William Buck Premier Women’s: Round 9 Preview

Rebecca Carter

Caulfield vs St Marys Salesian

When they took the field in Round 7, Caulfield Grammarians had their five-game winning streak bought to an end by the top of the table Marcellin, whilst St Marys Salesian had their heart broken by an after-the-siren goal to Old Trinity to deny them their first win of the season. Both teams will be keen to bounce back when they clash at Glenhuntly Oval this weekend. Alice Angley and Grace Varcoe have been the most consistent performers for St Mary’s this season, and they will be looking to continue their hot form. Whilst St Mary’s will be encouraged by their periods of dominance in their match against Old Trinity, Caulfield’s scoring power, led by Amy Dunn, will be a major threat. Look for St Mary’s to improve on their 52-point loss to the Fields back in Round 2, however the Caulfield girls might prove too strong once again.

West Brunswick vs Marcellin

A match where the in-form team of the competition comes up against the undefeated ladder leaders shapes as this week’s match of the round in William Buck Premier Women’s. This week, it’s West Brunswick turn to have another attempt at being the first team to knock off the very impressive Eagles, when they do battle with Marcellin at McAlister Oval. Last time these two teams met, Marcellin recorded an impressive 27 point victory. However, the Magpies head into this clash with momentum, having registered three wins in a row. Both teams boast plenty of firepower in the forward line, with Cecilia Baldassarre (Marcellin, 16 goals) and Laura Holdsworth (West Brunswick, 12 goals), leading the competition goal kicking. It’s likely this game will be much closer than the last time they met, with either team capable in a close one.

Old Trinity vs SKOB

Last time these two sides met, an inaccurate score line from the Saints flattered the T’s. This time around, Old Trinity will be hoping to build on their first victory for the season from Round 7, and test St Kevin’s when they pay a visit to Trinity Grammar this weekend. Whilst Sarah Cameron always shapes as a key to stopping St Kevin’s, she is yet to kick a big bag of goals, highlighting the spread of goal kickers the Saints have found this year. Trinity star Sally Peers has been her team’s best this year, and if she can find some support from the likes of Melissa Poulton and Big V star Vanessa Murphy, they may be able to push the Saints, however St Kevin’s should be able to record their 7^th win of the year and cement their spot in the top 2.

Old Xaverians vs Kew

A crucial match up will take place at Xavier College this weekend, when 5^th placed Old Xaverians host the 6^th placed Kew. Both teams will be searching for the four points in a bid to stay in touch with the top 4, and a win for Old Xaverians would give them some breathing space from the Bears. However, the Bears, who boast a superior percentage, will move past Xavs should they be able to walk away with the win. This game could rest on the defensive efforts of the Xavs girls, as Kew have found multiple avenues to goal this season so far through Krystal Shaw (8 goals) and Danielle Calautti and Tara Donnan (both 7 goals each). For Kew, putting a stop to the form of Sarah Anderson and goal kicker Brodi Harris will go a long way towards keeping their finals hopes alive.