Round 17 Review

Yanac Women sneak into the finals
Yanac Women will take the fourth spot in the women’s finals despite losing 1-0 to the struggling Thunderbirds in the final round of the home and away season at Nhill. Thunderbirds got the only score of the match through young Sarah Wallis although play went both ways.
Grace McLeod did best for Thunderbirds while Sarah Coughlan worked hard for Yanac.
Yanac’s loss does not matter however following Kaniva Women’s 4-1 loss to Dimboola Women. This leaves Yanac and Kaniva equal on points but Yanac with a five-goal advantage which is enough to sneak them into the finals.
Elizabeth Klinge scored twice and was Dimboola’s best. Claire McDonald was best for Kaniva, also scoring their loan goal.
In the other women’s match Highlanders defeated Warrack Women 2-0 giving them an impressive unbeaten record for the home and away season of 16 wins and one draw. Highlanders have only had seven goals scored against them this year. Kate Ferrier scored and starred for the victors while Julie Langman was strong for Warrack.
Leopards took a 2-1 win over Warriors to secure their second spot on the junior ladder ahead of Warriors. Talor Dent topped the field for Leopards in the win while twins Nathan and Bradley Alexander were best for Warriors. Nathan scored their goal.
The bottom of the ladder junior competitors Kookaburras and Bombers played each other in their final matches of the season but both teams played with determination. It was an even competition with both sides scoring multiple goals, through seven different players. The end result was 5-3 in favour of Kookaburras and a good match to end both teams’ playing season. Jamie Guerin shone for Kookaburras also scoring one of their goals. Monique Schwedes stood out for Bombers, scoring two of their goals.
The luckless Bombers have lost all their matches this season but have been formidable opponents and will take their experience into the next season.
Raiders took the lead in their match against Kangaroos but the top team came back with a vengeance winning 5-2. Raiders will take fourth spot in the junior finals. Meaghan Pohlner was best for Kangaroos while Kendal Meyer was best for Raiders.
Dimboola Men have scored their third best result for the season, after a tight match with Kaniva Men finished in a 3-3 draw. It was Dimboola’s last match for the year and they gave it their all getting the early score and making Kaniva work hard to even the match. Clint Beattie topped the field for Kaniva while Beau Lovett was best for Dimboola.
Hurricanes and Hoops also had a draw which shows how close the competition is going into the finals next week. They finished 2-2. Hoops finish second on the ladder and Hurricanes third. Will Hewitt was best for Hurricanes while Paul Slater was best for Hoops.
Tigers had a more convincing win 4-0 over Nhill Men who bow out of the competition at this point, finishing in fifth place. Tigers have a strong scoring contingent scoring through four players. Josh Cramer was best for Tigers. Trevor James was best for Nhill.
- Rachel Clark