Wattle Park had another successful weekend in round 16, with the history-making Women leading from the front with a 23-point win against Preston to solidify fourth spot on the ladder to make their first-ever finals appearance. The Reserves and the Seniors both made light work of La Trobe University squads unable to get a look in, winning by 136 points and 67 points respectively. Finishing the season off admirably was the Thirds, who took it to Mazenod but ultimately couldn’t get the win. 

This Saturday, the home and away season continues for the Reserves and Seniors, who make the trek to Kevin Bartlett Reserve to face Richmond Central, with the Reserves eager to split the difference with the Snakes, who share the same amount of points and thus the top of ladder with the Animals, while the Seniors will want to continue their momentum heading into the finals.

But it’s the Women who have most of the attention this weekend given they’ve made their first ever finals series in the squad’s history. They return to W. R. Ruthven Reserve for the second weekend in a row, facing Preston at 9:20am in an elimination final, with the knowledge they have won both of their battles this year, namely last weekend, and are in a good run of form, having won their last three games of the home and away season. 

RESERVES:

With top spot on the line, the Reserves are welcoming some strong players back in the side. After spending some time in the ones, Lawrence Virgo returns to the squad, his magnet on the back flank to no doubt use his strength and speed to get the ball forward. On the bench, there’s a Sam-wich, as both Barrah and Davis come back into the side after some time away. 

WOMEN:

Three additions have been made to the squad who took to the field last Saturday, including Emma Johnson returning to the side, straight into centre half-back. Fresh from travelling, Alayna MacKirdy is thrown right back into the midfield, while Maddy Mazar comes back in, her magnet at centre half-forward. WIth a full bench in Sheridan Harris, Shannon Harris, Blaire Preddey and Chloe Hulme, the side is backed by Chanelle Delarue and Gideon Sands as emergencies. 

SENIORS:

Very few changes have been made to the Seniors squad as Kieran Mair returns as the backline rotation after some time overseas, boosting an already-strong defence. Henry Tickner also comes back into the side and will start in the midfield. In a positional change, Bailey Hunt will start the game on the wing.