West still in finals hunt after big win over North Geelong

GEELONG West flexed its muscle with a 23-goal win over North Geelong that keeps its finals hopes alive.

Brooke Mallia and Marley Primmer drove the ball hard and fast while feeding effortlessly to goalers Kristie Marsh and Naomi Maaka, who found their range.

North Geelong started slow and Giants capitalised, taking control with an 18-8 first quarter and making it hard for the Magpies to get back into the game.

Karalee Fox made an impression in her first A-grade game. North’s best players were Shae Rowbottom, Cheryl De Groot and Cody Dixon. THOMSON cruised to a 60-48 win over Winchelsea, but was made to earn the win after a strong final-quarter comeback from the Blues.

Hannah Flint was the star of the day for the Tigers, running the ball well through the centre, before the Blues outscored the Tigers 17-10 in the last quarter to bring back the margin.

While both Jess Lowe and Errin Lang shot at more than 80 per cent accuracy for the game, the Tigers were disappointed with the side’s last quarter.

Lauren Conroy and Calsey Wolak were also good for Thomson.

Winchesea had a few players unavailable and had to run with some new combinations.

Leah Mathison stepped up in goal attack, creating space and shooting with accuracy.

Stephanie Hillman and Sandi Carroll made Thomson work for every goal with fast feet and constant pressure. BANNOCKBURN put on a master class against Anakie.

Relentless hands and physical pressure showed why this newly formed Tigers outfit have cemented their place inside the top five.

A stellar game by rookie Nicole Osborne showed the depth that Bannockburn has coming through its junior ranks. Standouts also included Georgia Duncan (GA), finding rebounds against a skilled Anakie defence.

With Clare Sutton overseas, the Anakie defence of Bridget Byrnes, Brydi Toyne and Rhiannon Williams and Aimee Burgess had a reshuffle.

The Roos’ best were Sarah Gilcrist, Byrnes and Nikki Slaven.