Resilient Caulfield & Old Scotch as Old Brighton & Kew Win Thrillers

The race for the William Buck VAFA Premier Women’s finals continues to take shape after Round 10, with the competition’s benchmark sides again proving too strong. Kew and Old Brighton led the way, both securing crucial victories to strengthen their positions inside the top six.

Caulfield Grammarians 7.11 (53) def Westbourne Grammarians 0.0 (0)

Caulfield Grammarians maintained top spot on the ladder with a comprehensive victory over Westbourne Grammarians in difficult conditions. Despite the scoreboard, Westbourne’s pressure and defensive work challenged the ladder leaders throughout the afternoon.

Caulfield Grammarians Coach Danielle Di Stefano was full of praise for the opposition’s intensity.

“Firstly, I was really impressed with Westbourne’s pressure,” Di Stefano said.

“I was pleased with our ability to work through their pressure and strong defence and the tough conditions to find different avenues to score.”

The Fields again relied on their defensive unit, with Milly Hines, Eliza O’Neill and Jacinta Baxter leading the way, while seven individual goal kickers highlighted the side’s even contribution across the forward line.

For Westbourne, Danielle Marshall, Emma Kiely and Sienna Burns-Bradley battled tirelessly throughout the contest.

Old Scotch 5.4 (34) def West Brunswick 2.3 (15)

Old Scotch remained unbeaten with a 19-point victory over West Brunswick in a physical contest at Scotch College.

The Magpies matched the reigning premiers for much of the afternoon before the Cardinals broke the game open late with a strong final quarter.

Mia Cowan kicked two goals, while Georgia Fraser-Smith, Sophie McIntosh and Isabella Griffin were instrumental across the ground.

Old Scotch Coach Dean Anderson praised his side’s response after a slow opening.

“The team rallied at half-time when challenged to increase their intensity across all facets of the game,” Anderson said.

“West Brunswick were very challenging with their defensive set-up behind the ball, but we ran the game out very well.”

For West Brunswick, coach Ryan Wandel was encouraged despite the defeat.

“Our pressure around the ball and our ability to compete all around the ground was solid,” Wandel said.

“We were able to match it with a benchmark side for three and a half quarters before we ran out of steam in the final 10 minutes.”

Alex Trollip and Taylah Watson led West Brunswick’s midfield, while Trollip and Matilda Hammond kicked their side’s two goals.

Old Geelong 4.6 (30) def by Kew 5.3 (33)

Kew claimed one of the games of the season, edging out Old Geelong in a thrilling contest that wasn’t decided until the final minute.

After leading early, Kew were continually challenged by a determined Old Geelong outfit before Rachel Toose produced the match-winning moment, weaving through traffic to kick the decisive goal with less than a minute remaining.

Lily Barr starred with three goals, while Toose finished with two and was among the best alongside Sarah Ford.

Old Geelong Coach Jack Crameri lamented another close loss.

“Another really competitive game where we just didn’t get across the line,” Crameri said.

“We need to build on managing the clock and making the most of our opportunities.”

Jessie Gleeson kicked two goals for the OGs, while Aisling Tupper and Camilla Taylor were influential throughout.

St Kevins 7.5 (47) def by Old Brighton 8.7 (55)

Old Brighton continued their impressive rise after a tense win over St Kevin’s.

Renee Saulitis and Lily Tait each kicked three goals as the Tonners controlled much of the contest before holding off a spirited SKOB fightback.

Old Brighton Coach Pat Malone was pleased with his side’s ability to respond when challenged.

“St Kevin’s had a late surge, but I was really pleased with the way we reset the momentum, responded under pressure and finished the game strongly,” Malone said.

Hannah Dyson was outstanding on the wing, while Saulitis and Tait continued their outstanding seasons.

For St Kevin’s, Sarah Cameron kicked four goals in a brilliant individual display, while Mischa Beaconsfield added two. Coach Jaime Pi was encouraged by the performance despite the result.

“We played the brand of footy I want us to play,” Pi said.

“We certainly improved on the last two weeks in our endeavour and attack. It was just one of those games where we didn’t quite get over the line.”

The match also marked significant milestones for the club, with Sarah Cameron and Charity Russell celebrating their 100th senior games, while Year 12 students Freya Smythe and Matilda Marshall made their senior debuts.

Fitzroy had the bye.

Looking ahead to Round 11, Old Brighton host Fitzroy, Old Geelong face off with Old Scotch, Kew and Caulfield Grammarians do battle and Westbourne Grammarians travel to play West Brunswick. St Kevin’s have the bye.