Division 1 Women’s Round 4 Review

Round 4 of the VAFA Division 1 Women’s competition delivered another exciting weekend of football, with dominant displays, tight finishes, and standout individual performances continuing to shape the ladder after four rounds.

Power House hold off Monash Blues

Power House remained hot on the heels of ladder leaders Marcellin after overcoming Monash Blues by 13 points in a low-scoring contest, 2.13 (25) to 2.0 (12).

Despite their inaccuracy in front of goal, Power House controlled much of the game after establishing an early ten-point lead in the opening term — a margin that ultimately proved decisive. The win keeps Power House in second position on the ladder, while Monash Blues remain sixth heading into Round 5.

Caoilfhionn Culliton, Alice McAlea and Zoe Uwland were instrumental for Power House, while Sarah Dolan, Lily Butler-Woollard and Rebecca Foley also impressed across the ground.

For Monash Blues, Ruby Rosas and Ruby Hancock battled strongly all afternoon, with Linda Zuber, Sarah-Jade Rose, Tiarna Byrnes and Emily Chea also among their best contributors.

Marcellin survive Whitefriars challenge

Marcellin continued their unbeaten start to the season and maintained top spot on the ladder with a hard-fought 4.2 (26) to 3.3 (21) victory over Whitefriars.

A dominant opening half from Marcellin laid the foundation for the win before Whitefriars mounted a late challenge to close the margin to just five points. Whitefriars remain seventh despite their competitive performance.

Whitefriars spearhead Clare Fernandes starred with two goals in a best-on-ground performance and consistently threatened inside 50. Caitlin Ryan, Kaitlyn Wallace, Kate Mason, Bree Whitehead and Elisa Collings also contributed strongly.

For Marcellin, Laura Robertson matched Fernandes with two goals of her own, while Bridie Feehan and Charlotte McGilp were influential around the contest. Annaleise Xanthos, Maddy Rush and Tessa Ramsay also played important roles in the narrow victory.

Ormond dominate through Gietzmann masterclass

Third-placed Ormond produced the most dominant performance of the round, dismantling fourth-placed Old Carey by 43 points, 9.6 (60) to 2.5 (17).

The game was effectively over by halftime after Ormond controlled possession and territory from the outset. Star forward Isabella Gietzmann delivered a sensational individual display, kicking seven goals in a best-afield performance that proved impossible for Old Carey to contain.

Maddi Wilson, Kitty Smyth and Victoria Kovacevic were also outstanding contributors for Ormond, while Olivia Steinfort and Arcadia Diaz continued their strong form.

Old Carey fought hard despite the result, with Lucy Wynne and Rose Chiaramonte among their best performers. Lia Kelvie, Sadie Chun, Madi Coleman and Lexie Park also worked tirelessly throughout the contest.

Oakleigh finish strongly against St Mary’s Salesian

Oakleigh have kept themselves within reach of the top four, securing an important 29-point win over St Mary’s Salesian, running out convincing 7.8 (50) to 3.3 (21) winners.

A strong four-quarter performance saw fifth-placed Oakleigh control the game for long periods, with their forward line proving highly effective. Emily Heverin was the standout in attack, booting three goals in an impressive display.

Kaitlyn Sidopoulos, Gracie Woodworth, Matisse Sullivan and Jasmine Ballestrin all added majors, while Lori Gunn, Lily Firth and Romy Klooger were influential around the ground. Sienna Bernardo and Gisselle Jones-Wilson also impressed in the victory.

For St Mary’s Salesian, Arabella Edmonds and Samreen Kaur battled hard all day, while Jessica Mounas, Emily Wedrien, Skye Bakic and Charlotte Dawson also showed strong effort despite the defeat.