Tigers roar back into fifth with season-best win

Round 15 was a decisive affair, with the top sides getting it done against their lower placed counterparts, all while playing away from home. Old Brighton remains the benchmark, Old Melburnians continued their surge, Port Melbourne Chargers celebrated a historic achievement and St Bedes/Mentone Tigers recorded a confidence-boosting victory to reclaim fifth position.

At Doncaster Reserve, Old Brighton showcased their class with a composed performance against a spirited Old Yarra Cobras outfit, defeating the Cobras7.7 (49) to 1.2 (8).

A tight opening term saw the Cobras lead by a solitary point at the first change, however, the ladder leaders were quick to lift the intensity in the second, kicking 3.4 (22) while holding the Cobras scoreless.

Coach Andrew Grant was pleased with how his side responded after the competitive first quarter.

“After an even first quarter, we were able to start winning the contested ball and this helped us get our running game going,” he said. “Once we started to do this, we gave our forwards many more opportunities to convert.” 

Grant commended the Cobras’ improvement since their previous meeting in Round 7, noting they were ‘super competitive’ and forced his side to remain disciplined. Faced with the challenge, Grant was pleased with the Tonners ability to stick to the game plan and share the workload.

“Our captain Indi Tait led the way, Scout Howden was creative, and Lucy Grant’s four goals was telling. I’m extremely happy with the all-round performance,” Grant said.

Old Melburnians continued their red-hot form with a dominant display against Marcellin, keeping the Sheagles goalless in a performance built on relentless pressure and sharp ball movement.

The Omlettes were clinical, with their inaccuracy in front of goals their only weakness on the day – kicking 2.8 (20) in the first half, before steadying in the second half to win 7.11 (53) to 0.2 (2).

Omlettes coach Nic Stephens once again highlighted the pressure his side brought as crucial to the result, with the backline also playing a huge role.

“Our backline structures held up really well with all the experience we have down there,” he said. “To be able to keep a really good team in Marcellin scoreless was a huge effort and I think our backs will take a lot of confidence from the last couple of weeks – keeping the two leading goal kickers to a single goal between them.”

Stephens was also pleased to see the development of his side’s skills, demonstrated by their execution on the day.

“We wanted the girls to really push their skills to another level this week with our kicking and handballs to targets and they really nailed it. The team has come so far this season with their footy IQ and skills and now they’re starting to enjoy the fruits of their hard work.”

Stephens wasn’t short of players to highlight, singing the praises of G Dunlop, Zali Mildenhall, Lottie Ferrier and new Rising Star nominee, Pia Jurcic.

For Marcellin, Georgina Robertson and Annie Xanthos were standout.

Port Melbourne Chargers bounced back with a compelling win at Basil Reserve, defeating Old Xaverians, 10.6 (66) to 2.1 (13).

The Chargers came out firing, kicking 4.2 (26) in the first term to set themselves up with a handy buffer, and continued to extend their lead at every break.

The Chargers were dominant in the stoppage battle, allowing them to continuously set up forays forward, and when Old Xaverians got the ball inside their forward 50, Port Melbourne’s defence stood tall and repelled.

Chargers coach Harriet Cooper was thrilled with the performance, a positive display of the side’s consistency and cohesion.

“I was most pleased with the team’s ability to play a consistent four-quarter game. We started strong, weathered the storm and finished even stronger,” she said. “The win was a true team effort, and every single player contributed to the result.”

For Old Xaverians, there were glimpses of potential, providing hope going into the off-season. Chloe Bonnett and Amelie Menegola were the goal scorers, while Alessandra Libertone and Hannah Ryan received the coach’s votes.

The game also afforded a celebration of one of the competition’s most prolific forwards, Georgia Harris, who kicked her 300^th career goal.

Cooper was full of praise for Harris: “This is a monumental milestone and testament to her dedication, talent and longevity in the game. It’s an honour to have a player of her calibre in our team, and we are all incredibly proud to celebrate this special moment with her.”

On Sunday, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers recorded their strongest win of the season, defeating Melbourne University Women’s, 9.7 (61) to 0.2 (2).

The Tigers’ midfield pressure and forward efficiency proved too much for the struggling University side, who remain winless in 2025.

St Bedes/Mentone stalwarts, Maddi Wilson and Isabella Gietzmann, were at their best, combining for seven goals. Support came from Larissa Lewis, who also chipped in with two.

For MUWFC, it was another tough outing in a challenging season. Despite the scoreboard, their effort remained consistent, and their backline worked tirelessly under extreme pressure, but they were ultimately outclassed by a well-drilled Tigers outfit.

With only one round left of the Home and Away season, the top four is already locked and loaded in preparation for finals. Even so, the final round provides all teams with another opportunity to prove themselves, whether that be to build momentum going into finals, or to take some confidence into the next season.

Under lights on Friday, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers will take on Old Xaverians in what promises to be a spicy clash. On Saturday, Port Melbourne Chargers will host Melbourne University Women’s, Westbourne will clash with Old Yarra Cobras, and Old Brighton will match up against old rivals, Marcellin. Meanwhile, Old Melburnians have the bye.