Saints, Stars and Fields stay perfect after tough tests in Round 4

Another intriguing weekend of William Buck Premier Women’s action unfolded in Round 4, headlined by a top-four clash between Old Geelong and Old Scotch, while other contenders continued to build their resumes in a competitive start to the season.

Old Scotch extended their unbeaten run with an assertive 8.6 (54) to 4.7 (31) win over Old Geelong at Camberwell Sports Ground. A fast start proved crucial for the Stars, kicking three late majors in the opening term to create separation after a tight start to the quarter.

OGs coach Jack Crameri said the game provided valuable perspective against one of the competition’s benchmark sides. “We’ve loved playing all these teams from in and around the finals last year to test ourselves. We know we’ve now got plenty of things to work on and an understanding of what Scotch and others can do,” he said. “That first quarter – where they kicked three late – was the major difference in the game.”

The Stars shared plenty of the Sherrin with three shining the brightest in front of the big sticks to finish with multiple goals for the day each: Mia Cowan, Maiya Stobie, and Eloise Defina. Meanwhile for the visitors, Ciara Sexton and Jessie Gleeson impressed for the OGs in their first match up against the reigning premiers.

Meanwhile Caulfield Grammarians also maintained their perfect start to the season with a 6.6 (42) to 2.1 (13) win over Kew. The Bears brought strong physicality and were competitive in the contest but were unable to gain any ascendancy over the Fields.

Kew coach Emily Avery was pleased with the contest but noted areas for growth, especially ahead of the ball. “Happy with the team’s physicality and our ability to contest…looking forward to working on our forward craft and setting up the ground.”

Under the leadership of their skipper Serena Kuo, who finished with two goals to her name, the Fields looked comfortable on their home deck and are backing up a much-improved 2024 season, posing as real contenders in the top tier this year.

St Kevin’s similarly kept their undefeated record intact with a 5.7 (37) to 0.6 (6) win over West Brunswick. While the Magpies had patches of strong play, they couldn’t convert their opportunities, with St Kevin’s defence locking down key areas of the ground.

Magpies coach Ryan Wardel said the match was decided by turnover and structure. “We turned the ball over too often and were not consistent enough at using the open spaces of the ground. St Kevin’s defended the corridor really well, and we got caught out wide,” he said. “We felt the game was a bit closer than the scoreboard suggested — we just weren’t able to convert our chances into goals.

St Kevin’s coach Tom Purcell was again pleased with the effort and development of his young group. “We’ll continue to work on connection into our forward 50,” he said. Purcell was glowing in his praise for Mischa Beaconsfield, Molly Wilson, Angelique Argiros and Anastasia Malamas.

Fitzroy recorded their second win of the season, overpowering Old Yarra Cobras 7.6 (48) to 1.3 (9) at Doncaster Reserve. The Roys’ defensive unit stood tall, restricting the Cobras to just one goal for the day and creating plenty of offensive spread from the back half.

Coach Nathan Jumeau praised his side’s growth across four quarters. “Really happy with the backline — they’re starting to defend together as a group and spread really well,” he said. “We’re still not quite making the most of our inside 50s, but we’re improving each week.” Jumeau was full of praise for Jaime Nelson and believes she’s solidifying herself as one of the best rucks in William Buck Premier.

Williamstown CYMS continued their dominant form with a 17.14 (116) to 3.2 (20) win over MUWFC in the Sunday standalone fixture. Loren Mills (seven goals) and Alessia Acquaro (six) combined for 13 majors as the CYs’ forward line clicked into gear early and never looked back.

Coach Xavier Smith highlighted the growing belief in his side. “Over the last two weeks, our players have grown in confidence and are playing more of the way we want to,” he said. “Our midfield was on top from the first bounce, and the forward line took full advantage. When we weren’t converting, we did a fantastic job locking it in.”

Despite the defeat, MUWFC coach Michael Goldsmith remained upbeat about his side’s progression. “There were lots of positives. We lifted our pressure and intensity as the game went on,” he said. “Getting on the scoreboard was a reward for that effort and gives us a solid foundation to build on.” Bridget Hudson’s return was a highlight, slotting three goals, while Jo Collins, Asha Price and Eve Sheehan impressed.

Four rounds into season 2025 in William Buck Premier Women’s the competition is starting to take shape. St Kevin’s and Caulfield Grammarians have set the benchmark with both sides remaining undefeated whilst taking some impressive scalps. Old Scotch and Fitzroy round out the top 4 positions with 2024 Premier B winners Old Geelong sitting in 5^th position after a strong start to the season. Williamstown CYMS and Kew sit equal with the OGs with a record of two wins and two losses a piece. With plenty of football left to be played, it is really anyone’s game.