2023 ORFFW Round 8

Timboon Trailblazers (12th, 0-7) vs. Eastern Park Demons (11th, 1-6)

Kicking off the round is a battle for the wooden spoon, with reigning premiers Timboon Trailblazers having a shocking year with injuries and under performers. Still, if star midfielder Kiara Bowers returns watch out, with a win enough to leapfrog the 1-6 Demons and avoid the bottom. Bonnie Toogood has been a star for the Demons this season.

Vivonne Bay Valkeries (6th, 4-3) vs. Katanning Krushers (4th, 5-2)

In an absolute must-win for both sides, finals is on the agenda, particularly for the Krushers if they pick up the victory. Sitting just four points clear of the fifth placed Wallabies, a win will be enough to get in, while a loss will likely see them tip out. If the Valkeries win by enough and the Wallabies lose, they could still be in. Georgie Prespakis is the standout for the Valeries, while the Krushers have enjoyed the return of Bri Davey this season. With a bit of luck the Kurshers could catch a losing Nymphs side and finish in third to avoid the Devils in the first week.

Glenbrook Galahs (8th, 2-5) vs. Wongan Hills Wallabies (5th, 4-3)

Though the Galahs can't make finals, they can certainly put a line through the Wallabies chances with a win here. The equation is simple for the Wallabies: Win and the Krushers lose, and they're in finals. A loss and they could slip a couple of places, but will likely be favourites for this one. Led by a trio of young stars in Abbey Dowrick, Ella Roberts and Tyanna Smith, they'll be tough to beat, though Britt Bonnici has been in great form for the Galahs, as has Zarlie Goldsworthy.

Bathurst Belles (9th, 2-5) vs. Manildra Mystix (2nd, 6-1)

Two sides at opposite ends of the ladder, the Mystix are already locked into finals, but will want to finish on a high and secure the all-important home final. The percentage to catch the Devils is a bit too large to bridge, but win and second is there's. Lose and they run the risk of dropping to third, but luckily the Nymphs face the Devils. The Mystix will be thrilled that Madi Prespakis is available for the clash, to go head-to-head with the in-form Laura Gardiner who is a chance to take out the competition best and fairest.

Lake St Clair Devils (1st, 7-0) vs. Pomona Wood Nymphs (3rd, 6-1)

The match of the round sees the ladder leaders, set to be minor premiers and flag favourites the Devils hosting the Nymphs. The Devils have earned favouritism this season going unbeaten in the first seven rounds, and will look to continue their form here. The Nymphs need to win to avoid a second straight week against the Devils, but can still secure third with a defeat as long as the Krushers don't win by a lot. Watch for Jasmine Garner and Ebony Marinoff to go head-to-head as they also have eyes on the league best and fairest.

Junee Jets (10th, 2-5) vs. Scone Sirens (7th, 3-4)

In another match that won't dictate finals, the seventh placed Siren can move past the Valkeries with a victory, and they are favourites against the 10th placed Jets. The Jets might drop into the bottom two if they lose and the Demons knock off the Trailblazers, but could rise as high as eighth with a win. Anne Hatchard has been a shining light for the Sirens, while the Jets duo of Ash Riddell and Ally Anderson are consistent ball-winners.

 

Round 8 sees a huge matchup between the Krushers and the Valkeries @That KI Guy. It's a myust win for the Krushers to ensure a finals berth. The team has been selected...

Def: Hannah Priest, Eilish Sheerin, Madi Scnalon (Evie Gooch)
Mid: Hayley Miller, Jaimee Lambert, Bri Davey, Mimi Hill (Taylah Gatt)
Ruck: Lauren Bella (Lauren Wakfer)
Fwd: Dana Hooker, Katie Brennan, Darcy Moloney (Rylie Wilcox)
IC: Kerryn Peterson, Kaitlyn Ashmore (Airlie Runnals)

In: Bella Out: Wakfer

 

Wongan Hills Wallabies Round 8

One forced change, Ballard the 3rd Wallaby foward out with an ACL injury for the year....

In: Lily Goss Out: Abbie Ballard

DEF: Elizabeth Keaney, Brooke Walker, Harriet Cordner (Jae Flynn)
MID: Charlie Rowbottom, Isabella Lewis, Emily Bates, Abbey Dowrick (Kate Dempsey)
RUCK: Mim Strom (Sarah Wielstra)
FWD: Ella Roberts, Haneen Zreika, Lily Goss (Tara Bohanna)
INT: Tyanna Smith, Eliza West (Chloe Scheer)

In: Lily Goss Out: Abbie Ballard

 

The Krushers have some work to do today to catch the Valks, with the majority of the Krushers midfield out to play today

Valks 10/714 ave 71
Krushers 6/377 ave 63

 

Lake St Clair Devils Round 8 team and progress score

Out: Meara Girvan (shoulder), Jess Good (injured)
In: Georgia Clayden, Lucy Wales
New: Georgia Clayden (club debut)

Def: Angelique Stannett, Meghan McDonald, Georgia Clayden 41 (Serene Watson) 41/1
Mid: Jasmine Garner 86, Emma Swanson, Monique Conti 146, Claudia Whitfort 84 (Lily Mithen) 316/3
Ruc: Lucy Wales 57 (Georgia Garnett OOP 44)
Fwd: Sarah Rowe, Emma King 71, Eden Zanker 50 (Kate Shierlaw) 121/2
Int: Kirsty Lamb 108, Olivia Vesely (Charlotte Baskaran) 108/1

643/8 Average 80.4

Two forced changes for Lake St Clair with Meara Girvan and Jess Good both missing due to injury. Defender Georgia Clayden is brought into the LSC side to make her club debut and ruck Lucy Wales plays her first game of the season. This week’s contest is a good tune up for the finals which start next weekend, Lake St Clair have won the 2023 minor premiership whilst Pomona can finish anywhere from second to fourth.

Progress score

Lake St Clair Devils 643/8 Average 80.4
Vs Pomona Wood Nymphs 819/12 Average 68.3

@anthak ’s Pomona lead in terms of the total score however Lake St Clair have the higher average.

In the head to head battle between two M1’s in league best and fairest contention Pomona’s Ebony Marinoff scored 138 to take the honour’s against Lake St Clair’s Jasmine Garner 86. The Devils lead the 80+ count 4-2 including two tons for Monique Conti (146) and Kirsty Lamb (108). Midfielder Mia King (104) also reached triple figures for the Wood Nymphs. Bathurst Belles forward Laura Gardiner entered the round on 29 votes, tied with Marinoff, closely followed by Garner and Wongan Hills Wallabies midfielder Charlie Rowbottom on 28 votes. Marinoff (138), Gardiner (134) and Rowbottom (121) have each scored 120+ in Round 8 to set up a thrilling finish to the count. Marinoff is likely to poll the four votes in the league b & f to increase her tally to 33 votes.

 

Interim scores have the Galahs 1102 to the Wallabies 1037.
Truly unanticipated levels of scoring from the likes of Goldsworthy (168) and Nanscawen (122) have the Galahs once again pouring points onto a dead season... ah well, there's always next year.

 

Good luck to all who made the finals, looking forward to some great matchups!