Canterbury Cobras strike first in Div 4 Women’s

Division 4 Women’s commenced in thrilling fashion, with several teams kicking off their campaign on the right foot — including a 69-point haul from the Canterbury Cobras. Old Xaverians, Wattle Park and Ormond all winners and will look to continue their winning form in Round 2.

Old Xaverians 2.8.20 def Aquinas 1.3.9

Aquinas and Old Xaverians opened their season with a competitive clash at JW Manson Reserve, as the visitors set the tone early. Old Xaverians struck first, kicking two goals in the opening half to establish a lead that ultimately proved decisive.

Despite being unable to add to their tally after halftime, the visitors showcased a strong defensive performance, effectively restricting Aquinas for the remainder of the match.

The dynamic Wapshott sister duo, Charli and Mia, were standout performers, controlling key moments throughout the game. Molly Blood also made her debut in new colours, contributing solidly to the team effort. Mia Wapshott was particularly influential up forward, finishing with both of Old Xaverians’ goals in a match-winning display.

Old Xaverians’coachGabby Golds was pleased with her side’s efforts throughout the game.

“The Old Xavs girls really dug deep for four quarters,” she said. “I was so happy with their pressure and physicality the whole game.

“Aquinas were a highly skilled team and we were very happy with a great match. We are hoping to build on this in the coming weeks and focus on consistency and fitness.

“Shoutout to our superstar sisters Mia and Charli Wapshott who absolutely killed it.”

For Aquinas, Ash Broderick was a highlight, kicking a crucial goal in the final quarter to keep the home side within reach, though they were ultimately unable to bridge the gap.

Wattle Park 4.5.29 def North Brunswick 0

Both sides coming down from Division 3, Wattle Park and North Brunswick were eager to begin their Division 4 campaign strong, with Wattle Park ultimately defeating North Brunswick by 29 points at Bennettswood Reserve.

Strong defensive pressure left the scoreboard standstill for a half, with both sides successfully working to limit scoring opportunities. Wattle Park broke the deadlock in the third quarter with the first goal of the game, before taking control in the final term. They added three more majors in the last term to seal a convincing victory.

Hannah Pear, Jemima Clancy, Stacey Malloy, and Morgan Biggar each contributed a goal for Wattle Park, playing key roles in the win.

Wattle Park head coach Mel Dell’Olio was pleased and took plenty of positives with his side’s first victory of the season.

“We had a good start,” she said. “Five new players played their first game of football and integrated into the game really well, with two of the girls scoring their first goal. The match was played in good spirits.

“One other positive was the return to football by Emma Ferral. Emma has come back before being out for more than 12 months out of the game recovering from a serious leg injury.”

For North Brunswick, Lauren Balcombe, Denver Adams, Delfina Estrada, Mary Ntalianis, Isabelle Brennan, and Fiona Spitzkowsky all worked hard and played their roles well throughout the match.

Ormond 5.24.54 def Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 1.0.6

After finishing runners up in the 2025 Division 3 Grand Final, Ormond began their Division 4 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Glen Eira/Old McKinnon by 48 points at E.E. Gunn Reserve.

Despite a challenging day in front of goal, Ormond controlled the contest, keeping the visitors scoreless until the final quarter. The home side kicked one goal in the first term, added two in the second, and one in each of the third and final quarters.

Courtney Gaze-Persson starred in the goal square with two majors, while Eilam Harel and Akeisha O’Neill also contributed with a goal each.

For Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, Jemima Broadhead was a standout in the forward line, while Isobel Cunliffe, Talia Newfield, Amelia Tran and Ella Williams all impressed with their efforts across the ground.

Canterbury 9.15.69 def MUWFC 4.3.27

At Melbourne University Oval, Canterbury Cobras overcame a 15-point halftime deficit to claim a 42-point victory over a resilient Melbourne University side, who showed plenty of promise throughout the match.

Melbourne University started strong in the first quarter, kicking two goals to two. Canterbury responded in the second term with three goals, with both sides delivering plenty of excitement and end-to-end action. Canterbury then added one goal in the third quarter and three more in the final term to secure the win. The home side fought hard, applying strong pressure on Canterbury’s forwards and forcing them into difficult shots at goal. Two late goals sealed the result for the visitors.

Canterbury coach Tony Pisani praised his team’s consistency across the four quarters. “Our ability to execute our game plan over an extended period was pleasing, with solid performances from all players focusing on their roles,” he said. “We are eager to keep refining our skills and building our brand of football.”

The match also featured several milestones, with Lisa Calvert, Lauren Bailey, Lucinda Ralph and Heather Glennie playing their first game for the club, and Kiara Venditti celebrating her 50th game.

Eva Catania starred in front of goal for Canterbury with three goals, while Georgia Bold and Lucinda Ralph contributed two each. Brigette Roberts and Maggie Conneely added one goal apiece. For Melbourne University, Asha Price scored two goals, with Ella Ashley and Sophie McDonald adding one goal each.