6-goal haul, 1-point nailbiter: These are the headlines of Div 1 Women’s

A six-goal haul from Lauren Boyle and a complete team performance headlined a dominant opening round for Power House, while a one-point thriller between Marcelin and Ormond set the tone for a tightly contested season ahead.

Power House 14.13.97 def St Mary’s Salesian 0.3.3
Power House produced the most emphatic performance of the round, keeping St Mary’s Salesian goalless in a 94-point statement win at Ferndale Park.

The House took control early, opening up a 22-point lead at quarter time and maintaining their pressure and ball movement across four quarters. Boyle was the standout with six goals in a best-on-ground display, well supported by Grace Read, Sinead Doorley and Caoilfhionn Culliton.

Despite the result, Holly Wilson, Olivia Whyte and Kahla Else continued to compete strongly for St Mary’s Salesian.

Whitefriars 3.7.25 def Oakleigh 1.2.8
Oakleigh responded to last season’s elimination final loss with a composed second-half performance to defeat Whitefriars.

Trailing by four points at the main break, Oakleigh produced a match-winning third quarter, led by Sienna Bernado in a best-on-field performance.

Oakleigh coach Pat Torpey said the performance reflected the group’s growth.
“It was a really pleasing performance, especially after Whitefriars knocked us out of finals last year,” Torpey said.

“We’ve worked hard on our fitness and skills, and it was great to see that come through. For a young side, we showed strong connection and played with good energy and intent across all four quarters.

“Our team connection really stood out. The players worked hard for each other, stuck to our structures, and showed strong defensive intent, not allowing much through. Our forward entries were also a big improvement, and our fitness is starting to show.

“Our new players — Lorri, Maddy, Sos, Zee, Emmy and Grace — were great additions and fitted in really well. The midfield group worked strongly together and provided great support around the ground, contributing to a solid overall team performance.

“There are still areas to improve. We want greater consistency across four quarters, along with continued improvement in our skills under pressure and decision-making to make the most of our forward opportunities.”

Marcelin 3.3.21 def Ormond 3.2.20
A see-sawing contest between Marcelin and Ormond delivered one of the games of the round, with Marcelin holding on for a one-point win.

The lead changed four times across the day, with Ormond taking a one-point lead into the final quarter. Marcelin struck first before Ormond responded to level the scores, but a late behind proved decisive as Marcelin held on.

Charlotte McGlip and Tania Carpinteri led the way for Marcelin, while Rebecca Bennett was named best on ground for Ormond.

Monash Blues 2.6.18 def Old Carey 1.3.9
A defensive battle defined Monash Blues’ win over Old Carey, with neither side able to create scoreboard separation in a tight contest.

The margin never exceeded nine points, highlighting the even nature of the game as both backlines stood strong throughout.

Monash Blues coach Shane Chapman said his side handled the pressure moments well.
“For this week, it was great to get to Round 1 and start the season with a win,” Chapman said.

“There’s a lot of new teams in our Division this year and it’s hard to tell where the teams will sit and it looks like it’s going to be a pretty even competition this season.

“The game itself was a tight contest and both back lines held strong throughout the day. In a low scoring game, it was good to keep our noses in front throughout the game and when Old Carey got back to within 3 points in the last quarter, we maintained our composure and ran out the game well.

“We had 7 players making their senior debut for us, so it was pleasing to see them fit into the side and contribute to a hard-fought win. Gab Perry was terrific and well supported by Tiarna Jericho through the midfield. Sarah Rose applied a lot of pressure and kicked a vital last quarter goal. And our defense had an amazing game intercepting and rebounding led by Anna Purtill.

“We’re looking forward to a tough challenge next week against Ormand who have recruited well and will be looking to bounce back from their one-point loss. We’ll need to be on top of our game and look to create and convert more scoring opportunities.”

Old Carey coach Andrew Harwood said his side matched it with strong opposition across the day.
“It was quite an even game, largely played in close with neither team being able to break free for long periods of time. A credit to Monash who held their own in the game when things got very tight on the scoreboard.

“Coming up from Div 2 in 2025 and playing last year’s Div 1 Grand Finalists, I thought our general effort was very strong all day, particularly our pressure around the ball and also our tackling. Our backline did a good job, repelling many attacks and getting some good rebound exits as the game went on.

“Mahlia Tarrant was huge in our midfield, strong at the footy all day, she laid a high number of tackles and had a high possession count. She was well supported by Rose Chiaramonte. Lia Kelvie was excellent all day off half back, as was Lani Sutherland. And in their first games, I thought Zara Purcell was excellent either forward or ruck, as was Francesca Anderson mid and forward.

“We’re evolving our game style a little, trying to play a more attacking brand of football given we have a number of new players who can influence the game in that way. We need to work on our forward entries a little also. I’m sure we’ll connect even more as a team, in weeks ahead.”

Round one delivered a mix of dominant performances and tight finishes, setting up what shapes as an even and competitive Division 1 season.