A monster 7-4 win has North Geelong flying before a huge battle between sides sitting second and third on the women’s state league 1 ladder this weekend.
The third-placed Warriors will tackle the second-placed Keilor Park knowing a victory in the round 9 clash will draw the two teams level on points, while a loss will cast them six points adrift of the top two promotion spots.
Last weekend, the Warriors defeated fourth-placed Mill Park 7-4 in a high-scoring affair at Partridge St Reserve.
Maja Popplewell on the ball for North Geelong Warriors. Picture: Mark Tizard
Zoe Tizard and Maja Popplewell both bagged a brace, Milla Parkin and Luisa Kump scored singles, while Mill Park also conceded an own goal.
Keilor Park, meanwhile, easily beat bottom side Craigieburn City 5-1 away from home to set the scene for Sunday’s showdown with the Warriors.
Warriors co-coaches Michael Anderson and Ahmad Suleimi were notable absentees on the sidelines against Mill Park, with reserves coach Vlado Dzajkic stepping in and assuming the senior reins.
Anderson will return this week, while Suleimi may still miss because of international travel.
“We really are looking forward to Sunday’s contest with the second-placed Keilor Park,” Anderson said.
“We have had a few injuries to key players such as Olivia Ortiz, Lara Heric and Emanuella Fierro but the girls that have taken their place in the team have really stepped up.”
Anderson was quick to point out Popplewell’s valuable contribution across the midfield line.
“Maja has been immense in midfield, while Jasmine (Zilic) and Tea (Karlovic) have formed a strong partnership in defence,” he said.
“Youngsters Maeve (McKenna), Milla (Parkin) and Rosie (Skerratt) have also been key contributors and have shown they are more than capable of playing senior football.”
The Warriors defence will need to be on its toes to keep Keilor’s Khiana Shervey out of the game, with the crack Eagles striker having scored 13 goals in just seven matches so far this season.
In other Women’s State League 1 fixtures on Sunday, second-last placed Geelong Rangers travel to competition frontrunners Bundoora United, while Lara United hosts Clifton Hill.