Kylie Lynch

Round 4 of the Prem B Women’s saw both Old Geelong and Williamstown CYMS remain the only two teams in the comp to be undefeated, but with the two sides going head-to-head next weekend, one will rise to the top, one game clear. The top four all registered wins on the weekend in percentage boosting victories.

Westbourne Grammarians looked promising against Old Geelong in the first quarter with a 2-point lead after Temeika Cathery and Stephanie Fomekong kicked a goal apiece. However, Old Geelong’s strong defence put an end to Westbourne’s scoring tally quickly in the second quarter and prevented them from kicking another goal for the remainder of the game, bringing the final score to 6.10 (46) to 2.5 (17).

Westbourne co-coach Ian Allan says that the first four weeks of Westbourne’s run in the VAFA Prem B women’s comp has been an enjoyable challenge for his young side. “We are very new to the VAFA, so are taking baby steps. We aren’t looking at the wins and losses – we set goals each week and the girls are achieving them…the wins will eventually come. It’s a marathon, not a sprint in football,” says Coach Allan.

This up-and-coming side has faced some of the top teams in the first four rounds, which has allowed them to get a good feel for standard in the competition.

Matilda Arthur and Sophie Batten were key to Old Geelong’s success, kicking 2 goals each. Annabel Rafferty and Issy Tucker were also dominant players throughout the match, earning them a spot in the best players for Old Geelong.

Over at Manson Reserve, Aquinas hosted St Bedes/Mentone Tigers in what turned out to be a close match. After a significant loss to Old Geelong in Round 3, Aquinas entered this game with fire in their belly and looking for some redemption.

“We were keen to move on and happy to put a line through last week. We were well beaten by a fantastic side, we knew we needed to be much better heading into this week,” says Aquinas coach Jacob Kogelman.

Meg Dargan proved to be a standout performer, kicking 2 goals, and being named best afield for Aquinas. Niamh Sanders and Sophie Braunthal also had an impressive game for Aquinas and were amongst the best three.

However, St Bedes/Mentone proved to be too strong, cementing a two-goal lead and bringing the final score to 7.8 (50) to 5.4 (34) in their favour. The trusty boot of Isabella Gietzmann saw her kicking three goals and being named amongst the best players for St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers, along with Olivia Steinfort and Paris Xerri.

“We are building a nice rivalry with St Bedes, they are a side we have so much respect for and the weekend’s game was a really good spectacle. They are always great contests, and they were too good for us on this occasion,” says Kogelman.

Fitzroy took on Beaumaris at Peterson Oval in what proved to be a low-scoring match up until the fourth quarter, when Fitzroy put the foot down and kicked four goals to seal the deal at 5.3 (33) to 1.3 (9).

Fitzroy coach Nathan Jumeau said the team played another great defensive game, though is still yet to get the offensive side of their game right. “We started very slow, but once we got our connection to the forward line, we were able to put it on the scoreboard,” says Jumeau.

Five players who kicked goals for Fitzroy, showcasing the depth of skill across the team. Standout performers included Lauren Atkinson, Georgina Bennett, and Steph Pitt, who were named in the top three for Fitzroy.

Beaumaris led the match right up until the end when Fitzroy converted four goals in the fourth quarter. Beaumaris coach Darryl Behrendorff said he was really proud of the effort of the whole team and that it was a big improvement on last week’s performance. Our focus for the week is to continue to build on the key aspects of our game that we are working hard to develop and make sure we have some fun along the way.”

From the opening bounce, the undefeated Williamstown CYMS displayed their offensive dominance over Mazenod and proved why they have been a powerhouse this season. Key goal kickers Olivia McGie and Sofi Georgas showcased their scoring abilities with a tally of three goals each. Despite Mazenod’s resilient defence, which forced Williamstown to settle for 14 behinds, they couldn’t contain the relentless offensive pressure from the CYMS, who finished the game with a staggering 73-point lead of 11.14 (80) to 1.1 (7).

As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain fixed on Williamstown CYMS and Old Geelong as they continue their undefeated streak. However, one team will lose their undefeated status this weekend as they go head-to-head at Loft Reserve.

Old Geelong coach Jack Crameri expresses his excitement for the match ahead and admits that selection will be tough this week. “We’re super excited for the challenge that Williamstown will present this coming weekend. It’s going to be a cracking game. No doubt that selection will be tough, but we’ll attempt to put together a side that will give us the best chance on the weekend,” says Crameri.

Round 5 kicks off with Aquinas hosting Fitzroy as they search for their second win of the season. Mazenod will travel to Mentone Reserve to face St Bedes/Mentone Tigers in what will be a tough match up.

Westbourne Grammarians are just settling into Prem B Women’s, while Beaumaris are seasoned veterans in the VAFA Women’s competition, coming off a 2023 Premiership. This match up is sure to be one to watch this weekend as the two come head-to-head for the first time, looking to work their way up the ladder.