Wattle Park, Canterbury secure third victory as race to top spot remains wide open in Division 4 Women’s

As we tick into the second half of the season, there were plenty of thrilling moments in Round 8 of Division 4 Women’s. Four of the top five teams secured victories and Canterbury secured their third win of the season. The race to the top two is wide open, with first down to fifth all locked on five victories, making these next couple of weeks crucial.

Old Xaverians 5.7 (37) def Albert Park 3.2 (20)

The round commenced with Old Xaverians securing a 17-point victory at Bill Woodfull Oval, lifting the side into fourth spot on the ladder.

Albert Park began the game strongly, opening with two goals in the first quarter. Old Xaverians responded with the only goal in the second quarter by Lize Bonnett in the early stages, reducing the Falcons’ lead to five points at half-time. Old Xaverians got the scoring going early in the third quarter, before Bonnie Grining answered back. Old Xavs hit the lead before the three-quarter time siren, giving the visitors a two-point lead.

Old Xavs kicked the only two goals in the last quarter, doing enough to secure the win.

For Old Xaverians, Chloe Psyhogios was influential in front of goal with two majors, while Chloe Bonnett, Adele Nucara and Daisy Bonnett added one each.

Old Xavs head coach Gabby Golds was pleased with her side’s efforts.

“We utilised our speed and skills and really worked together as a team despite the windy conditions,” she said. “We kept working hard and ran the game out. Shoutout to Annabelle White, Charli Wapshott and Chloe Bonnett who really stepped up.”

Best

Albert Park: Emma Sullivan, Samantha Dale, Karina Stankute, Bonnie Grining, Sinead Convery, Meaghan Donaldson

Old Xaverians: Chloe Psyhogios, Charli Wapshott, Adele Nucara, Emma Sheedy, Annabelle White, Chloe Bonnett

Aquinas 10.4 (64) def Brunswick 3.4 (22)

Aquinas secured their fifth win of the 2026 campaign, defeating Brunswick by 42 points at JW Manson Reserve.

It was a close first quarter, with both sides kicking one goal each. Aquinas found their mojo in the second quarter. Asher De Klijn and Emily Box hit the scoreboard to give Aquinas a 12-point lead at half-time.

Aquinas kicked three goals in the third quarter from De Klijn, Meg Dargan and Box, extending the margin to 31 points at three-quarter time. Brunswick hit the scoreboard in the early stages of the last quarter, but it was Aquinas that continued to lift their work rate, securing the four points.

For Aquinas, De Klijn was instrumental in front of goal, kicking three goals. Dargan and Box kicked two goals each and Ash Broderick kicking the one goal.

Despite the result, Brunswick coach Amy Lee was pleased with her side’s strong passages of play and what her side is capable of when it was locked in.

“We were passengers early and let Aquinas dictate the tempo from the first bounce. We brought our brand of tough, contested footy but our structures slipped too often and they made us pay.

“Euphemia Gannon and Stephanie-Jade Szuhai-Andrews slotted their first goals of the season. Lucy Scott added her name to the board again.

“We’ll review, rest and get to work this week because next up is the Battle of the Brunswicks, and that’s a chance to remind everyone what Renegade footy looks like at home.”

Best

Aquinas: Holly Kenna, Natasha Derksen, Kate McKenna, Meg Dargan, Ash Broderick, Millie Edwards

Brunswick: Emily Collins, Tahlia Hayes, Liliana Jaques, Rubee-Leigh Poata, Lucy Scott, Private player

Wattle Park 3.11 (29) def Fitzroy 2.4 (16)

Wattle Park secured their fifth win of the season, defeating Fitzroy by 13 points at Ramsden Street Oval.

Wattle Park got the scoring going in the early stages of the first quarter. Wattle Park added one goal in the second quarter, extending the margin to 16 points at half time. Wattle Park scored early in the third quarter, extending the margin to 25 points at three-quarter time.

To Fitzroy’s credit, their reward for effort paid off, with Nina Bagaric scoring early in the early stages, before responding minutes later, reducing the margin to 12 points. Wattle Park applied the pressure for the rest of the quarter to lock in an impressive victory.

Wattle Park coach Mel Dell’Olio was pleased with his side’s efforts. “It was a terrific contest with both teams competing with great enthusiasm and spirit.

“Our second quarter against the breeze was the most pleasing aspect, with good organisation and high intensity.

“Alice Macintosh played her very first game of footy and our Liverpool recruit Katie Mclachlan was able to score her first goal in her final game as she heads home next week.”

Best

Fitzroy: Eilish Wallace, Pippi Aucar, Bethany Zmak, Nina Bagaric, Sophia Carr, Gracie Halliday

Wattle Park: Lucy Eales, Katie Mclachlan, Georgie Dillon, Tabita Sutharsan, Hannah Pear, Ebony Ratcliffe

Canterbury 3.10 (28) def MUWFC 2.6 (18)

Canterbury secured their third win of the season with a thrilling 10-point victory over Melbourne University at Canterbury Sportsground.

Both teams made a strong start, kicking one goal each in the first quarter. The second quarter was a grind in front of goal, with both teams lifting their work rate in their defensive 50s. Asha Price broke early in the third quarter for Melbourne University, reducing the margin, before Brigette Roberts found the responding goal, extending the margin to three points at three-quarter time.

The last quarter was another thriller for both teams, giving it their all, before Scarlett Cuthbertson came in clutch in the final stages of the game to seal an inspiring victory.

For Canterbury, Cuthbertson was superb in front of goal, scoring two majors. Roberts also got involved with the one goal.

Canterbury coach Tony Pisani was delighted with his side’s victory against a quality opposition.

“To create lots of scoring opportunities and finish the game off as we did was a great effort. We debuted another first gamer in Bridgette Kate. A great team effort by the whole team to secure the four points.”

Best

Canterbury: Scarlett Cuthbertson, Briana Thompson, Alice Hartwig, Danielle Calvisi, Kelly Keith, Zoe Choo

Melbourne University: Ella Ashley, Mickey Gostencnik, Maddison Noack, Emma Hallissey, Scarlett Keast, Natalie Power

Mazenod 7.12 (54) def North Brunswick 2.0 (12)

The round concluded with Mazenod securing a 42-point victory at Jackson Reserve, lifting the side into third spot on the ladder.

Iliana Skantzos was instrumental in front of goal, scoring two goals. Laura Gartland, Alicia Basham, Zoe Spicer, Stephanie Smith and Zara Lukies all added one goal each.

Mazenod head coach Matt Foale was proud of his side’s efforts against a tough North Brunswick side.

“We used the breeze well and had centre clearance dominance supported by an active forward-50. The second quarter was more of an arm wrestle and we held our lead at the main break. We stretched our lead in the third quarter with fast ball movement.

“North Brunswick continued to work hard, however we were able to continue to work hard and control the tempo in the last quarter.

“Iliana Skantzos was great through the middle, winning clearances and getting on the scoreboard.

“Our halfback line of Abbey Walton, Stephanie Smith and Alicia Basham were influential throughout the day, winning contests and launching numerous forward entries. Alicia managed to kick a long-range major to add to her season tally.”