By Nick Creely
Pakenham has kicked off life in the AFL Outer East’s Women’s competition with a barnstorming win, overcoming Monbulk on Saturday afternoon.
The Lions stormed to a 7.13 (55) to 1.0 (6) victory against the Hawks – pulling away in a dominant five goal to one second half.
While the Lions were on song across the ground in the first half, it failed to convert on the scoreboard, kicking 1.6 in the second term alone to only take in a 20-point lead at the main break.
However it mattered little with the Lions running all over the top, extending its margin to 34 at three quarter time before easing its way to the final siren with a two-goal last term.
There was plenty to like from a Pakenham perspective – Lucy Ventham was a constant threat up forward and snagged two majors, Roslyn Cook kicked two from a wing, Bianca Moody won plenty of the footy through the middle, while Emily Devine’s long kicking and hard-nosed approach through the middle was impressive.
But it was Abbey Tognazzini that was a clear standout, reading everything from centre half back and providing plenty of run and carry.
The Lions face off with Beaconsfield at Holm Park on Friday night.
While on the Eagles, it was also a fine start to life in the new league, comfortable defeating Upwey Tecoma at The Superdome, 11.9 (75) to 2.4 (16).
The Eagles always had the Tigers’ measure on Saturday morning, surging out to a 23-point quarter time lead, and despite some fight in the second from the home team, they were never threatened.
Lauren Hojnacki was dominant, kicking three to be the best player on the field, while Maddi Magri was also impressive for the Eagles.
In Division 2, Officer kicked off 2021 in style, defeating Seville, 8.9 (57) to 1.0 (6).
Off the back of a five-goal haul to Allison Wartnaby, the Kangaroos played some electric football throughout the clash.
Tali Verhoeven, Paige Hoskin and Maegan Davey were others to impress for the Roos.
