Old Melburnians and Old Brighton lead the pack in Prem B Women’s

With finals on the horizon, Round 14 delivered high-stakes clashes, milestone moments, and ladder-shaping results across Premier B Women’s.

Old Brighton and Old Melburnians continued to lead the pack, with the Omlettes flexing their muscles against Port Melbourne Chargers, while Old Brighton became the first team to topple Westbourne at home. Marcellin celebrated a milestone in style with a commanding win over Old Xaverians, and Old Yarra Cobras continued their late-season surge, overpowering Melbourne University to notch another impressive victory.

Under Friday night lights at Elsternwick Park, Old Melburnians and Port Melbourne Chargers met in a high-stakes clash, with the winner set to claim second place on the ladder. After edging out the Chargers by just three points in the season opener, the Omlettes delivered a far more emphatic statement this time around – claiming a 37-point victory and tightening their grip on a top-two finish.

The Omlettes controlled the contest from the outset, applying relentless pressure and executing the game plan to a tee, leading from start to finish.

Old Melburnians’ midfield set the tone, with Georgia Dunlop, Zari Mildenhall, Amelia Kogler, and Ellen Williams combining toughness with polish. Macy Tyrrell had a standout game on the wing, with her growing confidence plain to see, while George Phelan lit up the night with an unbelievable goal and a celebration to match.

Omlettes coach Nic Stephens praised his side’s focus and execution.

 “Each of our lines knew what they needed to do going into the game and then they were able to stay disciplined and executed on the night,” he said.

“We knew that Port was going to be a really tough game – they play a really strong and physical brand of footy – but we felt we’d prepared pretty well for that during the week and it showed in the game.”

Port Melbourne struggled to find clean exits out of their defensive 50, with Olivia Box, Jemima Ross, and Maegan Harrison among the Chargers’ best, working tirelessly to repel the Omlettes’ attacks and generate rebound.

With limited chances in attack, Georgia Harris continued to lead the forward line, kicking the Chargers’ lone goal.

Marcellin produced one of their most complete performances of the season, converting early momentum into a 51-point win over Old Xaverians.

The Sheagles were fired up from the first bounce, inspired by Tessa “Rambo” Ramsay’s milestone 50th game, and carried that energy into a convincing four-quarter display, extending the margin at every break.

Marcellin coach Paul Harvey applauded his team’s cohesion and selfless approach, “We didn’t have any passengers with everybody contributing and working hard for the team.”

Captain Lani Pane led from the front, finishing with three goals, while Zoe Glascott was electric, booting four, including what Harvey dubbed “the goal of the year” – a magical finish deep in the pocket after breaking a tackle.

Old Xaverians fought hard throughout the contest but found themselves on the back foot after conceding the early lead. Molly McCarthy, Alessandra Libertone, and Melissa Poulton were among their best, while Amelie Menegola and Jess Slupecki kicked their two goals.

The win sees Marcellin jump into fifth place on the ladder, while Old Xaverians slip to seventh, following a drop off in form in the back half of the season.

Old Brighton became the first team this season to defeat Westbourne on their home turf, grinding out a 16-point win in a match that showcased the top-tier level of Premier B Women’s footy. The win not only locked in Old Brighton’s position at the top of the ladder but also snapped Westbourne’s unbeaten run at Andrew Park Pavilion – a venue that had become a fortress for the Warriors.

Westbourne opened the scoring through Kiara Henry in the opening minutes, but Old Brighton’s experience and structure soon saw them gain control, building an 11-point buffer by half time.

The goals dried up in the second half, however, the visitors were able to lock the ball inside their forward half for long stretches, allowing them to chip away at the scoreboard.

Despite never giving up, Westbourne ultimately were unable to match the well-oiled Old Brighton outfit, falling short at the final siren, 2.1 (13) to 3.11 (29).

Impressed by the standard of football shown by both sides, Old Brighton coach Andrew Grant praised his team’s ability to stick to the game plan and work through Westbourne’s defensive set ups.

For Westbourne, the match was a valuable learning experience. Coach Chris Grant acknowledged the challenge of facing the experienced ladder leaders but was proud of his team’s perseverance.

In terms of individual performances, Grant was full of praise for Kayla Koropeckyj and Hannah McMahon in defence, while Gracie Lamers and Paige Trajkovski caught his attention in the midfield.

“Kayla Koropeckyj was terrific down back, commencing the game with 5 intercept marks in the first quarter, and playing well across all four quarters. It’s great to see Kayla getting back to her best after having sustained an ACL injury at the start of last season.”

For the Tonners, Annie Grant and Giselle Buckley were instrumental, while Sienna Courtney continued her red-hot form, hitting the scoreboard once again.

While the result didn’t go their way, Westbourne will take plenty of learnings from the contest. For Old Brighton, it was another step forward in a season that continues to build toward something special.

Old Yarra Cobras continued their strong run of form with a resounding 50-point win over Melbourne University at the Uni Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The Cobras were wasteful early, kicking seven behinds before they eventually registered a major in the second term, but gradually found their rhythm to build a 20-point lead by half-time.

Captain Alannah Murray was dominant up forward for Old Yarra, finishing with four goals, while Sarah Perkins proved dangerous, added three majors of her own. Millie Shone also hit the scoreboard, contributing one goal to the Cobras’ tally.

Melbourne University’s lone goal came in the final term via Megan Gilmore, capping off a tough day for the home side. Despite the result, there were solid performances from Frances Walsh, Ella Ashley and Jolyn Collins.

For Old Yarra, Charlotte Coleman, Eloise Newman and Lara Moussa split the coach’s votes for their tireless efforts.

After losing their first six matches of the year, the Cobras have shown great resilience to turn their season around, winning four of their last six.

In the penultimate round of the regular season, Old Yarra Cobras will test their recent form against ladder-leaders Old Brighton, while Marcellin will face a tough challenge in second-placed Old Melburnians. Meanwhile, Port Melbourne Chargers will be eager to get back on the winners list when they come up against Old Xaverians, and Melbourne University will aim to break through for their first win against St Bedes/Mentone Tigers. Westbourne will have the opportunity to recharge with a bye before finals.