Kew and Old Brighton claim important victories as Old Scotch and Caulfield continue to separate at the top

Round 9 of the William Buck Premier Women’s season saw the competition leaders continue their impressive form, while Old Brighton and Kew secured valuable wins as the race for finals positions tightened heading into the second half of the season.

Caulfield Grammarians maintained their place at the top of the ladder with a commanding 12.8 (80) to 2.2 (14) victory over Old Geelong.

Despite a competitive opening quarter, the Fields gradually took control of the contest. Nat Barbara, Sarah Kenny and India Lehman all finished with two goals as Caulfield again showcased their forward depth.

Caulfield Coach Danielle Di Stefano was pleased with her side’s ability to adapt to the conditions and maintain scoreboard pressure throughout the afternoon.

“I was pleased with our ability to get the game on our terms after a bit of a slower start, our execution in front of goal despite windy conditions, and consistent scoreboard pressure was really pleasing,” Di Stefano said.

Ebony Angelopoulos, Jacinta Baxter and Ella Baxter were influential around the contest, while Caulfield’s defence continued its impressive season by restricting another opponent to just two goals.

For Old Geelong, Sophie Gorton and Tessa Longden kicked a goal each, while Jessie Gleeson, Natasha Furjanic and Brooke McKay battled hard throughout.

Old Geelong coach Jack Crameri remained upbeat despite the result.

“We had a really good first quarter, we just didn’t take our chances,” Crameri said.

“We won clearances but weren’t able to convert them into enough scores. We think on the right day, with a bit of work, we’re capable of competing with anyone.”

Old Brighton secured one of their most significant wins since promotion, defeating West Brunswick 5.7 (37) to 3.4 (22) at Brighton Beach Oval.

The Tonners applied relentless pressure throughout the afternoon and controlled territory for long periods, earning a victory that further underlined their development at Premier Women’s level.

Shanelle Hodgkinson starred with two goals, while Zara Klein, Renee Saulitis and Lily Tait also hit the scoreboard.

Old Brighton Coach Pat Malone was particularly pleased with his side’s repeat efforts and ability to generate forward entries.

“We set ourselves a target of winning the inside-50 count because we have enormous faith that, given enough supply, our forwards will find a way to convert,” Malone said.

Molly Burke, Jasmine Tait and Hodgkinson led the way, while Malone also praised debutant Zara Klein and rising star Sienna Briscoe.

For West Brunswick, Coach Ryan Wandel acknowledged his side failed to execute in the challenging conditions.

“Our pressure and effort was still there, but our execution and ability to play to the conditions was not where it needed to be,” Wandel said.

Clare Balbata, Minerva Bailey and Claudia Piggott were among the Magpies’ best contributors.

Kew responded strongly from last week’s defeat, overcoming St Kevin’s 5.2 (32) to 3.3 (21) in a tough and physical contest.

Krystal Shaw was the difference up forward, kicking three goals, while Ash Bruce and Gemma Smith also found the scoreboard.

Kew Coach Mannie Di Parsia praised his side’s ability to absorb pressure and finish the game strongly.

“Winning the marking contest proved crucial in helping us control the tempo and limit St Kevin’s opportunities,” Di Parsia said.

Lily Barr was outstanding in one of the individual performances of the season. Lauralee Rinaldi and Sophia De Castella were also influential.

For St Kevin’s, Devina Lai kicked two goals while Sienna Vallejo added another. Elyce Hay, Eleri Morris and Mischa Beaconsfield continued their strong seasons despite the defeat.

Coach Jaime Pi remained confident his side was progressing despite recent results.

“We haven’t been getting the results as of late. We are improving, the fundamentals of our team are quite good, and we work hard, but we just aren’t getting a constant flow through our game,” Pi said.

Old Scotch continued their unbeaten campaign with a hard-fought 6.4 (40) to 0.2 (2) victory over Fitzroy in difficult conditions.

While the scoreboard suggested a comfortable win, Old Scotch coach Dean Anderson was quick to acknowledge the challenge presented by a determined Fitzroy outfit.

“Fitzroy was a formidable opponent. We jumped them early but the back half of the game was a massive battle where we managed to defend relentlessly against their repeated forward entries,” Anderson said.

Jordan Mifsud continued her outstanding season with three goals, while Mia Cowan added two. Elizabeth Wotherspoon produced arguably her best game for the club, joining Mifsud and Cowan among the standout performers.

Fitzroy fought hard throughout, with Frances Walsh, Lauren Atkinson and Eadie Rawson leading the resistance. Coach Nathan Jumeau was pleased with his side’s second-half intensity and defensive efforts.

“Our connection in the middle of the ground and forward has been off where it can be. That’s an area we need to improve,” Jumeau said.

Westbourne Grammarians enjoyed the bye and will return refreshed for a difficult assignment against ladder leaders Caulfield Grammarians.

Additionally, in Round 10 Old Scotch host West Brunswick, Old Geelong face off with Kew and St Kevin’s tussle with Old Brighton while Fitzroy have the week off.