St Kevin’s triumph in a commanding win

In the opening match, Kew recorded a comprehensive 43-point victory over Melbourne University Women’s to reinforce their position in third place.

It only took two disposals for Kew to get on the board with a major, with Dakota Villiva delivering the first clearance into the arms of Gabriella Rawlings, who converted truly.

Both sides exhibited brilliant passages of play throughout the first term, however, Kew’s defence was too strong for Melbourne University to penetrate, leaving them scoreless for the quarter with their only real shot at goal a set shot from Maddi Katerelos that was marked on the line.

Melbourne University finally got on the board in the second with a goal to Asha Price, however, Kew were still able to extend their lead to 21 points by half time. The game opened up in the second half, with both teams scoring more frequently. Kew managed to add another 41 points to their scoreline, while Melbourne University added three goals to take their score to 26.

Jolyn Collins and Maddi Katerelos were brave in defeat, while Dakota Villiva was a welcome return after a week off, earning best on once again. Highlights up forward included the efforts of Asha Price and Kew captain Rachel McDonough, who finished with three goals apiece.

St Kevin’s showed no mercy when hosting Collegians in a 111-point destruction, their largest victory of the season.

Kate Stanton set the tone early, booting the first goal of the day as they took a 22-0 lead into the first change. In one of the most dominant quarters of football by any side this year, they piled on a further 8 goals in the second term. Hannah Smith contributed three of her own, including a brilliantly crafted pick up and snap to cap off a huge quarter.

The second half was much the same, as the rampaging Saints put Collegians to the sword. Holly Kenealy kicked five majors while Kate Stanton finished the day with four and best-on-ground honours. Hannah Smith’s trio took her tally to 21 for the season, sitting third overall in the goal kicking leaderboard charts. For Collegians, Krystal Russell continued a strong run of recent form to be named her side’s best on the day.

Over at Camberwell Reserve, Caulfield Grammarians gave Old Scotch an early scare before fading away in the second half.

The first term was closely contested, with Sarah Kenny kicking the first two goals of the game for Caulfield, before Old Scotch fought back with two of their own to lead by a solitary point at the first change.

Play remained close in the second but due to Old Scotch’s superior accuracy, the Stars were able to extend the margin to 12 points before the siren sounded for half time. Old Scotch’s dominance shone through in the third quarter, as they kicked four goals while holding Caulfield scoreless to shoot down any hopes the Grammarians had of an upset victory.

To Caulfield’s credit, they fought back in the final term, winning the individual quarter by 2 points, however, it was only enough to bring the margin back to 36 points. Georgia Foran stood up in defence for Caulfield, while Sarah Kenny was strong in attack and Maggie Minchin did well as a stand-in ruck.

Caulfield should be encouraged that they were able to challenge a top two side, especially considering they did so without key players such as Matilda Mottram, Isobel Hartog and Kate McCarthy. For Scotch, Emma Robins and Maxine Wells were the standout players on the day.

West Brunswick continued their strong form with a fifth consecutive win, this time defeating Old Yarra Cobras by 21 points.

Coming into the game in fourth place on the ladder but with a weak percentage, their position remained vulnerable with games still to play against ladder-leaders St Kevin’s and fellow finals hopefuls Caulfield.

Understanding the stakes, the Magpies were able to get the job done with a four-quarter performance. The load was shared, with six individual goal kickers contributing to West Brunswick’s 7.3 (45) scoreline – Brighdin Walsh was the only Magpie to score multiple goals (2) in a team-best performance. Audrey Fithall and Melissa Johnson also earnt recognition from their coach for their standout games.

Cecilia Baldassarre led the Cobras’ forward line as she has done all season, booting three goals, while Evie Lee was named their best.

Monash Blues travelled to Piranha Park to take on Coburg, where the Blues came out on top in a last-ditch effort to escape relegation. Coburg held the lead throughout the first half as Monash wasted their shots at goal, only registering behinds. However, the Blues came out of the rooms after half time with all guns blazing, hitting the scoreboard while not allowing Coburg any additional forays.

By the final siren, the scoreline read 2.2 (14) to 3.9 (27) in Monash Blues’ favour. Captain Alicia Myers led her side to their second win of the season, embodying the team values and executing the game plan to perfection. Clare Konstanty also played an important role in the victory, kicking two of their three goals. For Coburg, Grace Painting and Ella Tyson battled hard, demonstrating great resilience.

With three rounds to go in the William Buck Premier Women’s home and away season, every match counts with a number of teams still in contention for a place in the finals series.

A huge clash between Kew and Caulfield Grammarians opens the round, where a win to Caulfield could shake up the top four. Another battle between two heavyweights of the competition sees West Brunswick come up against the undefeated St Kevin’s. Riding a wave of momentum, anything is possible in this clash if the Magpies can capitalise on their opportunities.

MUW FC host Coburg, whilst Collegians will travel to face Monash Blues at Frearson Oval. Rounding out the weekend, the Old Yarra Cobras will come up against Old Scotch.