Old Brighton secures minor premiership with thumping win as finals race heats up

With just two weeks of the Div 1 women’s season to go, the ladder received a shake up after another big round of results on the weekend.

Perhaps the biggest upset was Old Melburnians defeating Collegians by 74 points at Ian Johnson Oval.

Old Melburnians kicked fairly accurately, however, the deficit could’ve been larger, kicking 14.8 for the match. Clare Fraser kicked a massive five goals, hauling her team to victory, whilst Ciara McAdam was best on ground with a goal of her own.

The goals were shared around, with eight different goal scorers for the match. Despite the large loss, credit must be given to Collegians who were extremely undermanned, with just 16 players taking the field.

What once was looking like a season which was promising a home final, Collegians now sit in fourth and whilst they sit only a game behind Parkdale, they have a large percentage gap separating themselves. They’ll be hoping to bounce back against bottom of the ladder Old Haileybury on Saturday afternoon.

As for Old Melburnians, they’ll be hoping to knock off another higher placed opponent on Saturday morning in Parkdale to finish the season off strong.

Old Brighton and Marcellin both recorded strong wins again as they tussle for bragging rights of being premiership favourites as we head into the finals. Old Brighton’s win means they secure the minor premiership, as they are three wins ahead of second place with just two rounds to go.

Old Brighton defeated Old Haileybury at Brighton Beach Oval by 76 points. It looked like Old Brighton were going to have a massive outing once again, going into the main break with 9.3. Inaccuracy crept up on them in the second half, kicking 4.8, an area they will no doubt be focusing on heading into the finals.

Co-captains India Tait and Caterina O’Brien were yet again best on ground, in a season where both girls have led from the front to get the team into first on the ladder and two games ahead of reigning premiers Marcellin.

Old Haileybury managed just two goals for the game via Serene Vudiniabola and Alizza Hetherington. It leaves them sitting bottom of the ladder with just the three wins for the season so far.

Next round, we will be treated to a potential grand final preview with Marcellin hosting Old Brighton on Saturday morning. The match up looms as a massive one for both teams to further build on their impressive seasons.

Meanwhile Old Haileybury will host Collegians who will be hoping to salvage their season.

In the final game of the round, Parkdale Vultures were looking to continue their run of form in a 2 vs 3 on the ladder match up. However, Marcellin proved too much for them as they continued their strong premiership defence.

The first quarter was evenly matched, with Parkdale down only six points at quarter time and potentially could have led had they converted more accurately. However, Marcellin piled on the goals in the second quarter, taking a 31-point lead into half time.

Parkdale never really recovered, kicking one goal for the entire second half compared to Marcellin’s six. Zoe Glascott continued her outstanding form once again, kicking five goals to take her tally to 50 for the season and a huge 17 goals across the last three games. Glascott is definitely in high contention for the player of the season and a spot in the Team of the Year.

Parkdale are still sitting third on the ladder despite the large defeat and will be hoping to bounce back against a much improved Old Melburnians next weekend. Marcellin will line up against Old Brighton in a massive match up.