After a well-earned bye, William Buck Premier Women’s was back with a bang this weekend. With still a lot to play for in season 2025, many teams came off the bye with energy and pep, which translated into several enthralling contests across the competition.
A prime example of this was seen in Brunswick, where West Brunswick 5.6 (36) defeated Kew 5.3 (33) in a game where the Magpies jumped the Bears and held on for dear life until the final siren.
Kew coach Emily Avery addressed the first-quarter lapse and its impact on the game.
“The game was almost lost in the first quarter. We weren’t switched on and then trailed. However, I was pleased about the fight and improvement we brought each quarter after.”
The Bears, however, are well placed despite the loss, sitting equal 4th with their opponent this past week, West Brunswick.
Avery was spirited when discussing the team’s overall philosophy and identity heading into the second half of the season.
“We have more belief in our team and are seeing the game plan working,” she said.
Amelia Dawborn again put in a strong performance, and Olivia McLennan provided a spark with a goal-of-the-day contender.
Ryan Wardel, coach of West Brunswick, was extremely pleased with his side’s performance. Wardel referenced the Magpies’ early season defeat to the Bears as a rallying cry in this week’s preparation.
“I was pleased that we found a way to grind out a win. This one meant that bit more to the group, wanting to rewrite the wrongs of our earlier season matchup.”
The Magpies are one of the hottest teams in the competition, winning three on the bounce after a sluggish start to season 2025.
Wardel, however, referenced that his side would continue to tinker and improve their game plan, with several improvements to be made from the weekend’s victory.
“It was a physical and contested game, with moments of brilliance from both sides to break out of congestion. In the coming weeks, we’ll look at making a few adjustments to our game plan to counter congestion and break it open,” he said.
After an impressive start to the season, Old Scotch hosted newcomers Beaumaris. The Cardinals were far too strong for the Sharks and ran out victors 9.5 (59) to 2.1 (13).
Katie Hunter-Scott, Mia Cowan and Jade Wise led from the front, and all put in strong performances to lead the Cardinals.
The Sharks led by four points at quarter time; however, an experienced Old Scotch side was able to dry up any forward traction for the Sharks, who were unable to put any points on the board after the first break.
Despite the defeat, Beaumaris coach Sam Calogero was pleased with the Sharks’ first term and ability to stay up for the fight against the reigning premiers.
“A good start by our team against the reigning premiers where our intent and pressure were on from the start. Old Scotch turned up their intensity, and it was pleasing to see us continue to work in our ball movement, intent and pressure.”
Michelle Podnecky, Sienna Tedde and Piper Phelan were some of the Sharks’ best on the day.
In another clash between sides fighting for a place in the top four, Old Geelong travelled to face Fitzroy in what was expected to be a tight contest. And boy, did this 2024 Prem B Grand Final rematch deliver.
The OG’s held a slender 1-point lead at half-time and were able to hold on by six points when the final siren sounded to defeat the Roys, 3.7 (25) to 3.1 (19).
The win puts Old Geelong equal 4th alongside Kew and West Brunswick and highlights an impressive start to the OG’s first season in William Buck Premier.
For the Roys, Paige Duffy, Maddie Smith and Molly Tancred put together strong performances, and for the OG’s, Brooke McKay and Ciara Sexton continued with their brilliant form.
In our last matchup for the weekend, Williamstown CYMS travelled to face the undefeated Caulfield Grammarians.
The giant-killer CY’s, fresh off a stunning home upset over St Kevin’s two weeks ago, were looking to do the unthinkable again, this time against the Fields.
Despite this, Caulfield showed their class throughout the second and third quarters to put an insurmountable gap between the two sides, running out 6.10 (46) to 0.5 (5) winners.
Fields coach Danielle DiStefano was thrilled with her side’s pressure and defensive efforts despite some wayward kicking forward of centre.
“I was really pleased with our clearance work and pressure. Our backs were excellent all day. We weren’t as efficient in front of goal as we would have liked, but the swirling winds made that pretty tricky.”
DiStefano also referenced her side’s upcoming bye and the prospect that provides to set up the back end of the year and a finals push.
“With the bye this week, we have an opportunity to rest sore bodies and build back up again for a few more tough games before the midseason bye rounds.”
Despite the defeat, the CY’s had some bright sparks, with Jess Court, Lahne Scrivener and Zoe Attard playing particularly well.
Round 10 builds as a terrific weekend of William Buck Premier Women’s footy with St Kevin’s looking to bounce back with a win after their bye in an away matchup against Fitzroy. West Brunswick will aim to make it four on the trot against Beaumaris, Williamstown CYMS and Old Geelong will do battle at Loft Reserve, and Kew will make the short trip to face Old Scotch in Camberwell.
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