Momentum builds in Div 1 Women’s as chasers and contenders emerge

A pair of breakthrough wins and one unbeaten side headline Round three of Division 1 Women’s, with early-season form beginning to separate contenders from the chasing pack.

Whitefriars 9.11.65 def St Mary’s Salesian 4.4.28

Whitefriars returned to the winners list in Round 2 with a commanding performance, controlling the contest from the outset to secure a 37-point victory and build confidence heading into this matchup. Their ability to move the ball cleanly and generate multiple scoring options loomed as a key strength once again.

Coach Ilaria Akers said the performance reflected improvements made on the training track. “Our ball movement was fluid and showed great improvement in areas we have been working on at training,” she said.

She also highlighted the contribution of Toni Robb, who “showed great decision making and selflessness to the team”.

Despite the win, Akers listed “second efforts and one-percenters” as areas for growth.

St Mary’s Salesian showed patches of resilience despite the result and would look to respond, with Samreen Kaur and Holly Wilson among those to lead the way.

Marcellin 3.10.28 vs Power House 1.7.13

Marcellin entered Round 3 as the competition’s only undefeated side after a hard-fought 15-point win over Power House. In a low-scoring contest, a decisive second quarter where Marcellin kicked two goals to zero proved the difference.

Charlotte McGilp and Billie Harvey were influential in the win, supported by strong contributions across the ground.

Despite the loss, Power House remained firmly in the mix and should take confidence from their ability to match it for large periods. With Zoe Uwland and Sinead Doorley among their key contributors, they loomed as a strong chance to bounce back.

Old Carey 8.9.57 vs Oakleigh 3.1.19

Old Carey’s fast start proved the catalyst for their first Division 1 win, setting up a 38-point victory over Oakleigh. A 19-point lead at quarter time allowed them to control the game and maintain scoreboard pressure throughout.

Coach Andrew Harwood said his side’s early intensity set the tone. “We showed some great signs today, a fast start helped us set up some ascendancy on the scoreboard which we were able to maintain,” he said.

Harwood said the midfield’s work rate was particularly pleasing. “I thought we hunted the footy well, starting with our midfield, who then provided opportunities for us to link up and move the ball well.”

He also praised the team’s overall structure, noting their “transition from defence to attack was also pleasing, our backs were very solid and our forward line functioned well”.

Looking ahead, Harwood said improvement would come through connection. “We’ll keep focusing on our ball movement and overall connection as a team,” he said.

Oakleigh would be eager to respond after slipping down the ladder, with Georgia Nancarrow and Daisy Bird among those expected to play key roles.

Ormond 3.14.32 vs Monash Blues 3.3.21

Ormond’s come-from-behind win marked one of the standout moments of Round 2, overcoming a slow start and a 13-point deficit at quarter time to secure an 11-point victory.

Their resilience, particularly in the final term, highlighted a side capable of responding under pressure, with Isabella Di Lecce and Maddi Wilson among their best.

Monash Blues showed strong early control but were unable to sustain it across four quarters. With contributors such as Tiarna Jericho and Ruby Rosas, they would be looking to convert strong passages into a complete performance.

With momentum building across several sides, Round 3 shapes as an important early checkpoint in the Division 1 Women’s season.