Three teams are still left undefeated in the Black Diamond AFL Women’s competition after the fourth round of the 2018 campaign – both Newcastle City squads and the Nelson Bay Marlins.
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Jesse Jakubowski was the stand-out player of the match between the Marlins and the Hawks, as she claimed nine majors at Hillsborough Oval.
Nelson Bay stayed level with the two City squads after their 19.13.127 to 1.1.7 win over Cardiff, but remain third on point difference so far.
Kate Holland, Natasha Flint and Sophie Balcombe were all praised as club bests in the 120-point victory.
After losing key players from the 2017 squad – including AFLW star Pippa Smyth – the Marlins’ backroom staff weren’t sure how their season would unfold.
Head coach Russell Fox believes they’ve answered the call, and then some, so far with their “fantastic opening month”.
“We picked up a few new girls that have played really well, and all our veterans have stood up,” Fox said. “Once we play one of the City squads [in a month] we will know where we stand for the season, I think.”
Elsewhere on the weekend, Meaghan MacDonald blew The Entrance-Bateau Bay off the park with a 13-goal haul for the Newcastle City Novas. The final scoreline was a dominant 34.27.231 to 0.0.0, keeping the Novas undefeated thus far in the season.
Also in the fourth round, Singleton and Maitland played out a tough match at Rose Point Park, with the Saints edging out the home side 2.11.23 to 2.5.17.
Wyong Lakes also kept the Terrigal Avoca Panthers to low scoring result as they walked away with a 9.6.60 to 1.2.8 win. Aimee Bohan and Alanna Nicholson both scored doubles, while Aleece Williams continued to be dangerous in front of the sticks with a hat-trick for the Magpies.
Gyarn Rawson put a five-star performance against Port Stephens at Ferodale Park, with her five majors leading Muswellbrook to an 11.13.79 to 1.1.7 win over Power.
The Stars remained atop the league ladder with a 13.13.91 winner over Killarney Vale, 1.0.6, with forwards Ashlee Hayllar and Paige Mathewson kicking 5 and 4 respectively.
Finally, Ange Jones and Rhiannon Medcraft combined for a massive 17-goal tally as the Gosford Tigers blew Lake Macquarie off the park 23.13.151 to 2.2.14.
Absences for the Dockers in the form of centre Holly Kozlik and forward Emma-Jayne Howe left them struggling against the shining Tigers.
Warners Bay won over Wallsend-West Newcastle through forfeit.
Competition Table: Stars (16), Novas (16), Nelson Bay (16), Singleton (12), Gosford (12), Wyong Lakes (12), Maitland (12), Warners Bay (8), Killarney Vale (8), Muswellbrook (8), Terrigal Avoca (4), Port Stephens (4), Cardiff (0), Lake Macquarie (0), The Entrance Bateau Bay (0), Wallsend-West Newcastle (0).
Isaac McIntyre
Got a story or a tip that you want to send through? Contact me at isaac.mcintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Got a story or a tip that you want to send through? Contact me at isaac.mcintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au
