The Vultures join Div 1 as the competition gets a shakeup

Round 5 saw Division 1 Women’s welcome the Parkdale Vultures to the competition after a regrading round. Parkdale have previously been playing in the Prem B comp but were winless to start their season and will be looking to start getting some wins on the board in Div 1. However, it was not the start the Vultures were looking for as they suffered a 53 defeat at the hands of Glen Eira/Old McKinnon. 

Parkdale Vultures managed just one goal for the game, whilst Glen Eira/Old McKinnon piled on 9.8. After kicking 2.16 last weekend, it was a much-improved performance in front of goal for the Gryphons and something the team will want to continue improving as the season goes on. Monash currently sit ahead of the Gryphs purely based on percentage points, so they’ll want to start piling on some accurate performances if they are to move up to first.

Sophie Goddard, Ellie Wilson and Charlotte Pate were best on for Parkdale on a tough day. Eleni Nicholls and Eliza Morrison were both impressive for the Gryphs with two goals apiece.

Parkdale will be hoping to get on the board for 2025 next week against Power House, whilst the Gryphs will host the Blues in what could be a grand final preview and certainly on paper looks like match of the season.

Power House recorded their second win of the season, defeating Richmond Central by 19 points. It was an even game until the last quarter, with Power House capitalizing on their 10-point lead, piling on 2.3 in the final quarter to run out victorious. Richmond would be disappointed with the loss, now coming off three close losses in a row.

Zoe Uwland was best on ground for Power House for the third week in a row, this week recording a handy goal as well. Georgia McHolmes and Sinead Doorley also had strong performances. For Richmond- Claire Kirwan, Tenille Moselen and Georgia Harris were impressive.

Next up, Power House will host Parkdale whilst Richmond will play Whitefriars away.

Hampton Rovers continued their strong run of form, defeating Whitefriars by 24 points. It was a strong performance all round, holding Whitefriars to just two points in the first half whilst they piled on five goals straight to set up the game. Both teams managed just one goal in the second half, highlighting there are areas needed to improve upon in order to complete a strong four quarter performance.

Hollie Brodribb and Chelsea Bowen both had two goals each to be amongst the best for the Rovers.

Toni Robb and Rhiann Sterry were strong for Whitefriars, whilst captain Clare Fernandes and Ciara Knight kicked their only goals.

Next up Hampton will host Therry Penola as they look to continue their climb up the ladder, with the winner of that game to secure fourth on the ladder. Whitefriars will host Richmond Central with both teams looking for their second win of the season.

Oakleigh recorded an impressive win over Therry Penola, running out 29-point victors. This game looked like it would be a lot closer on paper, however Oakleigh were the stronger team on the day.

A strong first half saw Oakleigh kick 5.2, compared to the Lions’ 2.2. Whilst the Lions needed to overcome a three-goal deficit, they were wayward in front of goal, kicking four behinds in the second half which ultimately saw the game get away from them.

Sienna Bernardo continued her strong season, being mentioned in the best players for the fifth time this year and kicking her first goal of the season. Jasmine Ballestrin was also impressive and took her goal tally to eight for the year.

Captain Eliza German was impressive in defeat for the Lions.

Oakleigh will host Old Haileybury in Round 6, whilst the Lions will travel to play Hampton on Saturday morning.

The Monash Blues recorded yet another massive win, defeating Old Haileybury by 74 points. It was a very even first quarter, the Blues only leading by two points. However, a mammoth second quarter saw the Blues kick 6.2 whilst Haileybury managed just 1.1. The margin was too big for Haileybury to overcome, with the Blues piling on another six goals in the second half.

Ainslee Elliot had a huge day out, kicking six goals whilst Tiarna Jericho and Gemma Cowin both had two goals apiece and also recorded impressive performances.

Jasmine Carty and Serene Vudiniabola were the goal scorers for Haileybury, whilst Charli Ratcliffe was dominant.

Monash will feature in the game of the round, if not season, against the Gryphons next week whilst Old Haileybury will play Oakleigh on Saturday afternoon.