Following round 11, the competition-leading quartet of Shepparton United, Moama, Cobram, and Mansfield has opened up a three-game chasm with as many games to play before finals.
For one team, the final siren marked a historic first — a debut appearance in finals.
Cobram’s 83-point win over Shepparton Swans, spurred by four goals to spearhead Charlotte Artavilla-Bennett and industrious performances from Liz Young and Maree Stephenson, has confirmed the Tigers spot in finals in its first season.
Meanwhile, Mansfield’s 58-point win over fellow finals contender Nathalia also proved decisive in the finals race.
Clarissa Leatham booted two goals and Emma Tadday and Mim Davidson were instrumental in Sunday’s win at Mansfield Reserve, effectively securing fourth spot on the ladder.
Meanwhile, Tatura, needing a win at the kennel to keep the dream alive, couldn’t chase down a Moama side tipped to be the main challenger to reigning premier Shepparton United.
The Bulldogs battled gallantly, with Courtney Smith the sole goalkicker and the duo of Elli Maltman and Sarah Lange-Richards toiling away.
But the class of the second-placed Pies proved a step too far, with Shani Millett (two goals) and reliable contributors Olivia Dewar and Tori Russell driving a 53-point victory — Moama's 10th win of the season.
Shepparton United kept its unbeaten streak well and truly alive with a 122-point win over Rumbalara.
In the Youth Girls competition, Shepparton Swans secured back-to-back wins, with Phoebe Hawker (two goals), Amelia Joseph Hauser, and Ella Davies leading their side to a 31-point victory over Shepparton United.
Unbeaten Moama continued their dominant run with a 78-point defeat of Cobram, Eliza Fraser (four goals) and Ruby McLeod (three) providing the firepower to overwhelm the Tigers.
Nathalia had the bye.
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