William Buck Premier Women’s Season Preview

The William Buck Premier Women’s competition returns in 2026 following another thrilling season, with clubs reloading and refocusing after a tightly contested 2025 campaign. This season projects to be bigger and better with new names, new clubs and stacks of talent on display.

Reflecting on the 2025 campaign, Caulfield Grammarians claimed the minor premiership, finishing atop the ladder ahead of Old Scotch, St Kevin’s and Kew, while West Brunswick and Fitzroy remained in the hunt. Old Geelong impressed in their first Premier Women’s season, and Williamstown CYMS rounded out the ladder. However, it was Old Scotch who ultimately prevailed, defeating Caulfield Grammarians by five points in a gripping Grand Final to secure back-to-back premierships.

OLD SCOTCH

Old Scotch enter 2026 balancing success with change. The departures of Jade Wise and Saz Fortunato through retirement and the early absence of captain Katie Hunter-Scott present challenges. However, the return of Nadia von Bertouch full-time and the emergence of younger talent provide optimism. Coach Dean Anderson has prioritised improving the side’s running game and skill execution under pressure, while maintaining the club’s strong leadership and culture as they chase a third straight premiership.

CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS

Caulfield Grammarians will again be among the teams to beat after last year’s minor premiership and Grand Final appearance. Despite some departures due to relocation, they have added experienced players from across competitions, alongside promoting Caulfield Grammar graduates. Coach Danielle Di Stefano has focused on becoming more dynamic with ball in hand and more efficient going forward, with the aim of converting strong performances into another deep finals run.

ST KEVIN’S

St Kevin’s, who finished third in 2025, enter a new era under coach Jaime Pi. A strong emphasis has been placed on ball movement, with a desire to play an attacking brand centred around numbers at the contest and utilising outside runners. While Pi acknowledged it may take time to see how the group adapts to his coaching, expectations remain high, with the club aiming to maintain its standing as a consistent contender in Premier Women’s.

KEW

Kew are looking to build on their fourth-place finish under new coach Mannie Di Parsia. With additions including Rachael Toose, Emily Rogers, Ada Chessor and Lisa Milne, they have strengthened their list despite losing Georgia Wyett, Jade Hillas and Dakota Villiva. A focus on defensive pressure, quick ball movement and consistency has shaped their pre-season, with expectations of pushing deeper into finals. Paris Rafferty looms as a key inclusion after returning from injury.

WEST BRUNSWICK

West Brunswick, who finished fifth in 2025, are targeting a return to finals after a promising campaign. Retaining most of their squad and adding Jess Workman and Charlotte Gervasoni, the club has focused on fundamentals, fitness and improved execution. Coach Ryan Wandel has made it clear that finals are the expectation, particularly with a tough early fixture set to test their credentials.

FITZROY

Fitzroy will look to climb from sixth, bolstered by a mix of returning players and new inclusions such as Simone Mooney, Teresea Zampaglione, Belinda Woolcock and Beth Wilson. With a focus on improved ball movement and a more attacking style, they are aiming to break into the top four in what shapes as another even season.

OLD GEELONG

The OG’s, who impressed in their first Premier Women’s season, are aiming to take another step forward. Key inclusions Grace Mitchell and Ally Kirkwood add to the squad, while the loss of stalwart full-back Sam Davis, several Irish players returning home, and Sophia Rothfield’s likely VFLW commitments present challenges. Coach Jack Crameri has placed a strong emphasis on connection and ball movement, with expectations centred on consistent competitiveness and pushing towards a finals berth.

WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS

The CY’s who finished eighth in 2025, are embracing a period of transition with a refreshed list featuring new and returning players. With a strong connection to local pathways and the introduction of an Under 19 side, the club is focused on building a unified and inclusive environment, with development and enjoyment key priorities.

New entrants Old Brighton and Westbourne Grammarians add further intrigue to a season that is sure to be as even as we have seen in the VAFA Premier Women’s competition.

OLD BRIGHTON

Old Brighton have retained a strong core while adding experience through Renee Saulitis, Eloise McRae and Bry Arnold, with a focus on connection, clarity and consistency as they step up to Premier level. Renee Saulitis, Eloise McRae and Bry Arnold bring senior experience to the squad.

WESTBOURNE GRAMMARIANS

Westbourne Grammarians, meanwhile, arrive after a strong period in Prem B, bringing in a host of new talent and building on recent success. Their focus will be on establishing themselves at the level while continuing to develop both their senior and Under 19 programs. Coach Chris Grant referenced several valued members departing the side but remained optimistic regarding the side’s in’s including Caitlin Brennan returning from an ACL injury sustained in 2024 and effectively coming in as a new recruit.

Round 1 provides an immediate glimpse into the season ahead, headlined by a Grand Final rematch between Old Scotch and Caulfield Grammarians. Old Brighton begins their Premier Women’s journey against St Kevin’s, while Willy CYMS take on Fitzroy. Westbourne Grammarians face a strong early test against West Brunswick, and Kew meet Old Geelong in an important clash for both sides.

With the competition continuing to grow in depth and quality, the 2026 season shapes as one of the most open yet. While Old Scotch will again be the benchmark, a host of challengers are primed to close the gap, setting the stage for another captivating year of William Buck Premier Women’s football.