Division 4 Women’s Season Preview

With a fresh season ahead, the VAFA Division 4 Women’s competition is set to deliver another year of exciting and competitive footy. Featuring a mix of seasoned clubs fielding their second or third teams and standalone teams looking to make an impact, this division promises to be an intriguing contest from start to finish. Let’s take a closer look at the teams vying for success in 2025.

BEAUMARIS

The Sharks have long been a strong club in women’s footy, and their second team will be eager to build on the club’s overall depth. Beaumaris always plays a well-structured game, and if they can develop team cohesion early, they’ll be a formidable opponent. Watch for their younger players stepping up and pushing for selection in the senior side.

FITZROY

With their seniors and reserves teams playing in William Buck Premier, Fitzroy’s third side will look to develop emerging talent while remaining competitive. The Roy Girls have a strong club culture and tend to play with a high work rate. If their younger brigade can find consistency, they could be a surprise packet this season.

MONASH BLUES

The Monash Blues’ second team will benefit from the experience of playing within a club that emphasizes skill development and structured play. Expect them to be a disciplined side with strong midfield rotations. If they can bring high pressure and convert forward opportunities, they’ll be in the mix for finals.

OAKLEIGH

Oakleigh’s women’s program has been steadily growing, and their second team will be aiming to showcase that depth. A team that typically plays a hard-running and aggressive brand of footy, they’ll look to capitalize on their fitness and intensity. If they find a reliable goal-kicker, they could be a strong contender.

OLD XAVERIANS

Old Xaverians have been a club on the rise in women’s football, and their second team will benefit from a strong support network within the club. With a focus on clean ball movement and a structured defensive setup, they’ll be tough to break down. If they can find consistency, expect them to be around the top four.

PORT MELBOURNE CHARGERS

Port Chargers are new on the scene and are coming in hot with a lot of drive and determination. They will need to take the first few rounds to size up the competition and learn to understand their new opponents. No doubt if they focus on teamwork and bring their energy they will be a strong squad.

PRESTON BULLANTS

As one of the standalone teams in this division, Preston will be looking to make a statement against the bigger clubs. They’ll have the advantage of stability in their squad, which could help them develop chemistry quicker than some of the reserves sides. Expect a high-energy, pressure-driven style of play from this group.

ST KEVIN’S

St Kevins’ third team will be looking to emulate the success of their club’s top squads and hope to go-back-to-back as last year’s Division 4 premiers. With a strong support system and quality coaching, their depth will be tested but could prove to be their biggest strength. A team that typically moves the ball quickly and plays with intensity, they’ll be aiming for a finals push.

WEST BRUNSWICK

West Brunswick’s women’s program has grown significantly, and their third team will aim to reflect the club’s established playing style. Known for their physicality and ability to control possession, they’ll be a difficult team to break down. If they can stay consistent, they could find themselves in the finals conversation.

WESTBOURNE GRAMMARIANS

Westbourne has continued to invest in their women’s football program, and their second team will be keen to make a mark. A well-drilled and disciplined side, they’ll be looking to make life difficult for opposition teams with their defensive pressure. If they can generate scoring power, they’ll be competitive all season.

With a mix of established reserves sides and standalone teams, Division 4 is set to be one of the most unpredictable competitions in the VAFA. Teams like St Kevin’s, Beaumaris, and Monash will likely be strong contenders, while clubs like Preston and Port Melbourne Chargers will aim to disrupt the established hierarchy.

The key to success in this division will be consistency. With many teams juggling player availability between multiple squads, depth and adaptability will play a crucial role in determining the frontrunners. The teams that can establish chemistry early and maintain strong defensive structures will be best positioned for a deep finals run.

As the season unfolds, expect plenty of tight contests, emerging talent, and a showcase of women’s footy at its best. Get ready for another thrilling year in VAFA Division 4 Women’s! Who will rise to the occasion and claim premiership glory? Time will tell.