Top 4 race heats up as Magpies, Cardinals and Saints notch up pivotal victories

William Buck Premier Women’s football was back with a bang this weekend and with six rounds to go, the race is on for finals spots. West Brunswick solidified their position in the top four, Caulfield Grammarians kept their undefeated streak alive, and St Kevin’s recorded a crucial win against Kew.

The 2024 grand finalists St Kevin’s 4.2 (26) defeated Kew 2.4 (16) in a critical victory to maintain pace with Old Scotch and Caulfield Grammarians at the top of the ladder.

St Kevin’s coach Tom Purcell was pleased with his sides efforts and praised Kew’s ability to throw everything at them throughout the four quarters.

“It was a tough battle all day. They threw everything at us and more. I was happy we could defensively absorb the pressure.”

The Saints have a big fortnight coming up with challenges against Old Scotch and Caulfield Grammarians to finish off their season which Purcell believes will provide a good challenge.

“I am really looking forward to tackling the benchmark teams of the 2025 season to see where we are at.”

In contrast, Kew’s loss puts them one game outside of the top four. Nevertheless, the Bears had strong performers across the board with Amelia Dawborn, Lily Barr and Isobella Yze the standouts against the Saints.

Old Scotch notched up their fifth victory in a row defeating Old Geelong by 57 points 11.10 (76) to 3.1 (19).

The Cardinals were dominant throughout the match and are look ominous heading into the final weeks of the home and away season.

Cardinals coach Dean Anderson referenced several positives from the performance.

“The good things were our efficiency going forward with improving connection between midfielders and forwards. Our team effort was very evident, and I thought our midfield group were terrific with their ability to run both ways.”

With a huge month ahead, Anderson believes his group is poised to make another deep run in the 2025 finals series.

“We have a huge month ahead of us. I am really pleased to be where we are, the group is fully committed and determined to achieve something special this year.”

Old Geelong have had a strong debut season in William Buck Premier Women’s and despite the loss they sit just two games outside of the top four. Juliet Grant, Amy Halaby and Brooke McKay were the standout performers for the OGs.

Caulfield Grammarians 11.9 (75) defeated Beaumaris 1.2 (8) to extend their undefeated streak to 12 victories without a loss. Despite a slow start, the 2025 benchmark side were able to slowly out class the Sharks and ran out 67-point winners.

Fields coach Danielle DiStefano was pleased with the victory but couldn’t hide her slight disappointment in the way her side began the game.

“I wasn’t thrilled with the slow start but that was somewhat expected after a disjointed month with three byes in four weeks. I was pleased that we were able to adjust after quarter time and almost get back to our best.”

In contrast, Beaumaris coach Sam Calogero referenced the preparation his team put into playing the “team on top of the mountain” and the challenges they posed.

“Playing a team that is undefeated, our message was intent, effort and our progression. I thought we brought great pressure and enthusiasm across the game.

The final game of round 13 was a nail biter between West Brunswick and Fitzroy in which the Magpies blitzed the Roy’s in the second half to come away with a 22-point victory 5.5 (35) to 1.7 (13).

The Magpies outscored their opposition twenty-one to ten in the final two quarters on the back of a brilliant two goal performance from Alex Trollip. West Brunswick coach Ryan Wandel was thrilled with the Magpies ability to do the little things throughout the game, even with a few key cogs out of the team.

“I was most pleased with our defensive pressure, it’s the most pressure acts and one percenter’s that we’ve put in this year, and it made a massive difference in keeping the game on our terms.”

“We had a few core group defenders out of the team, meaning others had to step up and play a role. Matilda Hammond and Georgia Alomes were the two that were asked to step outside their comfort zone, and they both stood tall and didn’t look out of place.”

The Roy’s will rue their missed opportunities with eight scoring shots only leading to the thirteen total points. Nevertheless, they sit only two games outside of the fourth placed West Brunswick.

To round out proceedings and segue to the Round ahead, Williamstown CYMS had the bye in Round 13 and will look to take down Fitzroy in a clash at Loft Reserve this coming weekend. Beaumaris face Old Geelong and Caulfield Grammarians travel to Kew to face the Bears. West Brunswick have the bye and in the match of the round St Kevin’s face Old Scotch in a 2024 grand final rematch. This will be the second time these two power houses of the competition go head-to-head in 2025, with the SKOB Saints coming away with the win back in Round 2. All eyes will be on Righetti Oval this Saturday in the prime-time slot.