Division 1 Women’s: Season Preview

Zac Jennings

OLD BRIGHTON

Grand Finalists in 2019, Old Brighton will again be looking to feature deep into the season in 2021. Having built for a strong 2020, the Tonners have picked up where they left out, putting together a strong preseason in preparation for round one. While there has been a small amount of turnover at Brighton Beach Oval over the past 18 months, most notably Isabella Eddey’s departure to North Melbourne in the AFLW, the experience of Cat O’Brien, India Tate and 2019 Division 1 best and fairest Sienna Vincentini will lead the Tonners as they look to produce another strong showing in 2021.  

OLD HAILEYBURY

After his tragic passing in 2019, Old Haileybury will finally get to honour the legacy created and left on its women’s team by St. Kilda legend Danny Frawley. Boasting a strong core group who have remained throughout the Covid enforced shutdown, the Hearts have put together a solid preseason full of development. A one-for-all, all-for-one mentality this off-season has only enhanced the buy-in from the playing group, who are striving to reach the ultimate goals in 2021. Old Haileybury will be looking to feature in the latter stages of the season.

OLD MENTONIANS

Looking to build on the foundations laid by former coach Shane Hamill, a balance of experience and exciting youth will feature at Old Mentonians in 2021. While the Panthers will be without a few who featured in 2019, the preseason has featured some promising development for the Panthers, with a win over Oakleigh in a practice match led by its experienced players. Youngsters Bella Daddo and Lotus Jeffs have impressed during the preseason and look primed for a solid season ahead, as Old Mentonians will look to push for finals in 2021 and beyond.

OLD SCOTCH

It will be a new look Old Scotch when they unveil the 2019 Premiership at Camberwell Sports Ground in round one. Recruits Erin White and Samreen Kaur have joined premiership players Lilly Goss, Mia Cowan and captain Bek Comand, in puttting together a really solid preseason, which featured two strong performances against Old Xaverians and St. Kevins. Milly Fraser- Smith is another youngster too keep an eye out for, as Old Scotch look to once again be a pace setter in 2021

THERRY PENOLA

2019 Division 2 premiers Therry Penola are conscious, yet excited by the challenges Division 1 has install in 2021. The Lions will face promotion without some key players from its premiership team, including former captain Bridget Costello and Casey O’Connell who have moved to the VFLW. Therry Penola will be looking to youth to fill some of the gaps left, such as youngsters Ruby O’Halloran and Mietta Colussa who have had impressive preseason. Along with new arrivals Kate Hutchinson, Kylie deBruyn and former St Bernards captain Molly McIntosh, the Lions will look to further develop off their successes in 2019. Watch for Therry Penola to be big improvers in the second half of 2021.

WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS

An influx of experience has given 2019 Division 2 grand finalists Williamstown CYMS of sense of optimism as it moves into Division 1 in 2021.  Expect a contested style of play to be on full display at Fearon Reserves, complimented with some attacking flair.  Williamstown will feature welcome additions Sophie Barbas and Andrea Cameron, who have crossed over from Williamstown VFLW and the returning Georgie Petty from an ACL injury, will join the likes of captain Shannon Egan in a really solid Cy’s outfit.  Williamstown could be one to watch in 2021.