By David Nagel
Pakenham and Healesville have confirmed their top-two status in Outer East Women’s Division One football after the Lions and Bloods scored convincing victories on the weekend.
A loss for third-placed Upwey-Tecoma has guaranteed a second semi-final showdown between the Lions and Bloods, with Upwey-Tecoma and reigning premier Olinda Ferny Creek also locked into third and fourth positions.
All four finals hopefuls now have three games remaining to prepare for a shot at this year’s premiership.
Pakenham full forward Aiesha Kolaritsch provided the round-13 highlight, kicking seven goals in the Lions 11.10(76) to 2.0(12) victory over Berwick Springs.
The Titans were up and about early, challenging the ladder leaders with an aggressive attack at the football; trailing by just three points at quarter time.
The Lions increased their margin to 18 points at the main break, before producing some of their best football for the season in the third term.
Pakenham piled on 6.2 to 0.0, with Kolaritsch on the receiving end of some terrific ball movement from up the field.
Courtney Stephens, Ava Deszcz, Ash Perkins and Bonnie Williams set things up for the Lions, while Annalise Ryan continued her magnificent recent form with a strong display across half back.
Clare Allison kicked both goals for the Titans, who had Tameka Youn and Jess George fight things out until the bitter end.
Kolaritsch now has 35 goals for the season; 11 clear of Olivia Edwards from Olinda Ferny Creek.
One quarter of great football was also good enough for Healesville to shake off a dogged Belgrave, eventually winning 7.7(49) to no score.
The Bloods led by just 15 points at the final change but kicked 5.4 in the last quarter to run away with the four points.
Brylee Anderson and Isabelle Watson kicked two each for Healesville, who had Imogen Renouf and Danielle Jones in fine form around the ground.
Star defender Francesca Alves was once again best for Belgrave.
And reigning-premier Olinda Ferny Creek has shown it won’t give up its crown without a fight after a 4.6(30) to 3.6(24) win over Upwey-Tecoma.
The Bloods trailed narrowly at the final two breaks, but kicked two goals to one in the final term to earn their biggest win for the season.
The impressive trio of Lily Carlin, Madeleine Collins and Chelsea Wilson were superb for the winners, while Jess Occhipinti was typically dangerous with two goals for the Tigers.
In Division Two, Chelsea Barkwith kicked three and Lauren Langeveld two in Officer’s 24-point win over Seville, while top-of-the-table Warburton-Wesburn scored a comfortable 5.11(41) to 2.2(14) victory over Emerald.
Woori Yallock thumped bottom-placed Thornton-Eildon by 73 points, while the match of the round took place at Wandin, where the Bulldogs hosted the mighty Hawks from Monbulk.
Wandin led by five points at half time before the Hawks took control of the contest with a 3.2 to 0.1 third quarter.
Trailing by 14 points at the final change, the Bulldogs responded with three goals to one in the fourth quarter; but fell two points short of their target.
Scarlett Henderson, Nina D’Emilio and Shania Turner helped get the Hawks across the line.
