Six of the best: VAFA’s Big V Women’s remain unbeaten

The VAFA’s Big V Women’s team coached by Paul Groves opened what would become one of the most memorable weekends in history for the Association, celebrating 100 years of the Big V.

In the first of four games across the two days, the Big V Women defeated their interstate opponents in the Perth FL Women’s team 6.8 (44) to 3.3 (21).

Saturday’s win makes it three consecutive wins against Perth FL, all under the leadership of Paul Groves, and six out of six in the history of Women’s Representative Football in the Big V jumper.

Lead out onto the field by captain Taylah Watson, it was apparent how much putting on the Big V meant to these players, with more than half wearing the jumper for the first time.

FIRST QUARTER

From the opening bounce at Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick Park, there was a noticeable intensity gap between Groves’ troops and their traveling rivals.

The Vics were dominating the territory battle without any authority on the scoreboard, before midway into the first, Hannah Smith of St Kevin’s broke the deadlock.

Old Scotch representatives Mia Cowan and Eloise Defina added two more goals to give the VAFA a very handy 17-point lead closing in on quarter time.

PFL snared a late one courtesy of Tayla Bresland, to have the margin at 11, into the first change.

Statistically it was all Big V, +35 for disposals, +19 in contested possessions, +7 in clearances in the first term alone.

Cowan and Watson combined for 21 possessions and 7 clearances in the opener.

SECOND QUARTER

The second term started much the same as the first, the Big V were hungrier and more determined to win the hard contests.

VAFA’s midfield was working in overtime giving the forward multiple opportunities to convert and Smith didn’t need ask twice kicking two second quarter goals, to have three before the main break.

The best of which in the final minute, handballing to herself along the boundary while being tackled to keep the ball in play, before snapping truly in phenomenal fashion.

Once again, the Big V were winning all the key stats and importantly had held PFL to zero marks inside 50 at half time from 12 total entries.

Inaccuracy in front of goal perhaps cost the Big V from really ripping the game apart, holding a near five-goal buffer into the rooms

VAFA 5.4 (34)

PFL 1.2 (8)

THIRD QUARTER

Unfortunately, for the Big V in the third it was more of the same story with repeat entries for not a lot of reward on the scoreboard. To their credit PFL’s defensive pressure proved effective in keeping them within striking distance and shutting down the scoring prowess of the Vic’s forwards.

The team from WA raised their intensity after half time with each of the top four possession getters for the term coming from Perth.

Credit to both defence lines, and from the Big V side it seemed like an unbreakable brick wall was set up with the likes of Vic Holt, Erin Woodford, Chloe O’Malley and Cecilia McIntosh.

The visitors were able to convert on a rare occasion with Bresland’s second, holding the door ever so slightly ajar on a miracle comeback.

It was a very even quarter with Perth slightly the better, and the stats reflect that. Perth lead the disposal count 60-57, contested ball 36-30, hitouts 12-7 and inside 50’s 9-7.

VAFA 5.7 (37)

PFL 2.2 (14)

FOURTH QUARTER

As they did in the third, Perth kept their nose in the contest, this time in the opening minute. Amy Hunt snapped from open play to have the margin cut to 17.

The Big V defence got back to business and held firm when the time came for them to stand up and deliver.

Then, as all great players do, Cowan kicked her second and a match defining goal to all but seal victory for the Big V.

Jacinta Baxter of Caulfield Grammarians and Kew’s Claire Dyett lifted in the last with eight possessions each.

The game concluded as it started in a hard fought and contested battle, with the Big V celebrating 100 years in style defeating the Perth FL by 23 points.

VAFA 6.8 (44)

PFL 3.3 (21)

Watson spoke in the days after on the For the Love of the Game podcast and highlighted the pride she felt of captaining the Big V.

“It was pretty incredible; I looked at it (the #1 on the back of her jumper) pre-game and couldn’t really believe it was happening.”

“It’ll be something that I’ll definitely look back on in the future and remember that game, and to get the win as well is a huge milestone.”

Key Stats

Secure your very own specially designed Big V Centenary Guernsey worn by all four 2025 Big V Teams. You can purchase a personalised replica guernsey for a limited time – find out more here.