Round 4 Premier B Women’s Round in Review

Round 4 of Premier B Women’s delivered a genuine thriller at Toorak Park, where Old Melburnians escaped with the narrowest of victories against a rapidly improving Old Xaverians outfit. Elsewhere, Beaumaris extended their perfect start, Parkside bounced back from their first loss of the season, and Port Melbourne Chargers continued to build momentum.

To open the round, 2025 Division 2 Grand Finalists La Trobe University and Parkside met at Tony Sheehan Oval in a rematch of the thriller that saw the Trobers claim the premiership by three points. This time around, Parkside were able to exact their revenge, downing the Trobers by 52 points.

Conditions made scoring difficult for both sides in the first half, and with just two majors scored between them, Parkside led by 13 points going into the main break.

From there, Parkside found their ascendancy, owning the territory and kicking six goals in the second half to claim victory 8.7.55 to 0.3.3.

Parkside coach Anthony Romano was proud of his team’s commitment from the first bounce.

“We played wet-weather footy early and then after half time we were able to break the game open with our run,” he said.

It was an even spread with seven players contributing goals, but Romano highlighted the consistent efforts of Annabelle Crisp and Ella Smallcombe.

On a dour day for La Trobe, Yasmine Budic was a shining light, continuing her stellar run of form that has seen her yet to miss a best player nomination.

La Trobe University coach Sam Greene was realistic about the struggle her side has faced so far this year.

“The main thing I’ve been really pleased with is our endeavour – we haven’t dropped our heads in any of the games and have played with anywhere between 17 and 21 players each week, so the girls are often running out games without rotations,” she said. 

Over at Toorak Park, Old Melburnians escaped with the four points, edging out Old Xaverians by a solitary point in what was an arm wrestle of a contest.

On the first wet Saturday of the season, the ball proved difficult to handle, with both sides struggling to hit the scoreboard.

The Omlettes led the clearance battle, which gave them more looks at goal, managing 1.3.9 in the first half, while Old Xaverians were still yet to score.

Two goals to Lia Siniakov in the third term earned Old Xavs a one-point lead going into the final term, setting the final stanza up for a nail-biting finish.

The final quarter showcased the heart and grit of both sides – Old Melburnians managed to lock the ball in their forward half but Old Xaverians’ defence continued to hold up.

In the end, two behinds to the Omlettes made all the difference, as they snuck through to snatch victory 1.7.13 to 2.0.2.

Old Xaverians coach Doug Greenough was pleased with his team’s fight, coming so close against one of the top-billed Premier B teams.

“We fought hard all day. When challenged, the players stood up and took their footy to the next level,” he said.

“To have the belief in their ability and take on last season’s Grand Finalists is a credit to the playing group, especially our leaders.”

For Omlettes coach Nic Stephens, the consistent pressure his side brought against a top-quality opponent was a highlight.

“Old Xavs look red hot this season, and I think they’ll be right in the mix at the end of the year, but we were fortunate to have a team of absolute warriors that refused to lose,” he said.

In terms of standout performances, both coaches emphasised the efforts of their leaders.

“Amelia Kogler, Clare Fraser, Prue Harvey, Sally Peers and Jess Trend showed just how important veteran leadership and experience is in tight games,” Stephens said.

“All five of them were critical for us around the ground just to keep the girls calm and collected despite everything else going on in the game and we couldn’t have won without them setting the standard for the rest of the team.”

Looking ahead, Greenough identified accountability, faster disposal out of traffic and communication as areas of improvement.

A look at the scoreline is enough to suggest what the Omlettes will need to focus on this week.

“We’ll work on goal kicking a little bit so hopefully my blood pressure doesn’t get as high as it did on Saturday again,” Stephens said.

Beaumaris continued their undefeated start to the season with another strong win, defeating Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 5.12.42 to 2.1.13.

The Gryphons fought hard but were ultimately no match for the well-drilled Sharks, whose pressure and handball chains out of the contest allowed them to control the game.

Beaumaris coach Damian Farrow thought his side’s territory dominance was pivotal.

“Both sides were able to transition quickly from defence to attack – but we were better able to lock the ball in our forward half, and while conversion was not efficient, we had more scoring opportunities.”

Sarah and Lily Fitzpatrick stood tall for the Gryphons, combining for their two majors. For the Sharks, Zali Reynolds performed well on the wing, while Claire Weiss was a key target in the forward line.

Port Melbourne Chargers retained their place in second on the ladder, toppling Old Yarra Cobras by 24 points.

The Chargers came out firing, with star forward Georgia Harris booting two first-quarter goals to establish a 14-point lead at the first break.

From there, the Chargers steadily increased their lead, adding an extra major to their tally in each subsequent term. Inaccuracy hampered the Cobras, who only managed to convert one goal for the game, eventually going down 1.5.11 to 5.5.35.

Chargers coach Harriet Cooper was pleased with her side’s resilience.

“The Yarra Cobras brought a high level of physicality and really tested us with their contested ball,” she said.

“However, our midfield group rose to the occasion, winning the hard ball when it mattered most. That, combined with a relentless defensive mindset across the ground, allowed us to maintain control even when we were under fire.”

Despite only one win so far this season, the Cobras continue to show promise, with Shayla Cleverly and Emma Watson both having solid outings. For the Chargers, Cooper highlighted the Kamberis duo.

“Both Amelie and Chloe are consistently playing some fantastic football right now. Their work rate and impact on the game have been vital to our recent success,” she said.

Chloe McDonald also impressed in her club debut, crossing over from Caulfield Grammarians.

After four rounds, Beaumaris remain the only undefeated side. Meanwhile, Port Melbourne Chargers, Old Melburnians and Parkside are all in the race with three wins apiece. Despite only notching one win so far, Old Xaverians have proved themselves as a serious threat and look likely to make a charge up the ladder in the coming weeks. Old Yarra Cobras and Glen Eira/Old McKinnon are also on one win, while La Trobe University are still searching for their first win after the surprising double promotion has proved troublesome.