Undefeated trio set early pace in Wiliam Buck Premier Women’s

Round 2 of the William Buck Premier Women’s competition delivered statement wins, breakout individual performances and a clearer early-season ladder picture, with three sides emerging undefeated after two weeks.

Caulfield Grammarians responded emphatically to their Round 1 loss, defeating Westbourne Grammarians 18.12 (120) to 2.2 (14) in a dominant four-quarter performance.

Ruby Dale starred up forward with six goals in a clinical display, supported by a well-functioning forward line that consistently generated scoring opportunities. Coach Danielle Di Stefano was particularly pleased with the connection between lines and sustained scoreboard pressure, highlighting the contributions of Dale alongside Hollie Brodribb, Olivia Rundle and Tilly Mottram inside 50.

For Westbourne Grammarians, it was a tough introduction to one of the competition’s benchmarks, but there were positives to take from the contest. Coach Chris Grant acknowledged his side was initially overawed but praised their resilience and improved ball use late in the game.

“We didn’t think we handled all of the above well early, but we were really pleased with how the girls stayed positive and were playing much better as the game went on,” Grant said.

Sarah Dickie, Eleni Kikidis and Roxana Sefton again impressed, while young captain Gracie Lamers showed encouraging signs in her return from injury.

Fitzroy continued their unbeaten start with a hard-fought 6.5 (41) to 3.3 (21) win over St Kevin’s. In a tighter, more contested affair, Fitzroy’s ability to execute and allow key players to impact proved decisive.

Megan Orr’s seamless transition from the junior ranks continued to impress. Simone Mooney was again influential through the midfield, and Tara Lind added two goals.

St Kevin’s showed strong character, particularly with a late-game surge. Stand-in coach Ollie Stolz was encouraged by the side’s fourth-quarter response.

“It was a strong fourth quarter rebound on a warm day with a limited bench, we finished with the wind in the sails after a flatter-than-preferred third term,” Stolz said.

Devina Lai provided a spark with two goals, while Bianca Vuetibau and Mia Giannopolous were standout performers across four quarters.

Kew maintained their unbeaten record with a convincing 10.10 (70) to 2.1 (13) victory over Williamstown CYMS, powered by a dominant second half. After early scoreboard inaccuracy, Kew’s persistence and adherence to structure paid off, as they overwhelmed CYMS with relentless pressure and ball movement.

St Kilda AFLW injury replacement Lilu Hung was the standout for Kew, booting five goals in a commanding forward display, while Alexandra Schuller and Rachel Toose put in good performances.

Coach Mannie Di Parsia praised their discipline and mental toughness, highlighting their ability to stay patient and trust their system.

Williamstown showed effort throughout, with captain Ally Woodhead leading from the front, Kristell Russell competing strongly in the ruck, and Isabella Andrews holding firm in defence alongside Chloe Perrett. However, fatigue exposed lapses in accountability in the second half, an area coach Chris Karakiozakis will look to address.

“We will be working on accountability and owning your own game as well as continued player development,” Karakiozakis said.

Old Geelong secured their first win of the season with a 9.9 (63) to 4.4 (28) victory over Old Brighton, showcasing significant improvement from Round 1. Grace Mitchell led the way with three goals, supported by strong performances from Shiralee Nicholls and Mietta Passon. Coach Jack Crameri described it as the side’s best display of the year, with effective ball movement and smart use of space key to the result.

Old Brighton, now 0-2, showed encouraging signs after halftime. Coach Pat Malone noted a much-improved second-half performance, with the side lifting their intensity and ball movement. Renee Saulitis and Jasmine Tait continued their strong form, while Tora Fagan impressed across half-back and Jesse Jarvis showed promise on debut.

Reigning premiers Old Scotch made it two from two with an 11.8 (74) to 4.5 (29) win over West Brunswick. After a strong start, the reigning premiers were challenged at times but ultimately proved too polished, with Mia Cowan’s five-goal haul a standout. Jordan Mifsud, Charlee Johnson and Isabella Griffin were among the best, while the side also celebrated key milestones for Maxine Wells (100 games) and Emily Tassiopoulos (50 games).

West Brunswick showed resilience after a slow start, with coach Ryan Wandel pleased by the team’s improved defensive transition. Bronte Carlin, Victoria Holt and Bronte Ashworth led the way, while debutants Eliza Shalders and Monique Webb provided encouraging contributions. Despite the loss, there were positive signs as the group continues to develop.

Looking ahead – Round 3

Round 3 shapes as a defining early test, headlined by an unbeaten clash between Kew and Old Scotch. Fitzroy will look to maintain top spot against Old Brighton, while Caulfield face a tricky trip to West Brunswick. Old Geelong host Williamstown CYMS, and Westbourne take on St Kevin’s as both sides chase their first win.