Composure the key as Cobras roar and top four battle heats up

Round 12 of the Premier B Women’s competition highlighted just how crucial accuracy and composure in front of goal can be. Several matches were decided not by dominance in possession, but by which side made the most of their chances – Westbourne and Marcellin prevailed in tight affairs, while Old Brighton and Old Yarra Cobras delivered emphatic wins.

Old Brighton reaffirmed their premiership credentials with a gutsy 6.9 (45) to 3.6 (24) win over Port Melbourne Chargers at Castlefield Reserve, despite fielding just 14 players.

The highly anticipated clash lived up to expectations early, with Port Melbourne Chargers striking first before Sienna Courtney responded to get the Tonners on the board.

The first half continued as a tight contest, with Old Brighton leading by a single goal at each of the first two changes.

Old Brighton found another gear in the third, with Courtney leading the surge with another two majors, to build a 25-point buffer heading into the final change.

The Chargers lifted in the final term, kicking the only goal of the quarter, but the damage had already been done, with Old Brighton securing a 21-point win to further solidify their spot at the top of the table.

Tonners coach Andrew Grant praised the collective effort from his team:

 “We were able to get on top once we increased our pressure in the contests and that allowed us to get our running game going. We were challenged again with no bench, and I was really proud how every team member contributed.”

For Port Melbourne coach Harriet Cooper, the reduced field size proved pivotal in the result.

“Playing with 14 players instead of our usual 16 definitely impacted our ability to execute our game plan. Our structures are built around having a full complement of players, and adjusting to fewer numbers, especially against a strong side like Old Brighton, meant we were often stretched.”

Despite the result, Cooper was still able to point to a number of positives.

“We did a fantastic job of shutting down their key players and forcing turnovers, especially in the middle,” Cooper said. “Our tackling intensity was executed well, which directly led to our scoring chances. I’m also incredibly pleased with the opportunity it provided for our younger players. For them to step up and play Premier B football, and to do it so admirably, speaks volumes about their talent and character.”

Sienna Courtney starred for Old Brighton, kicking four of their six goals, while Claire Highfield continues to prove herself as a crucial component of the Chargers midfield, consistently putting her body on the line for her teammates.

In a tightly contested rematch of their Round 6 thriller, Westbourne Grammarians once again edged out Old Melburnians, this time by a narrow three-point margin, 4.1 (25) to 3.4 (22). 

The match was tense from the outset, with the Omlettes drawing first blood to earn a narrow lead, which they maintained throughout the first three quarters.

With just seven points separating the sides at the final change, the stage was set for a dramatic finish – and it delivered.

Westbourne seized their opportunity in the final term, capitalising on their chances with two clutch goals. Their clinical finishing proved decisive, with Old Melburnians only managing two behinds for the term to fall agonisingly short at the final siren.

Omlettes coach Nic Stephens praised the effort shown by his side, who played with great heart despite the number of unavailable players.

“There wasn’t a stretch of play that I can point to where we dropped our attack on the footy. Every girl kept attacking right until the final siren so I really can’t fault anybody that played this weekend,” said Stephens.

“I don’t know if I can say I was pleased to see the girls really take this loss to heart but what it showed me is just how much the game meant to these girls and I think we’ll get better from this.”

Prue Harvey was a standout, setting the standard for the Omlettes while showcasing her versatility across the field. The continued development of ruck duo of Lily Wallace and Ella Bennetts was also on display, with both rucks also hitting the scoreboard.

For Westbourne, coach Chris Grant would be thrilled by the composure and execution his side showed, particularly in front of goal. Paige Trajkovski, Gracie Lamers and Temeika Cathery were all influential, finishing with a goal apiece.

Old Yarra Cobras have turned their season around, registering their third win with a commanding 59-point victory over Old Xaverians, 8.12 (60) to 0.1 (1).

After a slow start, the Cobras found their rhythm midway through the first quarter, overturning early pressure from Old Xavs and beginning to dominate the contest. Coach Michael Talbot credited the turnaround to his side’s ability to adjust their ball movement.

“Once we got on top in the contest, we were then able to change the angles and go around Old Xaverians’ defence and utilise the space forward of centre.” Talbot said.

The Cobras piled on four goals in the second term to blow the game open, and while the scoring slowed in the third, their defensive resilience never wavered. They finished strongly in the final quarter, adding 3.7 (25) to seal the win.

Emma Watson and Alannah Murray were dangerous up forward, each kicking two goals, while Lee McHenry, Phoebe Chisholm and Lara Moussa went to work in the engine room.       

Old Xaverians struggled to generate forward momentum, registering just one behind for the match. Despite the scoreboard, Alessandra Libertone and Emily Callinan were among their best, showing grit and determination in the contest.

With the double bye ahead, the Cobras will focus on strengthening their internal connection to maintain the momentum they’ve built over recent rounds.

In a low-scoring, hard-fought contest, Marcellin scraped home against St Bedes/Mentone Tigers to claim a gritty 3.0 (18) to 1.3 (9) win.

The match was a classic arm-wrestle, with both sides applying relentless defensive pressure and limiting scoring opportunities throughout.

Although the Tigers had more forward entries, their inefficiency inside 50 proved costly, with the Sheagles’ superior goal-kicking allowing them to take home the chocolates.

Marcellin coach Paul Harvey said, “Both teams defended admirably with no quarter given. At the end of the day our accuracy got us home against a good team in St Bedes.”

“We had a couple of goals from the length of the ground which was very pleasing. It showed our system, which we are slowly developing, can result in beautiful footy.”

Tigers coach, Meg Fisher, also identified Marcellin’s ball movement as a crucial factor in the result.

“They won the game with a few explosive clearances from the stoppage, and quick movement all the way to goal,” Fisher said.

“A big shout out to our first senior women 100 gamer Olivia Steinfort who played in her usual outstanding manner – bottom of the pack, tackling hard, and out-marking all those around her.”

For Marcellin, the Robertson girls, Laura and Georgina, were instrumental, while Zoe Glascott was electric in her move to the midfield, also contributing a goal.