Wattle Park continue Div 4 Women’s dominance

Round 3 saw dominant performances from ladder leaders Aquinas and Wattle Park, while the competition continues to tighten from second through to seventh. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon remain winless after three rounds.

Aquinas 12.9 (81) def Ormond 1.2 (8)
Aquinas secured their second win of the 2026 season with a commanding 73-point victory over Ormond at JW Manson Reserve.

The home side set the tone early, with Holly Kenna and Asher De Klijn hitting the scoreboard, though Ormond responded late in the opening term to trail by just seven points at quarter time.

Aquinas began to take control in the second quarter. After a tightly contested start, quick goals to Emily Box and Olivia Akaruru sparked a scoring run. Their efficiency inside forward 50 proved decisive, holding Ormond goalless for the term and opening up a 34-point half time lead.

While the third quarter was more measured, Aquinas broke the game open with five final-quarter goals to seal an emphatic win.

Coach Phil Box highlighted his side’s growing cohesion:
“We felt our connection with each other showed signs of improvement, thanks to solid numbers on the training track. The scoreboard looks one-sided, but it didn’t quite feel that way, with Ormond seeing plenty of the ball despite being impacted by injuries.”

Hannah Virgona was influential in her 50th game, providing run from defence, while Asher De Klijn starred with five goals.

Best:
Aquinas – Hannah Virgona, Isabel Edwards, Asher De Klijn, Tia Steen, Naeve Evans, Rhiannon Walch
Ormond – Brigid Kelly, Bridgette Ciconte, Eliza Dalton, Amelia Morcom, Bo Fox, Clara Lovell

Wattle Park 4.7 (31) def. Canterbury 1.4 (10)
Wattle Park maintained their unbeaten start with a hard-fought 21-point win over Canterbury at Bennettswood Reserve.

It was a tight, low-scoring contest early, with Hannah Pear kicking the opening goal before Maggie Conneely responded. Wattle Park held a narrow three-point lead at half time.

The visitors gradually asserted control after the break, adding the only goal of the third quarter before finishing strongly. Lucy Eales and Jemima Clancy both hit the scoreboard late to secure the win.

Coach Mel Dell’Olio praised his side’s resilience and leadership:
“It was great to have our whole leadership team back on the park, including vice-captain Grace Ambrosini returning from long-term injury. The group found another level of energy in the second half and adapted really well to different roles.”

Best:
Wattle Park – Georgie Dillon, Ebony Ratcliffe, Laura Sonnemann, Charlotte Norton, Lucy Eales, Hannah Pear
Canterbury – Ashley McHutchison, Keira Jebb, Kate Ward, Kiara Bloomfield, Maggie Conneely, Clara Reiger

Old Xaverians 4.10 (34) def. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 2.2 (14)
Old Xaverians made it two wins from three with a 20-point victory at Basil Reserve.

After a tight opening term, the Xavs found momentum in the second quarter through goals to Charli Wapshott and Chloe Behrens, establishing a 15-point half time lead.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon responded strongly in the third quarter, with Hannah Clair and Jemima Broadhead reducing the margin to just two points. However, a steadying goal from Mia Wapshott restored control before Daisy Bonnet sealed the result early in the final term.

Coach Phil Box praised his side’s defensive effort and composure:
“We kept our cool and worked really hard in defence. We were dangerous going forward and took our chances well. It was a strong team performance.”

Standout contributors included Molly Blood, Audrey James, Chloe Behrens and Zahli Burgess.

Melbourne University 6.9 (45) def. North Brunswick 0.1 (1)
Melbourne University recorded a dominant 44-point win over North Brunswick at Melbourne University Oval.

After a scoreless opening quarter, Asha Price broke the deadlock early in the second, helping her side to an 11-point half time lead.

Price added another in the third quarter as Melbourne Uni maintained control, before a strong final term saw them pile on four goals to seal a comprehensive victory.