Season long favourites secure premiership glory

After being the favourites leading into the season, and for the majority of the season, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon have secured premiership victory. Having beaten the Monash Blues in week one of finals, the Gryphons were perfectly poised to run out victorious and lift the premiership cup. However, the Blues also had the potential to bounce back given they knew what areas of their game plan needed improvement.

An evenly contested first quarter, both sides went into the quarter time break even on nine points. However, the second quarter belonged to the Gryphs and was ultimately where the game was won as they kicked three goals and held the Blues scoreless.

The tides of the game turned once again in the third quarter, with the Blues kicking a goal and holding the Gryphons scoreless, with the margin narrowed to just 14 points at the final change. However, another two goals to Glen Eira in the final quarter ensured that they were the Premiers.

Captain Gemma Strangio was best on ground for the Gryphs, marking her tenth consecutive appearance in the best to round out an extremely impressive season. Mia Zielinski was equally impressive and ultimately one of the main factors in leading her team to victory, slotting four of the Gryphon’s six goals. Lily Fitzpatrick and Cecilia McIntosh were also strong contributors with a goal apiece, whilst Aleesha Whittle and Grace Curran rounded out the best.

For the Blues, Tiarna Jericho capped off a strong season to be their best, with Emily Conroy and Johanna Dallas rounding out the top three. Samantha Rodgers had two goals, whilst Rhiannan Hetherington kicked one.

Both teams will now look to the off season to reset, albeit no doubt Glen Eira will be deservedly celebrating for a little while and come back for a strong season 2026. After a second consecutive premiership, the Gryphs will be looking for the three-peat next season.

As for the Blues, they impressed immensely after moving from the Premier Women’s Competition, slotting in comfortably to be one of the competition heavyweights for much of the season. They will no doubt come back bigger and better next season.

It has been an exciting 2025 for the Division 1 Women’s Competition and we look forward to seeing even more growth next year.