New favourite emerges as one team remains undefeated

Annie Ireland

Xavs fly home with a percentage boosting win to break into the top 3, whilst Old Brighton take top spot, one game clear of the rest of the competition. Old Haileybury registered a strong win over Brunswick and it was the Parkdale Vultures who had the upper hand defeating Old Melburnians to round out the weekend in the Division 1 Women’s competition.

It was Old Brighton who reigned supreme on the weekend in the match of the round, defeating Marcellin by 9 points in a low scoring affair to remain as the only undefeated team in the league, after Round 4.

Marcellin dominated in the opening term, kicking 2.1 to Old Brighton’s singular point. However, from quarter time it was all Brighton. The game remained close throughout with the two teams hard to separate. However, Brighton’s ability to overcome a slow start allowed them to carry momentum through the game and come out on top.

Zagontinos kicked two for Marcellin, whilst Hayley Harley, Angie Wang Hartman and Laura Robertson rounded out the top three best players.

For the home team, Katie and Annie Grant impressed whilst Brigitte Wallace was also strong.

Marcellin will be hoping to bounce back next weekend; however, they have a tough game against third-placed Old Xavs who sit equal with them on three wins. Old Brighton will look to keep the undefeated streak going when they host Old Haileybury on Saturday morning.

Old Haileybury held Brunswick winless once again. The first quarter was the only period where the game seemed to be level, with a score line reflecting 3 goals to 1. However, after the main break, Haileybury went up a gear, holding the Renegades scoreless in the second half, charging home to a 38-point victory.

The second half was more a strong defensive performance than offensive for Haileybury, but should they wish to climb up a very competitive Division 1 Women’s ladder, they’ll need to keep slotting goals.

Kelly Dungate was a clear standout for Brunswick, kicking their only two goals for the game. For Haileybury, Serene Vudiniabola was their best along with skipper Bridget Hanrahan who dominated the field, finishing the day with 3 majors.

Next week Old Haileybury faces a tough challenge, travelling to Brighton Beach Oval to take on the undefeated Old Brighton, whilst Brunswick will travel to Gerry Green Reserve to go head-to-head with the Parkdale Vultures.

Old Xaverians posted the strongest victory of the weekend to cement their spot in third place and emerge as a threat for this year’s premiership. Not only was it impressive that they won by 129 points, but they also managed to hold Camberwell to only one goal for the entire game, which didn’t come until the third quarter.

Xavs set the tone from the outset, kicking 7.1 in the first quarter alone. Maggie Gaffney had four goals to her name, whilst Alessandra Libertone kicked another three majors. It was a true team effort, with five multiple goal scorers showing how potent their forward line could potentially be this season.

Keirah Dowd earnt her third best player nomination for the season, whilst Libertone and Gaffney were also recognised.

Romy Klooger scored Camberwell’s only goal to be recognised as their best player, whilst Isabel Dedoncker was also good on a tough day for the team.

Camberwell will find themselves in an evenly matched fixture next weekend when they host Old Melburnians. Old Xaverians will come up against Marcellin in what is set to be the match of the round and will test Xavs true premiership credentials.

Parkdale Vultures was another team to bounce back from a tough loss last weekend, beating Old Melburnians by 38 points at home.

Old Melburnians failed to score a goal for the entire game, registering just three points and only one behind after quarter time.

Whilst it was not a full four-quarter performance from Parkdale, scoring just three points across the second and third quarters, they bounced back in the fourth quarter with 3.3 to finish the game off strong.

Vice-captain Isabella Daddo was a clear best on ground, kicking four goals for Parkdale. Shaedyn Aylen was also notable, scoring a goal. For Old Melburnians, Georgia Dunlop and Clare Fraser stood out on a tough day.

Next up, Old Melburnians face Old Camberwell as both teams look to bounce back from tough losses and post their second win of the season, whilst Parkdale Vultures will host Brunswick.