Old Scotch, Fitzroy and Kew strengthen finals credentials with important wins before bye

Round 7 of the William Buck VAFA Premier Women’s competition delivered tight contests, standout individual performances and important ladder-shaping results. With Caulfield Grammarians on the bye, Old Scotch, Fitzroy, Kew and West Brunswick all claimed valuable wins, tightening the race inside the top four.

West Brunswick held firm in a tense, low‑scoring contest to secure a crucial four‑point victory over Old Geelong 3.4.23 to 2.7.19. Eliza Shalders was the difference on the scoreboard with two majors, while Caitlin O’Brien and Clare Balbata were influential around the ground.

Old Geelong generated opportunities but couldn’t convert consistently, finishing with seven behinds. Genevieve Ednie and Charlotte Mackenzie kicked their goals, with Juliet Grant, Amy Halaby and Emma Hoban among their strongest contributors.

Old Scotch continued their strong form with a composed win over St Kevin’s 9.7.61 to 4.3.27, powered by a dominant offensive display. Jordan Misfud kicked three goals, while Mia Cowan and Charlotte Crough added two each. Ella Crump was outstanding in the ruck, with Georgia Fraser‑Smith and Ebony Jago also starring.

Old Scotch Coach Dean Anderson praised the group’s ability to perform despite eight changes to the side, noting they “handled St Kevin’s physical presence very well” and were pleased with both offensive flow and team defence.

For St Kevin’s, Sarah Cameron led the way with three goals, supported by strong performances from Elyce Hay, Charity Russell and Mischa Beaconsfield. St Kevin’s Coach Jaime Pi said it was a strong contest but lamented missed opportunities and allowing Old Scotch’s stars too much space.

Fitzroy produced a blistering first half, kicking seven goals to set up their fifth win of the season over Westbourne Grammarians 8.2.50 to 3.5.23. Teresa Zampaglione was electric with three goals, while Belinda Woolcock added two in her second game back from injury. Milla Lappin and Freya Myers were also influential.

Fitzroy Coach Nathan Jumeau praised the first‑half dominance and the continued growth of the midfield group, stating that “our first half was amazing team football” before Westbourne lifted after the break.

Westbourne’s second‑half response was a major positive, outscoring Fitzroy after halftime. Danielle Marshall kicked all three of their goals and impressed both forward and in the ruck. Westbourne Coach Chris Grant highlighted the group’s ability to reset, saying “seven scoring shots to two in the second half is testament to this.” Strong performances also came from Gracie Lamers, Roxy Sefton, Mia Graf and debutant Elsie Conroy.

Kew celebrated Past Players Day and the 10‑year anniversary of their 2016 premiership with a composed 15‑point win over Old Brighton 5.8.38 to 3.5.23. Eva Cafolla and Amelia Dawborn each kicked two goals, while Millie Lang, Nyari Grzyb and Lauralee Rinaldi were standouts.

Kew Coach Mannie Di Parsia praised the group’s maturity, defensive connection and ball movement, noting the team’s ability to restrict Old Brighton’s transition and maintain pressure across the ground.

Old Brighton showed strong signs, particularly after halftime, outscoring Kew in the second half. Lily Tait kicked two goals and delivered her best performance of the season, supported by Eloise McCrae and Jasmine Tait. Old Brighton Coach Pat Malone described the match as “a game of almosts” but highlighted the continued growth of his young side and the promising debut of Hannah Dyson.

Looking to the ladder after 7 rounds and Caulfield Grammarians, Old Scotch and Fitzroy now sit equal on five wins apiece, with West Brunswick holding fourth position after their Round 7 victory.

Looking ahead, after the King’s Birthday Bye this weekend, in Round 8 Fitzroy face off with Caulfield Grammarians, Old Geelong travel to play St Kevin’s, West Brunswick host Kew, Old Scotch take on Westbourne Grammarians and Old Brighton have the extra week off.