Cardinals edge Fields as finals race heats up

With just two rounds remaining, Round 16 delivered a mix of gritty contests and dominant performances as the race for finals intensifies in the William Buck Premier Women’s competition. Old Scotch held their nerve in a tense three-point thriller over Caulfield Grammarians, while West Brunswick, St Kevin’s and Kew all recorded convincing wins to solidify their positions. Fitzroy enjoyed a timely bye, watching the ladder tighten around them as the top four jostle for supremacy.

Kew travelled to Fearon reserve to face off with Williamstown CYMS, with the Bears prying for a top four position. The CY’s have put in strong performances throughout the year but struggled to keep pace with the Bears and were defeated handily by 64 points, 9.10 (64) defeated 0.0 (0).

Bears coach Emily Avery praised her side’s cleaner ball use and dominance at the centre bounce.

Claire Dyett starred up forward for the Bears with four goals and several assists, while Georgia Wyett’s explosive work from stoppages consistently generated forward-half opportunities.

On the other side of the ledger, CY’s coach Xavier Smith was disappointed with his side’s performance after several positive weeks.

“It was definitely a step backwards for our program, after two pretty positive weeks.”

“All we can do is look forward to St Kevin’s this week, where hopefully we can back up our performance from our first meeting.”

West Brunswick proved too strong for Beaumaris in their 25-point win, defeating the Sharks at home 5.5 (35) to 1.4 (10).

Sharks coach Sam Calogero was clear about his side’s tactical focus heading into the game and despite the result he remains forward-looking,

“Our aim was to slow them down in transition from their back half and make them go slow.”

“Our intent and approach over the next few weeks are working on getting more reward for our effort.”

Georgia Alomes alongside Mia Amon and Audrey Fithall kicked goals for the Magpies. West Brunswick’s win continues their push toward finals with another composed performance. They currently hold down fourth spot with two rounds to play but have Kew chomping at their heels to steal their finals chance.

St Kevin’s grinded out a low-scoring win over Old Geelong 1.7 (13) to 1.0 (6) away from home.

St Kevin’s coach Tom Purcell was pleased to see his side’s defensive intent and intensity to win a low scoring game.

“It was a great contest and battle all day with both defences well on top. I was really proud of our team the way they stood up and fought the game out to the very end.”

Belinda Woolcock and Elysia Burvill were the standouts for the victors with Kate Stanton kicking the sole major for St Kevin’s.

For the OG’s Brooke McKay, Emma Hoban and Samatha Davis led the way, with Tessa Longden kicking the home team’s only goal for the afternoon.

OG’s coach Jack Crameri was positive about the performance despite not getting the four points and credited Sam Davis’ performance at full back.

“It was a great game of footy, and it was an awesome contest between the two teams. Huge credit to Sam Davis who kept their full forward goalless for the first time this year.”

Crameri also recognised a huge milestone on the day with Brooke McKay celebrating her 100^th game for the club, becoming the first female to do so at the OG’s and only the second woman to be recognised as a life member.

In what previewed as the game of the round, Old Scotch edged out Caulfield Grammarians in a gripping three-point contest, 3.8 (26) to 3.5 (23). The loss is the Fields second consecutive loss and tightens the race at the top of the ladder. The cardinals chased down the ladder leaders in a tense final term. Caulfield, who had been unbeaten until round 15, remain on top of the ladder and face a crucial run home as the top four narrows.

Sarah Kenny, Brooke Randall and Jacinta Baxter were among the best for the Fields with the former kicking the only three goals for the ladder leaders.

For the Cardinals it was the familiar names putting up strong performances with Vice-Captain Mia Cowan slotting two majors and Captain Katie Hunter-Scott adjudged best on ground.

Round 17 shapes as a pivotal weekend in the VAFA William Buck Premier Women’s competition, with finals spots on the line and momentum up for grabs. Kew host Old Geelong in a clash that could define the mid-table logjam, while Caulfield Grammarians face Fitzroy in a must-win for both sides. Old Scotch will look to extend their winning run against a dangerous West Brunswick outfit, and St Kevin’s welcome Williamstown CYMS in a showdown that could decide a top two finish. Beaumaris enjoy a timely bye, watching closely as the ladder tightens around them.