Cobras show fight, Chargers fire late, and Xavs grind out gritty win

After a week off for the competition bye, Round 9 saw Premier B Women’s footy return with intensity and quality across the board. Port Melbourne Chargers and Old Melburnians continued their surge toward finals, Old Xaverians and Westbourne ground out solid wins, while Old Yarra Cobras and MUWFC showed encouraging signs of growth.

Fresh off their first win of the season, Old Yarra Cobras travelled to Elsternwick Park where they took on third-placed Old Melburnians, continuing to show promising development, but ultimately going down 4.4 (28) to 7.4 (48).

The Omlettes got off to a hot start, kicking 3.4 to open up a 16-point buffer at the first break, however, the Cobras responded in the second, lifting their intensity to whittle the margin back to just 3 points by the main break.

The Omlettes showed great leadership in the second half to wrestle back control, outscoring the Cobras by three goals to secure a 20-point victory. Their experience shone through, with Amelia Kogler providing drive from the midfield, Clare Fraser applying relentless defensive pressure, Steph Barnett continuing to intercept every loose ball in the backline and Sally Peers pushing through an injury to help her team over the line.

Old Melburnians coach Nic Stephens applauded his side’s second-half response, with the player themselves driving the required adjustments.

“In the second quarter, Old Yarra were the ones setting the standard and playing a really good brand of football, making sure they were first at the footy and playing with intent. After half-time, we reset and gave ourselves a clear goal to not lose the ground balls and it made a huge difference and helped us get the game back on our terms.”

After being selected for the Big V squad the previous week, Ellen Williams made a serious case for her inclusion in the final team, kicking three from the midfield and playing a vital role in the Omlette’s win. Ollie Mclean was also strong in attack, finishing with two majors of her own.

Despite the result, the hard work Old Yarra have been putting through is starting to be realised, and the Cobras should be buoyed by the fact they were able to threaten one of the division’s top sides. Mia Giannopoulous continued to show her impact, finishing with the best-on-ground honours for her team.

Port Melbourne Chargers continued their impressive form, claiming a 57-point win over St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at JL Murphy Reserve.

Not much could split the two sides in the first quarter, with the Chargers leading by just 5 points at the first change. However, the Chargers stepped up in the second term, kicking 4.6 while restricting the Tigers to a single major.

The contest intensified in the third term, with St Bedes/Mentone converting the only two majors of the quarter, but the Chargers showed great discipline to switch the momentum again. A clinical fourth quarter saw the Chargers go on a six-goal blitz, with the scoreboard stretching out to 12.12 (84) to 4.3 (27) by the final siren.

Chargers coach Harriet Cooper was pleased by her team’s commitment to the game plan, highlighting their ability to maintain composure under pressure.

“To execute a game plan for four quarters, especially when challenges arise, is a testament to their focus and preparation,” said Cooper.

Chloe Kamberis and Claire Highfield were praised for their efforts in the midfield, leading the way with their tireless two-way running.

Georgia Harris continues to lead the division in goal-kicking, adding another three to her tally, but was able to share the load, with a remarkable nine individual goal-kickers contributing to the scoreboard for Port Melbourne.

For the Tigers, Maddi Wilson and Isabella Gietzmann continued their consistent form, while VFLW-experienced Georgia Ricardo made a strong return, earning a spot among the bests in her first game of the season.

Old Xaverians tasted success for the third time this season, recording a hard-fought 28-point win over a depleted Marcellin side at Basil Reserve, 7.6 (48) to 2.8 (20).

Starting with just one player on the bench, Marcellin faced an uphill battle from the outset, but their effort and resilience never wavered. The first half was a tense affair, as Marcellin generated more scoring opportunities but found themselves unable to navigate the ball through the big sticks, allowing Old Xavs to edge ahead to a 5-point lead at half-time.

The third quarter saw Old Xaverians begin to assert themselves, led by in-form Melissa Poulton and Mel Clarke. When Marcellin’s Zoe Glascott kicked the first goal of the final term, the margin sat at just 8 points, and it was anyone’s game to claim.

Unfortunately for Marcellin, the Sheagles appeared to run out of steam, conceding another three goals to fall short by 28 points.

Amelia Menegola was instrumental in Old Xaverians’ second-half charge, finishing with three goals and a spot among the best players.

Despite the scoreboard, Marcellin’s performance was full of heart. Chloe Harris and Alana Pane were tireless throughout the day, while Cassie Ossip and Zoe Glascott were the goal scorers.

On Sunday, Westbourne Grammarians returned from a two-week break with a solid 41-point win over Melbourne University Women’s at Uni Oval on Sunday, 7.6 (48) to 1.1 (7).

The game was competitive early, with both sides working hard around the contest. Westbourne edged ahead with a goal in the first term, but it was their second-quarter surge – adding 3.3 while keeping MUWFC scoreless – that set the tone for the match.

Coach Chris Grant acknowledged the slow start, noting the team’s rustiness after the extended break, but praised their perseverance and ability to grind out a win.

“Our players needed to work very hard for scoring opportunities and were able to capitalise on our inside 50m as the game went on,” said Grant.

In terms of individual performances, Kiara Henry led the way up forward with three goals, while Temeika Cathery added two of her own. Paige Trajkovski and Gracie Lamers were standouts through the midfield and on the wing, while Joudy Joud and Hannah McMahon were rock solid in defence.

Despite the result, Melbourne University showed great growth and courage to challenge a top four side.

 “Really proud of the ‘character’ we showed – strong in our possession game with purposeful kicks and marks. We played with kindness, courage and real learnings,” said coach Michael Goldsmith.

In terms of individual performances, there were highlights across each line: Nell Washington and Phoebe Johnson led the resilient backline, Eve Sheehan and Maddy Noack went to work in the engine room, and Asha Price and Bridget Hudson starred up forward.

As the season progresses, Goldsmith noted that defensive transition and decision-making under pressure will be key focus areas for Melbourne Uni as they look to build upon their foundations.

The table toppers, Old Brighton, have had a two-week hiatus with a Bye following the King’s birthday weekend and will be read hot and rearing to go this Saturday when they look to keep their undefeated streak alive in Round 10.

Looking ahead to Round 10, Old Melburnians will aim to do what no team has managed this year – topple the undefeated ladder leaders, Old Brighton. Meanwhile, Old Xaverians host Melbourne University Women’s in a must-win clash to keep their finals hopes alive, while Old Yarra Cobras look to build on recent momentum when they face St Bedes/Mentone Tigers. At the same time, Westbourne Grammarians and Port Melbourne Chargers will battle it out in a top four showdown.