Fields overcome St Kevin’s in a windy classic

Caulfield Grammarians booked their spot in the William Buck Premier Women’s Grand Final after grinding out a six-point victory over St Kevin’s in a physical, wind-dominated Preliminary Final at Elsternwick Park on Sunday.

In a low-scoring affair, Caulfield Grammarians prevailed 5.5 (35) to 4.5 (29) over St Kevin’s, sealing the result with two clutch final-quarter goals against a SKOB side that had fought bravely all afternoon.

Despite the Fields registering the first score of the game, the Saints quickly responded with a goal of their own to level the scores early. Their first quarter surge with the wind continued, heading into the first break with a 9-point advantage.

It was all silent at the Glen Huntly Road end once again with SKOB unable to register a score in the second, while Caulfield edged their way back on the scoreboard to come within a single point at the half.

Once again, it was St Kevin’s who burst out of the gates kicking with the breeze in the third quarter to put a couple of goals on the board and extend a lead.

At the half way mark of the third Caulfield flicked a switch to get the ball moving toward their forward arc. The point and then goal that followed was a massive shift in momentum in the context of the match, knowing the Fields would be coming home with the wind.

SKOB registered just one additional behind for the quarter and alas the match at the 17^th minute mark of the third.

Caulfield overturned an 8-point deficit at three-quarter time to hold a one-goal lead at the find siren.

Isla Mottram and Jacinta Baxter starred for the Fields in the victory, whilst Zara Guss and Belinda Woolcock fought valiantly for St Kevin’s all day.

St Kevin’s coach Tom Purcell praised his players’ fight while acknowledging the decisive moments.

“Really proud of our girls and greatest respect for Caulfield in a classic Preliminary Final where neither team refused to surrender. It was physical contested football all day in the windy conditions.”

He admitted his side let opportunities slip in the third term.

“I thought we were controlling the play well in the third quarter but couldn’t capitalise on our forward entries. Credit to Caulfield’s defence… The goal against the wind near the end of the third quarter changed the momentum.”

Fields coach Danielle Di Stefano credited her side’s defensive resolve and ability to adapt to the conditions.

“The windy conditions were a huge factor, and the difference was who was able to defend well against the wind and capitalise in front of goal. I thought we defended the ground really well and our ability to limit the impact of their key forwards was critical in getting the job done.”

Di Stefano highlighted the midfield trio of Isla Mottram, Serena Kuo and Chloe O’Malley as pivotal in turning the tide.

While St Kevin’s fell agonisingly short, Purcell said the pride in his team’s performance outweighed the disappointment.

“Our girls showed enormous courage and bravery holding Caulfield out for most of the last quarter… Classic game. Proud of the team and great spectacle of football given the windy conditions.”

The Fields now turn their attention to the Grand Final against Old Scotch, with Di Stefano confident her side can carry momentum into the season’s decider.

“We will be looking to use the strong finish in the prelim to set us up for a fast start. We really respect Old Scotch and know how damaging their stars can be, so the group are really excited and ready to go.”

Grand Final Preview –

The 2025 VAFA Premier Women’s Grand Final is set up as a contest for the ages, with Old Scotch and Caulfield Grammarians meeting for the fourth time this season. Each clash has been a nail-biter, with margins never greater than six points.

In Round 7, the Fields edged out the Cardinals 5.4 (34) to 4.6 (30). Old Scotch hit back in Round 16 with a gritty 3.8 (26) to 3.5 (23) win, before prevailing again in the Semi Final, 7.5 (47) to 6.5 (41). With the ledger sitting at 2–1 in Old Scotch’s favour, the stage is set for a Grand Final where every contest will matter.

Old Scotch coach Dean Anderson said the rivalry has brought out the best in both clubs.

“It promises to be a fantastic grand final. We hold Caulfield in the highest of regards. They are a spirited and well-balanced team that pushes the boundaries of women’s football in terms of style of play. They are great to watch.”

Anderson emphasised the need for pressure and discipline if his side are to defend their crown.

“We need to be strong at contest and defend at our best to mitigate Caulfield’s run and carry. Our forward defensive pressure will be a key. We are proud and excited about this week. We have an opportunity to be great by winning back-to-back premierships and we have an absolute determination to achieve a long-lasting legacy. We are more than ready.”

For Caulfield, belief is sky-high after grinding past St Kevin’s in a classic preliminary final. Coach Danielle Di Stefano said the team is eager to turn a strong finish into a fast start.

“We will be looking to use the strong finish in the prelim to set us up for a fast start. We really respect Old Scotch and know how damaging their stars can be, so the group are really excited and ready to go!”

With both sides hardened by close contests and finals intensity, the premiership will be decided by which team can adapt under pressure, handle the momentum swings, and seize their chances in front of goal.

This contest promises to finish a fantastic 2025 season on a high. Good luck to both teams!

Cooper’s 3 Keys to the Game

Old Scotch

1. Forward pressure – Relentless tackling and harassing inside 50 to limit Caulfield’s rebound.
2. Control the contest – Win the clearances and stoppages to deny Caulfield their outside run.
3. Star Impact – The leaders of the Cardinals, Katie Hunter-Scott, Jade Wise and Mia Cowan to name a few, must lead from the front.

Caulfield Grammarians

1. Run and carry – Use speed and overlap to stretch Old Scotch’s defence.
2. Defensive resilience – Repeat efforts and structure behind the ball to absorb pressure and key in on stopping the Cardinals best users.
3. Midfield impact – Isla Mottram, Serena Kuo and Chloe O’Malley must set the tone early.