Rounding out the 2024 women’s football season is the Division 1 Women’s Team of the Year.
This competition was small but mighty after a regrading period saw just six clubs remain. Stalwarts of the competition, Old Brighton and Marcellin, were competitive frontrunners for much of the season, but the likes of the Parkdale Vultures remained hot on their heels; while Old Haileybury, Collegians, and the Old Melburnians were sure to put up a fight every time they ran out on the field.
Ultimately it was Old Brighton who came away victorious in a Grand Final epic over 2023 Premiers Marcellin. Both sides have seven representatives named in the Division 1 Women’s Team of the Year. Take a look below:
Premiership coach Andrew Grant has earned further accolades as the Div 1 Women’s Coach of the Year, joined in the squad by his daughter Katie on the full back flank.
The family affair continues for Old Brighton, as the Tait sisters have all found their way into the Team of the Year, with outstanding performances throughout the season, each in their own right. Lily Tait sits in centre-half forward as the competition’s runner-up leading goal kicker for 2023. India Tait has been named in the centre, while the versatile Jasmine is on the interchange as an on-baller/half forward.
Rounding out the troop from Old Brighton are Sienna Courtney, and Cat O’Brien who has been named the Captain of the Div 1 Women’s Team of the Year, after leading her own side to a Premiership this season as co-captain for the Tonners.
Marcellin have an impressive seven players lining up in the Team of the Year, including the 2024 Best & Fairest in Alana Pane. Hayley Harley and Carpinteri are holding down the backline, while Ty Zagontinos and Leading Goal Kicker Zoe Glascott are named up forward. Laura Robertson is an on-baller and Liv Frost on the interchange.
Four notable superstars representing Parkdale Vultures include Isabella Daddo, Rachel Watson, Sienna Symons, and Breanna Allen in the ruck.
Old Haileybury have three players named, while Old Melburnians have two.
Old Haileybury’s B&F winner in Ella Gown has earned a spot at half forward while Bridget Hanrahan is a notable inclusion in the backline and Serene Vudiniabola has been named for the second consecutive year.
Clare Fraser and Georgia Dunlop and flying the flag for the Omlettes after impressive seasons respectively in 2024.
The VAFA Team of the Year’s are based on feedback and analysis from coaches, VAFA Media and umpires.