For so long the Darebin Falcons have been the benchmark of the VWFL and female football in general, writes David O'Neill.
On the back of superior depth and a long list of A-Graders, the Falcons have met every challenge over the past three seasons and have a trophy cabinet to prove it.
But how long can the dynasty last.
In an enthralling 2015 season, five teams remain in the hunt of grand final glory with only St Albans posing no serious premiership threat.
And even they make you earn the right to walk off with the four points.
Despite sitting two games clear at the top of the VWFL ladder, the Falcons are being hunted by four willing rivals.
In a arguably the most competitive VWFL Premier Division season in recent memory, Darebin has already tasted defeat once and survived its Round 8 encounter with St Kilda Sharks by the skin of its teeth.
Trailing by 19 points at the final change, the Falcons dragged themselves back into the contest, putting their nose in front with nine minutes remaining and holding the Sharks at bay.
While a few new faces have emerged in the Falcons line-up this year, it was the familiar names that refused to concede on Saturday.
Sarah Hammond imposed herself at the stoppages, and with Daisy Pearce riding shot gun, the Falcons were able to lock the ball in their forward half for much of the final term.
Mel Hickey was moved from defence into the middle and had an immediate impact, while Aasta O’Conner threw herself at the footy like a wrecking ball.
Darebin coach Richard Dal Pos said his side was being out worked by St Kilda.
“I said to the girls at three quarter time that they were out numbering us at the football and we had to lift our work rate.”
“To the girls credit we were able to get back into the game and play the game predominantly in our half.”
Despite the final term surge, the Sharks had their chances late to regain the lead but were unable to covert in front of goal.
Moana Hope bagged four goals in a great battle with young gun Bec Privitelli and is now 10 clear on the goalkicking table, while Breanna Davey continued her stunning run of form for the Sharks with another tireless display.
The loss drops St Kilda back to fourth on the ladder with a clutch game against Melbourne Uni scheduled this Sunday.
For Darebin it another tough encounter ahead with the second-paced Eastern Devils waiting this weekend.
“All the sides have improved this year and are playing team orientated football which means there are no more easy matches.”
“Every week we come up against teams who are keen to knock us off and that’s our challenge for the rest of the year is to be able to step up again and again.”
Diamond Creek shrugs off Eastern Devils
Diamond Creek remains hot on the heels of the top 4 after securing victory in a tight affair with the Eastern Devils.
The Devils had themselves to blame early on, booting a wayward one-goal six behinds in the opening term as the Creekers bagged three goals straight.
Despite threatening to mount a series challenge in the second half, the Creekers, through the work of ace midfielder Steph Chiocci, were able to remain in control and post an important 16-point victory.
Cristina Bernardi kicked a match-high four goals, while the powerfully built Laura Corrigan was also instrumental throughout.
Kendra Heil and Jess Trend were the standouts for the Devils, who remain in second position on the ladder with seven rounds of the home-and-away season remaining.
Uni topples St Albans
Melbourne Uni has return moved into third position on the ladder on the back of a convincing win over St Albans on Saturday.
Three goals to tall forward Louise Stephenson, and a midfield boasting considerable depth, ensured the Mugars remain in control throughout.
Elle Blackburn and Emma Kearney also finished with a pair of goals apiece and were prolific ball winners, while Maddy Keryk was at her best in the clinches.
Despite the scoreboard dominance, Stephenson said St Albans were no easy beats.
“The scoreboard doesn’t really reflect how hard they are to play and you certainly walk off knowing it’s been a tough game of footy,” she said.
“Even in the final term they were still taking it right up to us and are a really strong tackling team.”
The Mugars will be looking to maintain their form when they meet St Kilda this weekend, hoping to cement their spot in the top 4.
Last Modified on 23/06/2015 11:50