Reigning premiers no longer undefeated as a new contender emerges

Annie Ireland

Round Four finally saw the defeat of the reigning premiers, as Old Scotch sent a warning to the competition in William Buck Premier Women’s. Fitzroy finally got their first win of the season, knocking off Coburg. Old Xaverians are unfortunately no longer part of the Premier Women’s season after being regraded.

Caulfield Grammarians had a dominant outing against Melbourne Uni, their second quarter setting them up to finish the game off strong. Caulfield kept Melbourne Uni to nine points for three quarters of the game. However, a late resurgence from Melbourne Uni would’ve given Caulfield a scare in the last quarter, kicking two goals.

Chloe O’Malley was Caulfield’s best, kicking two goals, whilst Marguerite Purcell kicked another goal to be named amongst the best. Madison Katerelos was the best for Melbourne Uni, also finishing with a goal.

Caulfield have a big match up against Old Scotch next week, whilst Melbourne Uni will play Fitzroy.

After nearly knocking off SKOB, the Lions suffered an unfortunate defeat to Fitzroy by one goal, who claimed their first win of the season. In what was a low scoring affair, Fitzroy kicked their only two goals of the game in the first quarter, with Coburg’s only goal for the game coming in the second quarter.

After half time, each team only kicked one behind for the remainder of the game, with Fitzroy running out eventual winners to claim their first victory for 2023.

Leila Zayat was best on for Coburg, whilst Elaine Murphy was Fitzroy’s best. Fitzroy will play Melbourne Uni next week in a home game, whilst Coburg come up against the first placed Collegians in what will be a tough challenge.

Collegians had a convincing win over West Brunswick, bouncing back from last week’s loss to Kew. Collegians only allowed the Magpies one goal for the game, and they only managed to kick three points after the first quarter.

It was a different story for Collegians, who managed a goal in every quarter and were accurate in front of the sticks to finish with 5.2.

Whilst Georgia Harris kicked two goals for the purple army, it was Jessica Pham who was their best. Kristy De Pellegrini scored the Magpies’ only goal, whilst Kaitlyn Day was best on.

Brunswick will play Kew next week, who are fresh off their bye in what will be a tough game at Victoria Park

The biggest moment of the round was Old Scotch defeating SKOB, who suffered their first defeat for the season. Whilst they dominated the first half, kicking 3.2 compared to Scotch’s 1-7, Scotch came out firing in the second half to kick 19 points and hold SKOB scoreless for the rest of the game.

The win now puts Old Scotch just above SKOB on the ladder, moving up to third place. Sarah Betts was again in the best for the fourth time this season, as was Bree Doyle. For Old Scotch, Isabella Gray was their best.

Next week, SKOB have a bye, whilst Old Scotch play Caulfield in what should be the match of the round.