Aquinas become new ladder leaders, Brunswick win Battle of Brunswick

Round 9 is in the books, and there was plenty of movement on the Division 4 Women’s ladder.

Aquinas moved to top of the table, MUWFC claimed a major scalp with a win over Wattle Park, Canterbury made it three wins from their past four games win a dub over Fitzroy, and Mazenod bounced back over Old Xavierians.

With Aquinas, Mazenod, Wattle Park and MUWFC all locked on 24 points, the race for top spot remains wide open.

Aquinas 4.6 (30) def Albert Park 1.2 (8)

The round commenced with Aquinas securing a 22-point victory at Bill Woodful Oval, a result that lifted them to the top of the ladder.

Both teams took time to find their footing in the opening quarter, with Aquinas breaking through for the first goal midway through the term. Albert Park responded through Rhiann O’Donnell, but Aquinas finished the quarter strongly with two late goals to open up a 13-point lead.

Scoring opportunities were hard to come by for much of the contest, with both sides engaged in a tough battle. However, Aquinas managed to add another goal in the closing stages to seal the 22-point victory.

For Aquinas, Emily Box was dominant in front of goal with two majors, while Meg Dargan and Ash Broderick each contributed one.

Aquinas head coach Phil Box was pleased with the even contribution across the team, highlighting the impact of several players in an encouraging performance.

“It was hard to pick best players of the game and that is a really promising sign as we head into the second half of the season,” he said. “New players Naeve Evans, Brianna Fitzmaurice, Emma Fabre, Meg O’Brien and Tia Steen continue to improve under the influence of our more experienced players.”

Best

Albert Park: Bonnie Grining, Vanessa Gan, Amy Smyth, Samantha Dale, Darwisyah Faqihah, Karina Stankute

Aquinas: Tia Steen, Naeve Evans, Ash Broderick, Abby Guerin, Kate McKenna, Brianna Fitzmaurice

MUWFC 4.4 (28) def Wattle Park 2.5 (17)

MUWFC secured their sixth win for 2026, defeating Wattle Park by 11 points at Bennettswood Reserve.

It was a tightly contested opening quarter, with Melbourne University kicking three goals to Wattle Park’s one to take an early advantage. Scoring proved difficult in the second term as both sides battled hard around the contest.

Melbourne University added the only goal of the third quarter to extend the margin to 16 points at the final change. Wattle Park fought back with a goal in the last quarter, but MUWFC continued to excel in the one-percenters and maintained control to secure the four points.

For Melbourne University, Asha Price was instrumental in front of goal, finishing with three majors.

Melbourne University head coach Jules Hunter was impressed by the team’s effort and willingness to compete throughout the match.

“The most pleasing thing was our own defensive work, particular in the final term,” he said. “The number of smothers and tackles we affected was indicative of our gutsy work rate and I think we found a new gear that left everyone feeling pretty positive at the end.

“We’ll take that forward as our players continue to grow in confidence each week.

“Asha Price’s radar was on point. Jacinta Cole was a phenomenal presence, she lifted the whole team and Maddy Noack’s repeat efforts kept earning us possession.”

Best

Wattle Park: Rani Knight, Ebony Ratcliffe, Lucy Eales, Grace Ambrosini, Georgie Dillon, Jemima Clancy

MUFFC: Jacinta Cole, Maddison Noack, Daisy Sudholz, Iona Moller, Ella Ashley, Sumail Singh

Canterbury 3.5 (23) def Fitzroy 0.2 (2)

Canterbury secured their fourth win of the season with a 21-point victory at Canterbury Grounds, moving the side into eighth spot on the ladder.

Canterbury opened the scoring midway through the first quarter before Georgia Bold added another early in the second term, helping extend the margin to 14 points at half-time. The home side continued to build its advantage in the third quarter, kicking a goal midway through the term to take a 22-point lead into the final break.

To Fitzroy’s credit, their defensive efforts were rewarded in the final quarter, holding Canterbury scoreless. However, Canterbury maintained its intensity and pressure around the contest to secure an impressive victory.

For Canterbury, Georgia Bold was dominant in front of goal with two majors, while Kiara Bloomfield also hit the scoreboard with a goal.

Canterbury head coach Tony Pisani was pleased with his side’s performance, highlighting their ability to put together a second consecutive four-quarter effort.

“We celebrated Georgia Bold’s 50th game as captain,” he said. “The whole team played their part in making this special day happen and notching up four very important points.”

Best

Canterbury: Georgia Bold, Keira Jebb, Kate Ward, Briana Thompson, Ashley McHutchison, Brigette Roberts

Fitzroy: Eilish Wallace, Nina Bagaric, Amie Stapleton, Ella Menzies, Evie Deasey, Claudia Panichi

Mazenod 4.5 (29) def Old Xavierians 1.7 (13)

Mazenod secured their sixth win of the season, defeating Old Xaverians by 16 points at Greythorn Park.

Mazenod opened the scoring late in the first quarter, kicking two goals to establish an early advantage. While scoring opportunities were limited in the second term, Mazenod remained disciplined defensively and applied strong pressure around the contest to maintain their lead heading into half-time.

The hosts found their rhythm in front of goal during the third quarter, adding two more majors to extend the margin to 22 points at the final change.

To Old Xaverians’ credit, they responded early in the last quarter through Daisy Bonnett. However, Mazenod remained composed, controlled the tempo of the game, and continued to execute efficiently enough to secure the four points.

Mazenod coach Matt Foale was pleased with his side’s victory and the context of their season. “Xavs had the majority of possession early, however we were efficient and hit  the scoreboard on the rebound, taking an advantage into the main break.

“It was a really physical battle that threated to explode, however our girls kept focussed and played the football, which ultimately was the difference as we ran away with it after half time.

“We were more efficient and moved the ball with purpose. We celebrated Emily Patmore’s 50^th game with a good solid win.

“Our two debuts from our junior affiliate, Olivia Snart and Scarlett Moresi played great games. Shelby Vicic, Emily Skrzniarz and Zoe Spicer were influential in the result.”

Best

Old Xaverians: Mia Wapshott, Emma Sheedy, Milla Siniakov, Charli Wapshott, Molly Blood, Chloe Bonnett

Mazenod: Emily Skrzyniarz, Erin Hopkins, Emily Patmore, Zoe Hayden, Grace Di Petta, Annabelle Davies-Todd

Brunswick 2.5 (17) def North Brunswick 1.1 (7)

The round concluded with the Battle of Brunswick, with Brunswick securing bragging rights with a 10-point victory at Gillion Oval.

For Brunswick, Jessica Briggs and Cobie Farmer both hit the scoreboard with one goal each. Brunswick coach Amy Lee was pleased with her side’s victory.

“The Renegades turned Gillon’s mud pit into a statement win, shaking off last week’s hiccup with the fierce, physical footy we love,” she said.

“Cobie’s opening minute crunch set the tone. Lucy Scott and Siena Jacques dominated the stoppages as the team doubled the Bulls’ tackle count.”

“It was messy, muddy and pure Renegades at home. The Battle of the Brunswicks remain one of our favourite rounds and we thank North Brunswick for a tough, spirited contest.”