A FRIDAY night game between Sandhurst and Eaglehawk at Queen Elizabeth Oval kicks off round 17 in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s footy season.
It’s a crucial match for both teams who are locked on 36 points and likely to meet in the first semi-final.
Sandhurst will be chasing a fifth consecutive victory.
The Hawks had the bye last weekend following a 24-point loss to Castlemaine on the Borough’s turf at Canterbury Park.
Back in round eight it was the Molly Metcalf-coached Eaglehawk which dominated play to score a 63-2 win against Sandhurst.
Key players for Eaglehawk include Grace Edlin, Lucy El Hage, Lexie Moss and Abbey Willcox.
The Borough also has Shelby Faulkner, captain Eliza Long, Molly Pianta and Samantha Johnston who have played their part in a 9-3 run.
Sandhurst’s best in a 63-11 win at White Hills last Sunday were Lara Bish, Ruby Campbell, Paynton Jolliffe and Varlee Nihill.
A talented squad coached by Andrew Saladino and Liam Ireland includes Scout Carmody, Amanda Carrod, Chelsea Reeves, Charlotte Scanlon and Chloe Naughton.
Two matches will be played on Sunday from 1pm.
Bendigo Thunder will be on home turf at Weeroona Oval in Napier Street to take on the neighbouring Winslow Constructors White Hills Demons.
When these clubs met in round eight it was White Hills which marked a 107-nil victory.
The Phil Murley-coached Demons will be determined to notch a fourth win.
Players to watch in the red and black include Julia Greenhalf, Nadia Peebles, Sasha Pearce and Kadeisha Smith.
The White Hills squad includes Catherine Fry, Kara Kane, Hannah Ripper and Oakley Turner.
It’s been a tough season for the Mick McInnes-coached Bendigo Thunder.
Among the most consistent players for Thunder are Stacey Barbagallo, Maddi Brackenreg, Sharlene Cole, Alannah Leach and Hollie Maher.
Thunder’s squad includes captain Estella Murphy, Rachel Salm and Kate Wright.
It’s the showdown of the Bulldogs as North Bendigo hosts Golden Square at Bendigo Club Oval in Atkins Street.
When they met in round seven the Carly Geary and Bec McLay-coached Golden Square won on its Wade Street turf by 89 points.
As Golden Square had the bye last Sunday the North Bendigo team was defeated 48-28 in its clash with Marong at Jackal Oval in Marong’s Malone Park.
Key players for North Bendigo include Ella Dobell, Quetta Holloway-Jinks, Ashlyn McInnes and Marguerita.
A squad coached by Jaydene Burzacott and Zak Carter includes Shae-Lee Murphy-Burke, Tanika Thomson, Maddie Jelbart and Kira Gibbons.
A win-loss tally of 10-3 has put Golden Square in second place and on target to meet Castlemaine in a second semi-final.
Players to watch in the blue and gold include Gabby Drage, Sarah Mannes, Claire Picone, Lauren Suleiman, Jetah Keighran and captain Liz Watkins.
It’s a bye for Castlemaine and Marong.
Standings in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s footy competition:
Castlemaine 776 per cent, 48 points; Golden Square 679, 40; Eaglehawk 421, 36; Sandhurst 193, 36; Marong 70, 20; White Hills 38, 12; North Bendigo 26, 8; Bendigo Thunder 2, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
52 Eloise Gretgrix, Castlemaine.
29 Scout Carmody, Sandhurst.
28 Jemma Finning, Castlemaine.
25 Brianna Burt, Castlemaine.
22 Gabby Drage, Golden Square.
22 Liz Watkins, Golden Square.
19 Kelly Mensforth, Eaglehawk.
15 Kira Gibbons, North Bendigo.
14 Tiahna Cochrane, Castlemaine.
14 Charlotte Scanlon, Sandhurst.
13 Georgia Gordon, Castlemaine.
12 Ruby Campbell, Sandhurst.
12 Sarah Mannes, Golden Square.
12 Molly Pianta, Eaglehawk.
11 Lauren Knight, Marong.
Round 17 in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL under-18 girls football competition kicks off with Friday’s match between Sandhurst and Eaglehawk from 5.30pm at Queen Elizabeth Oval in View Street.
Two matches on Sunday will start at 11.15am.
The Winslow Constructors White Hills Demons will be back on their turf in Scott Street to play Kangaroo Flat.
Strathfieldsaye faces the unbeaten Woorinen at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.
Golden Square has the bye.
Standings in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL under-18 girls footy competition:
Woorinen 1870 per cent, 40 points; Golden Square 184, 32; Sandhurst 214, 26; Strathfieldsaye 83, 20; White Hills 118, 18; Eaglehawk 19, 8; Kangaroo Flat 6, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
24 Sunny Barry, Woorinen.
22 Mia Maxted, Sandhurst.
20 Chloe Tweed, Sandhurst.
19 Charli Conway, Woorinen.
18 Ruby Demeo, Golden Square.
18 Tarliah Murphy, White Hills.
14 Sophie O’Connell, White Hills.
14 Ruby Tierney, Woorinen.
11 Issy Boulton, Woorinen.
11 Meg Young, Woorinen.
10 Lilly Mansfield, Golden Square.