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EDFL Women's Final Round Preview - Sunday Edition

By JULIA MONTESANO


SUNBURY LIONS v ABERFELDIE

Sunday 1:20pm @ Clarke Oval

THIS is a huge match in the context of the EDFL Women’s season, as both sides have been rotating between fourth and fifth spot on the ladder.

If the Lions win, they will be on equal wins and losses with the Gorillas, but they need to win by a lot to overtake them, as their percentage is 146.37 compared to Aberfeldie’s 300.86.

This won’t be an easy task, as Aberfeldie is coming off a big win against Avondale Heights/Taylors Lakes.

Usual goalkickers, Sophie Fazzolari and Amy Starzer did the damage as usual with five goals between them and will need to be at their best if they are to compete against the Lions’ defence.

Sunbury kept Hillside to just one goal last week and would be hoping to repeat these efforts on its home ground.

The Lions will need the likes of Laura Giles and Taylah Brady to back up their solid Round 12 performances, as it could go a long way to securing perhaps one of their most important victories of the season.

PASCOE VALE v CRAIGIEBURN

Sunday 2:10pm @ Raeburn Reserve

After coming off a bye, Pascoe Vale will be raring to go in a bid to finish undefeated in the EDFL Women’s home and away season.

Standing in the Panthers’ way are the Eagles, who are coming off a loss against quality side, Westmeadows.

Samantha French was a star in the loss, as she continues to shine for Craigieburn this season.

She will need a lot of help on Sunday to overcome the Panthers, who are coming off beating the Tigers two weeks ago.

They will be especially hungry for a win, as they were held goalless in a half for the first time this EDFL Women’s season.

Expect big games from midfield brigade, Bridgette Aparo, Aimee Whelan and Emily Bof who have been superb this season.

Up forward, the Eagles will need to defend the likes of Sarah Theuma and Siobhan Carlton, who, if she plays, will play her 150th game.

STRATHMORE v SUNBURY KANGAROOS

Sunday 2:35pm @ Lebanon Reserve

After coming off two consecutive wins for the first time this season, Strathmore would be hungry to keep the streak going.

Sitting eighth on the ladder with Craigieburn on their heels, the Mores are sure to come out firing in a bid to hold onto their coveted finals spot.

This will be hard to achieve without key defender and ruck, Sophie Cachia, who is out with injury.

Instead, they’ll turn to the likes of Caitlyn Ball and Sarah Dawson, who have been solid in defence throughout the season.

But they will go up against a forward line that piled on seven goals to one last week.

The Sunbury Kangaroos too would be hungry for a win, hoping to reach new heights before finals commence.

Tara Crisp will be a key presence in this match, as she is one player that can cause headaches for the opposition.

However, she won’t be aided by Alex Quigley, who is back in Essendon’s VFLW side.

Trust the likes of Bronte Koutras and Louise Martino to step up once again in her absence in a big match against the Mores on Sunday.

WESTMEADOWS v KEILOR

Sunday 2:55pm @ Willowbrook Reserve

The Tigers have been a solid presence in the EDFL Women’s competition, and they proved this on the weekend with a big win over Craigieburn.

After spending most of the match against Pascoe Vale in the back line, Danielle Linton transitioned back forward against the Eagles and booted four goals.

She was complemented by Nicole Chiera who kicked two majors in a stunning performance.

If Westmeadows’ stars are firing at Willowbrook Reserve, this could spell trouble for Keilor, who is coming off a loss against Burnside Heights.

The Blues failed to score a goal in the encounter, but will be raring to do better this week in what they would believe is a winnable game.

Experienced duo, Christie Roberts and Emily Law have been enormous for their side and will be crucial again if they are to get over the line.

While the Tigers have been in ripping form this season, it is a fifth v seventh clash, so it could be a close battle on Sunday.

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