Vultures prove they could be contenders, as Hearts and Hawks continue winning ways in Division 3 Women’s

Division 3 Women’s has delivered an exciting shakeup, as regrading welcomed four new teams to the competition. With new matchups and wayward weather, Round 5 set the stage for some enthralling footy.

Old Haileybury 3.3 21 def Caulfield Grammarians 0.3 3

Old Haileybury continued their strong start to the season, further cementing their status as key contenders this season. What was a highly contested game ultimately wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard, due to inaccuracy from Caulfield.

Caulfield coach Lachy Worthy looked at his team’s performance constructively.

“We were quite competitive with Old Haileybury throughout most of the match but just couldn’t finish off in front of goal,” he said.

“Our defence led by Brigitte Wolhuter and Carla Hewitt stood strong, while Addy Taylor and Lilly Ellis battled hard in the midfield. We will continue to work on improving our connection and contested work and look forward to next week.”

Hearts coach David Lappage cited the wind as a factor to the games low scoring “Caulfield worked hard. Their ruck gave them first use of the ball. Neither side really handled the wind well which made the game scrappy, and the ball was in the dead pocket for much of the game causing low scoring as a result.”

He also mentioned some individual efforts in Eliza Main on the wing and Jaz Carty across half back.

Hawthorn 8.10 58 def Prahran/Collegians 5.9 39

It was a quick start that set up Hawthorn for their victory over Prahan Collegians. Prahan Collegians clawed back but were unable to get back the four-goal headstart they gave the Hawks.

Hawthorn coach lauded his team’s performance.

“The Hawks started off really well in the first quarter with outstanding pressure on the opposition and we pounced on any loose balls with speed. They came back hard in the second quarter, our pressure dropping off from the first with our forwards losing their connection with the midfield. The last two quarters were and even contest and we managed to get away with a hard-fought win in the end.”

Prahan Collegians coach Melissa Bibby highlighted her team’s great effort.

“The first quarter saw us kicking against the wind and we struggled to get clean possession under huge pressure and perceived pressure. We quickly realised that Division 3 footy has a distinctive increase in intensity over Division 5. We changed some things for the second quarter and the team dominated. This was so pleasing as there could have been panic and concern, but the team lifted instead.

“We continued to halve every contest and make every battle difficult for Hawthorn, and we headed into the last quarter within pouncing distance and with the wind. It was an absolute arm wrestle in the last quarter, and each team kicked goals and had chances.

“An untimely injury stopped the game for over five minutes, denying the team time to take advantage of the breeze. Ultimately, having fought hard to the end, we lost by 18 points but showed the sort of tenacity and resilience that can’t be taught.”

Parkdale 8.6 54 def Old Yarra 1.2 8

After a great start in the first quarter, it was the Vultures who ran away victorious by 46 points, marking the perfect start to their tenure in Division 3. After kicking four in the first, Old Yarra slowed the flow of goals holding the Vultures to two goals in both the second and third quarters before keeping them goalless in the last.

“It was another tough hit out for the group on the weekend, with the side outplayed by a faster and more polished opponent,” Cobras coach Bree Pascoe said.

“We were jumped early in the first quarter, conceding four unanswered goals, but to the girls credit they were able to steady after quarter time, allowing just two, two and zero goals across the remaining three quarters.

“We were also able to hit the scoreboard ourselves through a great goal from April Jones in the second term. Another week saw the group working hard and competing strongly, but unfortunately not getting rewarded for effort.”