Caulfield and Old Scotch strengthen top two credentials as Old Geelong claim crucial win

Round 8 of the William Buck Premier Women’s competition saw the ladder leaders continue their strong form, while Old Geelong secured a significant victory over St Kevin’s and West Brunswick reinforced their finals credentials with an impressive win over Kew.

Caulfield Grammarians returned from consecutive byes in style, defeating Fitzroy 7.7 (49) to 2.2 (14). Despite a rusty opening, the Fields worked their way into the contest and gradually took control with their pressure and ball movement.

Caulfield Coach Danielle Di Stefano praised her side’s ability to rediscover their identity after an interrupted month.

“After two byes in a row, we had a rusty start, but it was really pleasing to see us get back to our brand in the second half,” Di Stefano said.

Fitzroy brought strong intensity from the opening bounce and challenged the ladder leaders around the contest, but the home side’s depth proved the difference as they finished with seven individual goal kickers.

Jacinta Baxter, Matilda Mottram and Milly Hines led the way for Caulfield, while Ebony Angelopolous and Ella Baxter worked tirelessly through the midfield. For Fitzroy, Belinda Woolcock and Nessa Cooney-Hunt kicked a goal each, while Eliza Gorman-Jacobs impressed on debut alongside Gemma Murphy and Lauren Atkinson.

Fitzroy Coach Nathan Jumeau remained optimistic despite the loss.

“We made some pretty poor skill errors in key parts of the ground that Caulfield turned into scoring opportunities,” Jumeau said.

“Our back group as a whole was great, and first gamer Eliza Gorman-Jacobs was a great interceptor of the ball for us.”

Old Geelong produced one of their most memorable Premier Women’s victories, defeating St Kevin’s 3.1 (19) to 1.5 (11).

Genevieve Ednie starred with two goals, while Tessa Longden added the other major as the OGs secured their first senior women’s win over St Kevin’s.

Old Geelong Coach Jack Crameri was delighted with the breakthrough result.

“It was a very pleasing weekend — it’s the first time we have beaten St Kevin’s in senior women’s football,” Crameri said.

“We knew our past few results we did a lot right but didn’t get across the line, so we knew we were playing pretty well but just needed to take our chances.”

Tansy Seymour, Juliet Grant and Jessie Gleeson were outstanding for Old Geelong, while London Ashcroft kicked St Kevin’s only goal. Elyce Hay, Molly Wilson and Claire Lightfoot fought hard for St Kevin’s.

St Kevin’s coach Jaime Pi felt the previous week’s bye disrupted his side’s momentum, but also credit the work of his opposition.

“I didn’t think the bye helped us; we lost a bit of momentum leading into the game,” Pi said.

“Our defence was really solid, and the midfield played their role, but Old Geelong had a great game plan defensively and we weren’t able to react to that.”

West Brunswick strengthened their position in the top four with a 6.5 (41) to 2.4 (16) victory over Kew.

After weathering an intense opening quarter from Kew, the home side gradually wrestled control of the contest through their composure with ball in hand and ability to maintain pressure across four quarters.

West Brunswick coach Ryan Wandel was pleased with his side’s strong finish after some inconsistent second halves in recent weeks.

“A lot of what we’ve been working on started to come out on Saturday,” Wandel said.

“When we took a bit more time with ball in hand, we were able to maintain control and possession for longer than past weeks.”

Bronte Carlin led from the front as captain with two goals, while Sarah Jolly also added two majors. Clare Balbata and Victoria Holt were influential throughout, with Holt and Taylah Watson returning seamlessly after their Big V commitments.

For Kew, Jemima Carey and Millie Lang kicked a goal apiece, while Gemma Smith, Lily Barr and Sophia De Castella battled hard.

Kew Coach Mannie Di Parsia praised his side’s relentless effort despite being hampered by injuries and limited rotations.

“The big takeaway is that against good teams we need to be cleaner and more composed around the footy,” Di Parsia said.

“It’s coachable, it’s fixable, and it starts at training.”

Old Scotch continued their unbeaten run with a convincing 12.6 (78) to 4.2 (26) win over Westbourne Grammarians.

Jordan Mifsud was brilliant with four goals, while captain Mia Cowan added three and Ebony Jago and Cassidy Mailer each kicked two.

Maggie Wilson, Mifsud and Georgia Fraser-Smith were outstanding for the reigning premiers, who controlled the contest around clearance and possession.

Old Scotch Coach Dean Anderson said the club’s decision to freshen up the group during the King’s Birthday break had paid dividends.

“We won clearance and overall contest, which was pleasing, but continue to fall short on technical craft to win the free kick count,” Anderson said.

“We’ve started an important four-week block and Fitzroy this weekend will be a great test for our group.”

For Westbourne, Temeika Cathery kicked two goals, while Danielle Marshall and Lydia Waghorne also hit the scoreboard. Mia Graf, Paige Trajkovski and Jazmine Holdsworth were among the visitors’ best.

Old Brighton had the bye.

Looking ahead to Round 9 and Caulfield Grammarians face off with Old Geelong, Old Brighton host West Brunswick, St Kevin’s travel to play Kew, Old Scotch do battle with Fitzroy and Westbourne have the bye.