Finals race decided, and Old Haileybury finish strong

The VAFA Division 1 Women’s competition is all set for finals, with the top four locked in and ready for their tilt at the premiership. However, there is one key team missing, with the Rovers suffering heartbreak after their slide across the back half of the season.

Monash Blues defeated Power House by 42 points to lock in their finals spot and loom as a big threat to the remainder of the top four. Power House were held to two behinds for the game, as the Blues piled on 6.1 in the second half.

Monash had the ascendency for much of the game and proved why they are one’s to watch as the competition heads to finals.Emily Conroy was best on ground with two goals for the Blues, whilst Anna Purtill and Zara Le Roux were also strong.

Power House narrowly missed out on a top four spot, finishing in fifth and will no doubt be ready to attack once again next season.

In a low scoring affair, we were lucky enough to be treated to a preview of the first final with Oakleigh defeating Whitefriars by six points.

Whitefriars were first to hit the scoreboard with a goal coming off the boot of Bella Giannangelo. With scores level at the main break, it was anyone’s game in the second half and Oakleigh too their chances to get their nose in front in the third, taking a 4-point advantage.

In a low scoring contest with scoring opportunities hard to come by and majors at an all-time minimum, this was just the buffer the Krushers needed to run away with the four points, and a massive confidence boost ahead of next week’s elimination final.

The Friars will be looking to the likes of Anika Mills and Hollie McCormack who were best on to deliver once again when they face a familiar opponent in Oakleigh for the second week in a row.

Oakleigh captain Ruby Ford was named amongst the best once again to cap off an impressive home and away season, having only missed being in the best once this year. Sienna Bernardo is another one who impressed for Oakleigh and has been named in the best for 16 consecutive weeks. Bernardo and Ford will be crucial in Oakleigh’s quest for the premiership.

Both teams will meet again on the weekend in what looms as an exciting final. Having just played in a tight tussle, they will be looking to learn from each other’s strengths and find a vantage point, with their upcoming encounter a do-or-die elimination battle.

Richmond Central wrapped up their season on a high with an upset win over Therry Penola. The Lions had plenty of chances to win the game, kicking two goals, nine behinds however could not kick truly to convert into maximum points on the scoreboard.

Abbey Duggan kicked both majors for the Lions, finishing her season with an impressive 26-goals and taking home the competition’s leading goal kicker award for the second consecutive season. Co-captains Gemma Macgregor and Eliza German were standouts, sharing best-on-ground honours. For Richmond, Devina Lai and Erin Eldon each slotted two goals, whilst Louise Allen was their best, helping steer Richmond to victory. 

Both teams finished with 24 points each in seventh and eighth on the ladder. With neither team qualifying for finals, they’ll shift their focus to the off-season and look to reset and return stronger in season 2026.

After a hard fought first win of the season in Round 15, the Parkdale Vultures were overrun by a mighty Glen Eira/Old McKinnon. The Gryphons finished the home and away season with their impeccable record intact, having not dropped a game in 2025. The reigning premiers are chasing back-to-back premiership success as they make their bid for the flag.

Parkdale were held to just one behind for the game as the Gryphs’ piled on the pain. Aleesha Whittle was best on ground, kicking a game high three goals for Glen Eira. Sarah Fitzpatrick and Cecilia Macintosh were also strong. On a tough day for the Vultures, captain Breanna Allen led from the front as she has done on many occasions this season. The Vultures will be looking to have a strong off-season to attack next season in better form.

In the final game of the home and away season, Old Haileybury caused a big upset to dash any chance of the Hampton Rovers securing a finals spot. It was only Old Haileybury’s third win of the season, but perhaps the most important of them all.

The Rovers’ form across the back half of the season had their finals hopes hanging by a thread, with Round 16 no exception. Haileybury got the jump early, but the Rovers stuck with them creating a good contest. Despite their being just 2 points separating the two sides at the half, it was the Bloods that wanted it more in the third, putting their foot on the gas to gain ascendency in the match.

Haileybury fought tooth and nail in a four-quarter effort they should be so proud of and can take some confidence into their off-season from their growth over the 16 rounds. Alas, this 13-point loss has stunted Hampton’s run and sees them conclude the season in sixth.

Pulli Gardiyawasam kicked a game high three goals for Old Haileybury, whilst Leesa Guastella and Claire Schafter-Jacoby were also strong. Meanwhile, Hollie Brodribb kicked a goal and was the Rovers’ best along with captain Shae Raywood.

The first round of finals in Division 1 Women’s is shaping up to be a blockbuster. Moorleigh Reserve will host the first and second Semi Finals. A re-match of this round between Oakleigh and Whitefriars will kick things off at 11:40 am, while the headline act will be Glen Eira/Old McKinnon coming up against Monash Blues at 2:00 pm with the winner securing their spot in the Grand Final.