
Champions of Change: Celebrating Women Coaches in the VAFA
This July, the VAFA proudly joins AFL Victoria in celebrating Women’s Coaching Month, now in its fifth year. The 2025 theme, “Champions of Change,” recognises the powerful role women and
Lauren Atkinson
All eyes were on Elsternwick Park Oval on Saturday, as Marcellin OC and Old Melburnians battled it out in the Division 1 Women’s Preliminary Final, with a spot in the Grand Final up for grabs.
Marcellin got the better of Old Melburnians early, with their superior accuracy in front of goals allowing them a 10-point lead going into the first break. Old Melburnians responded with their first goal of the day in the second term, reducing the margin to 6 points before the siren signalled half time.
Marcellin came out in the third with all guns blazing, kicking 3.2 while Old Melburnians only managed a single behind. Trailing by 25 points, it was going to take some magic from the Omelettes to make up the deficit.
Knowing their season was on the line and with nothing to lose, the Omelettes produced some of their best football of the year to kick four goals in the final term. Alas, they had left their charge too late, and with Marcellin booting another two goals, the Omelettes fell 13 points short at the final siren.
Charlotte Ferrier was the best of the Omelettes, supported by teammates Stephanie Barnett and Clare Fraser. For the Sheagles, Zoe Glascott delivered an inspiring performance to help her side over the line, kicking five goals to be named best afield.
Marcellin will now meet Beaumaris in the Grand Final this Saturday, in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter.
Both teams have previously tasted premiership success in the VAFA competition and while Beaumaris beat Marcellin comfortably in both of their previous match ups this year, Marcellin will be confident that they have found their form in this finals series. It will take everything they’ve got to bring down the undefeated Sharks, but as we know, anything is possible in finals football.
This July, the VAFA proudly joins AFL Victoria in celebrating Women’s Coaching Month, now in its fifth year. The 2025 theme, “Champions of Change,” recognises the powerful role women and
The VAFA congratulates Ryder Mantello from Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Football Club who has been nominated as the Round 11 Anytime Fitness Men’s Rising Star. Ryder is ranked 24th for average
The ladder is heating up more every week, with plenty of teams on equal points vying for spots and some only outside the top four on percentage; with each round