Beaumaris charge on in Premier B Women’s

After three rounds, only one team, Beaumaris, remains undefeated in Premier B Women’s. Across the division, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon got on the winners list with a convincing win over Parkside, Old Melburnians made a statement with a huge victory against Old Yarra Cobras, Beaumaris continued their strong start to the season with a solid performance against Old Xaverians and Port Melbourne scraped through over La Trobe University despite some wayward goal-kicking.

The headline act of Round 3 belonged to the Glen Eira/Old McKinnon Gryphons, who notched their first ever win at Premier B level with an impressive 25-point victory over Parkside at Packer Park.

After back-to-back losses to open the season, the Gryphons displayed the quality that earned them consecutive premierships in the lower grades, running out 7.5 (47) to 3.4 (22) winners.

Irish recruit Eimear Scally announced herself in spectacular fashion, booting three goals on debut, while veteran Cecilia McIntosh was also influential, finishing with one.

The loss brings a halt to Parkside’s dream start to season 2026 that saw them go 2-0 after being promoted from Division 2.

Parkside coach Anthony Romano acknowledged it took his side some time to build into the game, and that they were beaten in transition.

“We started slow in the first quarter and just couldn’t peg the lead back,” he said.

“Glen Eira were really good on transition and that is something we need to work on.”

Despite the result, Romano was proud of his team’s effort, singling out Heidi Graham and Madison Katerelos for their four-quarter contributions.

Over at Doncaster Reserve, Old Melburnians showed no mercy, trouncing a young Old Yarra Cobras outfit by 89 points.

With several absences from the Omlettes’ coaching panel, former AFLW-listed Jess Trend stood up as head coach, getting her coaching career off to a stellar start with support from Dave Cafferkey.

Despite outscoring the Cobras by 13 points in the opening stanza, the Omlettes were unsatisfied with their start to the match. Midfield adjustments made at quarter time allowed them to get their run and handball game going in the second term, and from there they never looked back.

Assistant coach Nic Stephens highlighted the group’s ability to make these changes on the fly as a key positive from the match.

“It was the girls’ ability to adjust in-game against a team with a really solid ruck to start winning back some of those centre clearances,” he said. “We’ve put in a lot of work over the preseason into being able to adjust in-game when things weren’t clicking for us, so it’s great to see it come off in a game.”

Leading by 43 points at the final change, Old Melburnians refused to let up, storming home with a seven-goal final term to win 14.9 (93) to 0.4 (4).

The Omlettes’ tall forwards were outstanding, with Emma Cafferkey, Eloise Faulks and Bella Freeman all pulling down strong contested marks and converting in front of goal. Olive McLean also had a day out, kicking a bag of three, while Lily Hede and Char Childs both delivered their best performances of the season – a reward for their consistent effort on the training track.

Old Yarra Cobras coach Michael Talbot was honest in his assessment of the game.

“Old Melburnians were stronger and cleaner than us,” Talbot said. “We had some good moments, but ultimately, our fundamental execution let us down throughout the match. Then the last quarter really got away from us.”

Despite the scoreline, Talbot was encouraged by his side’s willingness to keep trying, commending 50-gamer Clare Moody, who was outstanding through the middle, as well as Sidni Finch in her senior debut and Lily Borg, who “continues to grow week to week with her effort and courage.”

Beaumaris maintained their unblemished record, extending their winning streak to three games, despite being challenged by a determined Old Xaverians unit.

The Sharks came out firing, slamming on four goals in an electric opening term that left Old Xaverians chasing the game from the outset. However, to their credit, the Xavs regrouped from quarter time, linking up with handballs and fighting hard across the remaining three quarters.

Restricting the Sharks to just two more majors for the remainder of the game, Old Xaverians outscored Beaumaris across the last three terms, but fall honourably short, 6.7 (43) to 4.6 (30).

Beaumaris coach Damian Farrow acknowledged the early ascendancy proved decisive.

“We won the game with our score efficiency in Q1 – it was otherwise a very even game. Both teams played with great spirit and intensity,” Farrow said.

Cassandra Newman starred through the midfield for the Sharks, while Anna Sutcliffe continued her outstanding form off half-back and Gemma Holland hit the scoreboard with two goals.

Old Xaverians coach Doug Greenough rued another sluggish start but was optimistic about his side’s effort to turn the game around and apply pressure.

Amelie Menegola was again the Xavs’ star forward, adding another three goals to take her season tally to nine and cement herself as one of the competition’s most dangerous forwards. Sophia Hannebery was also impressive across half-back, with Greenough highlighting her overhead marking, vision and ability to play a key role on her opponent.

At La Trobe University, Port Melbourne Chargers ground out a 23-point victory over La Trobe University, winning 4.11 (35) to 2.0 (12).

After an arm-wrestle of a first quarter, the Chargers slowly pulled away in the second quarter, however, wasteful finishing kept the Trobers within touching distance until the final quarter.

Chargers coach Harriet Cooper admitted the performance wasn’t their most polished but was pleased with the group’s ability to persevere.

“We actually struggled early on as we didn’t play to our normal game style and were quite slow to adjust to the pressure,” Cooper said. “However, the game was won in the second half; we were able to regain our structures and bring the intensity back to the level we expect.”

Laura Luci, Tanisha Clark and Maia Sublet were among the Chargers’ best, while Georgia Harris continued her outstanding goal-kicking form with two more majors.

For La Trobe, Kaitlyn Ritchie, Yasmine Budic and the ever-consistent Stephanie Castagnini all worked tirelessly but could not muster enough firepower to trouble the Chargers’ defence.

Next week, Parkside will be seeking revenge when they come up against La Trobe University in the Division 2 Grand Final rematch, while Old Xaverians will look to rectify their slow starts when they come up against another finals contender in Old Melburnians. Beaumaris will aim to to continue their unbeaten streak against Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, and finally, Port Melbourne Chargers host Old Yarra Cobras in what promises to be a fascinating contest.