. Kristy Stratton was the standout for the home side, collecting 22 disposals, eight clearances and 13 tackles.

Courtney Aughtie battled hard in the ruck against the tide, finishing with 17 disposals, 16 hitouts and eight clearances. Sunday Hollingsworth (15 disposals, 10 tackles and five marks) and Deanna Jolliffe (15 disposals and four tackles) were also busy for the Zebras.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Williamstown 5.4 (34) def. Tasmania Devils 3.2 (20)

Williamstown solidified its spot in second place on the ladder with a hard-fought 14-point victory over the Tasmania Devils at DSV Stadium. The Seagulls were challenged but found enough avenues to goal to hold off the plucky Devils.

Naomi Ferres was exceptional for the Seagulls, racking up 25 disposals, 12 tackles and seven clearances. Ellen Williams (24 disposals, five clearances) and Bella Smith (21 disposals, nine tackles and five clearances) were also dominant through the middle.

For the Devils, Ellie Hall was everywhere, finishing with 21 disposals, five marks and 10 tackles. Sarah Skinner (18 disposals, four rebound 50s) and Angelica Clark (17 disposals, five tackles and nine clearances) fought hard in defeat.

North Melbourne Werribee 11.1 (77) def. Casey Demons 1.4 (10)

North Melbourne Werribee maintained its flawless record at the top of the ladder, dismantling the Casey Demons by 67 points. The Kangaroos were far too strong, restricting the Demons to just a single goal while piling on 11 of their own.

Ava Seton put on a masterclass for the victors, accumulating 32 disposals, nine clearances, eight tackles and three goals. Charlotte Blair (27 disposals, eight tackles and four clearances) and Alana Barba (26 disposals, 10 tackles and six clearances) were also prolific, while Nyakoat Dojiok kicked three goals.

Tylah Burn was a shining light for Casey, gathering 18 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles, while Meg Macdonald (13 disposals, 12 tackles, seven clearances and five inside 50s) and Zoe Mitchell (13 disposals, five tackles, four clearances and four inside 50s) also tried hard.

Essendon 2.6 (18) def. by Port Melbourne 6.12 (48)

Port Melbourne cruised to a 30-point victory over Essendon at Windy Hill, moving up to fourth on the ladder. The Borough controlled the contest, generating 18 scoring shots to the Bombers’ eight.

Courtney Jones was a driving force for Port Melbourne, finishing with 21 disposals, four marks and nine tackles. Eloise Ashley-Cooper (18 disposals, 16 tackles and five clearances) and Kaitlyn O’Keefe (18 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances) applied immense pressure all day.

For Essendon, Eloise Chaston (19 disposals, four tackles) and Maddison Ford (18 disposals, four marks) worked hard, while Christina Bernardi (17 disposals, five marks and four clearances) also battled strongly.

Collingwood 10.10 (70) def. Box Hill Hawks 3.5 (23)

Collingwood kept the pressure on the top two with a commanding 47-point win over the Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill City Oval. The Magpies were relentless, piling on 10 goals to three to secure the comfortable victory.

Dominique Carbone was outstanding for the Magpies, amassing 29 disposals, seven clearances, seven tackles and six inside 50s. Stella Huxtable (27 disposals, eight marks and nine clearances) was equally dominant, while Tahlia Sanger (21 disposals, five tackles and five clearances) provided strong support.

For the Hawks, Rosie Dillon was heroic in defeat, racking up 26 disposals – 20 contested – seven tackles and five clearances. Ella Stoddart was also busy with 24 disposals, nine marks and 12 rebound 50s.

Geelong 4.2 (26) def. by Carlton 10.8 (68)

Carlton moved into the top five with a dominant 42-point victory over Geelong, keeping the Cats mired in the lower half of the ladder. The Blues were far too strong, kicking 10 goals to four in a comprehensive performance.

Hannah Scott was exceptional for Carlton, finishing with 30 disposals, eight clearances and nine tackles. Emily Elkington (27 disposals, four marks and nine tackles) and Octavia Di Donato (25 disposals, nine marks and seven tackles) were also influential, while Sophia McCarthy chipped in with three goals.

For the Cats, Lucy Marescuk was the standout with 23 disposals, 10 tackles and four clearances. Mekah Morrissy (18 disposals, 11 tackles) and Melanie Staunton (14 disposals, 12 tackles) battled hard in defeat.