Newcomers impress and contenders emerge in dynamic Division 3

Round 5 of the VAFA Division 3 Women’s competition brought with it a fresh sense of excitement and unpredictability, following a re-grading shake-up that saw Wattle Park and the Preston Bullants promoted into the division. With a couple of blockbuster matchups on the fixture, including a top-four thriller, the round delivered a mix of dominant performances, gritty contests, and some tantalising glimpses into what the new-look Division 3 ladder might look like moving forward.

It was a dream debut in Division 3 for Wattle Park, who wasted no time stamping their authority with a hard-fought win over South Melbourne Districts at Bennettswood Reserve, with the final scoreboard reflecting 30-0.

Facing off against a seasoned opponent sitting sixth on the ladder, Wattle Park settled quickly into their new surroundings. While the first half saw a relatively even contest, it was the third quarter that proved decisive. The Animals surged ahead, dominating play and controlling territory. Despite some inaccuracy in front of goal, they made the most of their opportunities and built a buffer that South Melbourne couldn’t overcome.

Wattle Park’s scoring was spread nicely, with Olivia Walker, Tabita Sutharsan, and Tegan Murphy each slotting a goal. The team’s cohesive ball movement and pressure around the contest were highlights, suggesting they will be a serious threat in the weeks to come.

Over at Ferndale Park, Ormond and St Mary’s Salesian turned on a thrilling contest that lived up to its billing as the marquee matchup of the round. In a clash between two in-form sides – Ormond undefeated coming into the weekend, and St Mary’s fresh off a strong Round 4 win – it was always going to be a fiery affair.

The match opened at a frenetic pace, with both sides hitting the scoreboard early. By half time, the teams were locked at 3.1 (19) apiece in a tight arm-wrestle, with midfield pressure and contested ball proving decisive in shaping momentum.

Ormond edged ahead in the third term thanks to two crucial goals, giving them an 11-point lead heading into the final quarter. St Mary’s lifted in the fourth and kicked the only goal of the term, setting up a nail-biting finish. But Ormond held firm under pressure to clinch a memorable five-point win, 6.2 (38) to 5.3 (33).

Star forward Indiana Harrison was the difference, booting four of Ormond’s six goals in a standout performance. She was ably supported by Hannah Foran and Teagan Engelander, who added one apiece. For St Mary’s, Lucy Dobbyn and Ella Wallace showed their class with two goals each, while Emily Wedrian chipped in with a major of her own.

Albert Park registered their second win of the season with an emphatic 35-point victory over Prahran at Toorak Park, asserting themselves as a team to watch as they stay in touch with the top four.

From the opening bounce, the Falcons looked hungry and organised. They slotted two early goals in the first term, then backed it up with another strong quarter before the half-time break, taking a commanding 28-point lead into the sheds.

Their structure around stoppages and transition play stood out, with Zoe Dragoi and Caroline Ma both contributing two goals each. Claire McGrath and Ashlea Wilson added one goal apiece, rounding out a polished forward line effort.

Prahran struggled to get their game going under relentless pressure, but Philippa Stevenson managed to get them on the board with their only goal for the day.

Albert Park’s ability to maintain intensity across four quarters was a clear sign of their development, and with momentum on their side, they’ll be eyeing more scalps in the coming rounds.

Mazenod continued their strong form with a gritty win over North Brunswick, coming away nine-point victors in a low-scoring but physical battle at W.A. Scammell Reserve.

With both teams playing tight, contested football early, scoring opportunities were limited. Mazenod edged ahead by eight points at the main break but were left to rue missed chances in front of goal.

North Brunswick rallied in the final term and managed to close the gap with their first goal of the game, but Mazenod’s composure under pressure ensured they held on for a 2.5 (17) to 1.2 (8) win.

Lara Del Conte and Belinda Del Blasio kicked truly for Mazenod, while Chloe Hoskinson was the sole goal scorer for North Brunswick. Despite the loss, North Brunswick showed promising signs, particularly with their defensive efforts and ability to stay in the contest.

It was a reality check for newly promoted Preston Bullants, who ran into a rampaging Old Camberwell outfit determined to continue their unbeaten run. In the most dominant performance of the round, Old Camberwell flexed their muscles in a 117-point demolition, 18.15 (123) to 1.0 (6).

From the first whistle, Old Camberwell were ruthless. They slotted four first-quarter goals and then piled on six more in a commanding second term. The Bullants battled hard and managed a solitary major in the third quarter, but there was no stopping the league-leaders, who kicked another seven goals in a final term blitz.

Dilara Al-Sabbagh was unstoppable in front of goal, finishing with a bag of five, while Bridget Facey added four in a stellar performance. Rebecca Bellpieri kicked three, Bec Kertes chipped in with two, and Amelia Standfield, Olivia Willie, Jess Humphries, and Gabriella Bianco each added singles in a remarkable team performance.

Old Camberwell’s percentage now sits at a jaw-dropping 672.34, underlining their dominance and premiership credentials.

As the dust settles on Round 5, the Division 3 Women’s competition is beginning to take shape. With Old Camberwell and Ormond leading the pack, and new entrants like Wattle Park making an immediate impact, the middle of the table remains tightly contested. The next few rounds will be crucial for those looking to solidify finals contention.