Division 3 Women’s: Season Review

Lana Ryan

Hampton Rovers (9-1)

After missing out on the 2019 Division 3 flag by 21 points, Hampton Rovers were fighting for their chance at finals redemption this year and finished with the minor premiership title. It was an outstanding 10-1 record for the Rovers, boasting impressive wins against both Power House AFC and Emmaus St Leo’s. They were the sole undefeated side until going down to the Jackettes in Round 7. Named in the 2019 Team of the Year, skipper Bianca Lenarcic set the standard once again, proving unstoppable in the ruck and winning the Sue Anderson B&F Medal. Steph Peacock, who came 2nd in the B&F count, and Maegan Miller led a dominant forward line and finished first and fifth in the Div 3 goal kicking. It was a terrific season for Steph who took home the coveted title with 20 goals. She booted a season-high six in the Round 3 match up against Power House AFC.

AJAX (8-1-1)

The Jackettes were outstanding this season and made themselves at home in Division 3 following promotion from Division 4. They boasted a percentage of 459% thanks in large to their defensive prowess – allowing just 93 points against for the season. Their only loss came in Round 3 against Oakleigh AFC. Round 12 provided an opportunity for redemption coming to blows with the Krushers once more, this time asserting their authority with a 15-point victory. Playing an instrumental role in the Jackettes’ success this season were forwards Lindi Nakin (16), Gabrielle Mendelow (11) and Jessica Israel (8). Not only did Nankin finish second in the goal kicking but polled 15 votes as runner-up in the Div 3 B&F. Annalise Caplan was a huge asset in the midfield, her talents recognised with the club’s B&F award while defender Julia Caplan named most consistent and determined by AJAX leadership.

Glen Eira (8-1-1)

The Gryphons kicked off their campaign with three consecutive wins over South Melbourne Districts, Power House AFC and Bulleen Templestowe. Zoe Rossiter, Jane Wieselmann and Gemma Strangio shone, regularly finding themselves in their team’s best, with Georgia Clair (16) leading all comers in the forward line. However, it was Maddy Lister who was a cut above the rest yet again. In a truly outstanding season, Lister claimed the Division 3 Best & Fairest Award with 18 votes after winning the Division 4 Medal in 2019. After taking out the Krushers in the elimination final, the Gryphons had their eyes on the prize heading into prelims before the season’s premature end.

Oakleigh (5-5)

After an impressive win against the Bloods in Round 7, the Krushers secured a spot in the top four heading into the finals series. However, they were outclassed in the second semi and went down to the Gryphons by 26 points. It was familiar faces Victoria Wilson Wall, Mia Fortune, Jordyn Bethune and Jasmine Ballestrin who showcased stellar seasons, frequently finding themselves in their team’s best. Victoria Kovacevic (8) proved a challenge for the competition’s defenders, Power House AFC were surely tested with the forward gun booting 5 goals in their Round 4 contest. A finals appearance will certainly be marked down as a winning season for the Krushers.

Power House AFC (4-6)

It was a slow start to the 2021 campaign with four consecutive losses, but Power House kicked into gear in Round 5 against Emmaus St Leo’s and registered a much-needed 65-point victory. With a win on the board, the team gained momentum and won the next three matches against Oakleigh, AJAX, and Preston Bullants. Alana Jayde Murray (11) and Lisa-Marie McCombs (10) were genuine standouts for the House and finished the season with 21 votes between them and inside the top 5 for the Div 3 B&F. Brittany Tancred had the most success in front of goal with 10 majors from her seven games. A team with this much talent will look to use the off-season to bridge the gap with the top four.

Bulleen Templestowe (3-7)

After coming down from Division 2, Bulleen Templestowe announced themselves with a strong start to the 2021 season. Opening Round 1 with a nine-goal thumping of Emmaus St Leo’s, the Bullants went two-from-two against Oakleigh before going down to the Gryphons. Josephine Pope (14) and Zoe Vodden (7) put together strong seasons in front of goal, while Jacqui Krienke polled a team-high six umpire votes. The Bullants weren’t able to enjoy their success for long, slipping from third on the ladder with six consecutive losses to close out the season.

Preston Bullants (1-9)

Bulleen weren’t the only Bullants to join from Division 2, with Preston a late entrant into the competition mid-season. Coming in late to the party, it was tough to gain momentum and Preston weren’t able to register their first win until Round 12 when they defeated South Melbourne by eight points. Despite some inaccurate kicking in the final quarter, it was a solid display of football and a positive end to a rocky season. The familiar faces of Samantha Fisher, Kaitlin Pike, Melissa Halton, and Alli Fisher were regularly named in their team’s best and will have Preston fans excited for the future.

South Melbourne Districts (1-9)

Coming into the 2021 season with one team and several some fresh faces, it was a tough slog for South Melbourne Districts as they managed one win for the season. That win, against Emmaus St Leo’s in Round 3, was also their highest score for the season, kicking 3.2 (20). Rohannah Crouch and Sophia Bartolucci led from the front and were terrific all season, with both players named in the best seven times. The Bloods are a proud club and there shouldn’t be any doubt of a return to form in coming years.