William Buck Premier Women’s: Old Scotch, Caulfield Grammarians and Old Brighton continue strong starts

Old Scotch and Caulfield Grammarians continued their hot starts to the William Buck Premier Women’s season in Round 4, while Old Brighton celebrated their second win at Premier level with an impressive performance over Westbourne Grammarians.

The round began with Old Brighton securing a breakthrough 7.8 (50) to 3.1 (19) victory against Westbourne Grammarians. After a competitive opening to the season, the Tonners produced their most complete four-quarter display yet, with Tiger Doultree and Renee Saulitis both booting three goals.

Coach Pat Malone praised his side’s response following last week’s maiden victory, particularly their opening quarter and second-half composure.

“Our first quarter in particular set the tone — the energy, link play and willingness to work for each other was excellent and probably the best example so far of how we want to play,” Malone said.

Old Brighton’s ability to regain control after being challenged in the second quarter impressed Malone most, with Gemma Cowin and Jasmine Tait leading the way. Tait capped off her 50th game with a goal, while Eloise McCrae impressed in her debut. Sarah Dickie and Emma Kiely battled hard for Westbourne, while Temeika Cathery kicked two goals.

Caulfield Grammarians maintained their strong form with a commanding 6.5 (41) to 1.7 (13) win over Kew. Hollie Brodribb continued her outstanding start to the year with a three-goal haul, while Ella Baxter and Olivia Rundle starred across the four quarters.

Coach Danielle Di Stefano was pleased with her side’s consistency across four quarters and their ball movement from half-back, although she noted forward efficiency remains an area for improvement.

Despite the result, Kew coach Mannie Di Parsia took positives from the response following last week’s heavy defeat to Old Scotch. Kew dominated periods of the second half and generated more scoring opportunities but were unable to capitalise, finishing with 1.4 after half-time. Sophia De Castella and Madison Ibrahim were among Kew’s best in an encouraging performance despite the scoreboard.

St Kevin’s continued to establish themselves as a genuine contender with a convincing 10.9 (69) to 2.5 (17) win over Williamstown CYMS. Sarah Cameron and Devina Lai both kicked three goals in an even team performance, while Elyce Hay and Eleri Morris were influential throughout.

Williamstown coach Chris Karakiozakis admitted his side’s slow start proved costly but was encouraged by the resilience shown in the second half.

“Our girls’ second half showed a lot of grit,” Karakiozakis said.

Kristell Russell and Evie Karakiozakis competed strongly in the ruck, while Ally Woodhead and Maighan Forgas battled hard through the midfield. Kate Grady and Loren Mills kicked Williamstown’s goals.

West Brunswick edged Fitzroy in one of the tighter contests of the round, winning 6.1 (37) to 4.3 (27). Charlotte Carney made an immediate impact in her first senior game of the season with two goals, while Claudia Piggott impressed in the ruck against Fitzroy’s Jamie Nelson.

Coach Ryan Wandel highlighted his side’s ability to lock the ball in their forward half and create turnover opportunities as key factors in the win, although he acknowledged defensive accountability remains an area for improvement.

Fitzroy mounted a strong fightback after trailing by four goals, with Tara Lind kicking three majors. Simone Mooney again starred through the middle, while Susie Carr impressed in her first senior appearance.

Old Scotch capped off the round with a dominant 12.6 (78) to 4.4 (28) victory over Old Geelong. Jordan Misfud kicked three goals, while Anna Vrsecky and Sophie McIntosh led an even contribution across the ground.

Despite the final margin, coach Dean Anderson praised Old Geelong’s application of significant pressure early and challenged his side around stoppages.

“We are getting a very even contribution of performance across our team and across our lines,” Anderson said.

Maggie Wilson continued her strong form. Lexie McCulloch impressed in her first game of the season, while Billie Holloway and Liv Arundel shared the ruck duties strongly following an early injury to Ella Crump.

For Old Geelong, Tessa Longden and Lily Nast battled hard, while Alexandra Kirkwood, Grace Mitchell and Nast were among the goal kickers.