Demons deliver defining victory

Round 4 delivered another enthralling weekend of footy. Box Hill North took a major scalp, defeating the top of the table La Trobe and handing them their first loss of the season. Whilst Old Carey star forward Amy McCormack booted six goals to steer her side to victory.

The match of the round came for Box Hill North, who managed to keep undefeated ladder leaders La Trobe University goalless for the entire contest. Competing hard for four quarters, Box Hill North showed true grit and came away with a hard-fought victory.

Box Hill North coach Steve Jackson believes the game was won in the contest, full of praise for his side’s courageous effort around the ball. The floodgates well and truly opened for the Demons in the final term, as they booted three majors and charged home in style.

A two-goal haul for both Lilly Griffiths and Aoife Nic a Bhaird helped put on the scoreboard pressure and keep La Trobe busy. An unlucky day for the Trobers and one they will be looking to forget. However, La Trobe coach Samantha Greene won’t be losing too much sleep over the loss; still bullish about her side’s start to 2025.

UHS-VU put on a commanding performance out at Beaumaris Secondary College to down MCC FC by 33 points. A rapid-fire start to the second quarter, kicking three goals in three minutes of play, set the game up for UHS-VU.

UHS Coach Alex Henry understands how hard it is to win away from home in this division and will be rapt with his side’s dominant display on the road. Vice-Captain Abbey Mills was influential on the day, booting two goals and leading her side around the ground superbly.

MCC battled on well after being jumped in the second quarter and managed to keep themselves within touching distance for the majority of the contest. Oliver Platt’s side travels to Elgar Park next week to take on a Box Hill North outfit full of confidence.

De La Salle shot to the top of the Division 2 ladder, after a 17-point win against Aquinas made it four in a row. Coach Andrew Donnison was especially pleased with the scoreboard reward that his side’s constant forward 50 entries were able to generate.

Donnison admitted that they were able to take advantage of a strong performance from their midfield group, who were hard at it all morning. De La Salle went into the game expecting a gruelling contest, which is exactly what they were greeted with. “Credit to Aquinas, they came at us hard all day, and particularly in that last quarter – their attack on the ball was ferocious,” Donnison explained.

An admirable finish to the game from Aquinas will be the main positive to take out of proceedings. However, the Ringwood-based club still remains winless, still searching for their first win in Division 2.

Old Carey piled on the points against Brunswick to run out 44-point victors. Amy McCormack recorded the individual performance of the round, kicking six goals for the Panthers. An amazing achievement for her side and one she should be extremely proud of. The win pushes Old Carey up to second on the ladder and leaves them in good stead heading into Round 5 with a healthy percentage of 301%.

Brunswick coach Sasha Dougherty was happy with her side’s finish to the game but admits Old Carey was just a little too strong. “Old Carey has some very strong forwards, and I think we may have lost in accuracy, whilst also in the little 1% inputs that keep the game in your favour.” With plenty to work on during the week, Brunswick will have to bring their best footy as they look to climb the ladder and make a statement in the Division 2 Women’s competition.

Parkside made it two away wins in a row as they handed Wattle Park their fourth consecutive loss to start the season. Wattle Park managed to lead the contest at quarter time, playing a competitive brand of footy that kept them in it.

The Devils were able to gain control in the second and third quarters, kicking six goals to two, running out 27-point victors. Martina Zeevaarder was instrumental for Parkside, kicking two goals and helping her side record another away victory.

The Animals will be frustrated with how they have started the year but should be proud of their efforts considering the unfortunate nature of having less than eighteen players most weeks. With the season still young, there will be ample opportunity to sink their teeth into the competition and get some wins on the board.

That wraps up the action from Round 4. It was a thrilling week with many more quality passages of football on display. With regrading underway, Round 5 is still taking shape, with further details to come.