Old Geelong surge into finals contention – William Buck Premier Women’s Round 15 Review

The William Buck Premier Women’s finals race has tightened considerably, with Old Geelong recording their fourth consecutive victory, Kew strengthening its position inside the top four, and the competition’s two leading sides, Old Scotch and Caulfield Grammarians, continuing to set the pace.

Old Geelong 9.7 (61) def St Kevin’s 2.3 (15)

Old Geelong continued their remarkable resurgence with a commanding 46-point victory over St Kevin’s, recording a fourth consecutive win.

The OGs were dominant from the opening minute, with Genevieve Ednie leading the way with two goals alongside seven individual goalkickers for the team. Amy Halaby, Natasha Furjanic and Tarni Magyar were among Old Geelong’s best.

St Kevin’s found the scoreboard through Claire Lightfoot and Esther Seymour-Pessah, while Sarah McMaster, Mia Giannopoulos and Angelique Argiros battled hard.

Old Geelong coach Jack Crameri was delighted with his side’s performance.

“Another great win on the weekend, makes it four in a row. We played great footy from minute one.”

The OGs now face their biggest test of the recent resurgence when they take on second-placed Caulfield Grammarians.

“Huge challenge. Probably haven’t played this good of footy since 2024, so we feel like we are in a great position to take it up to one of the contenders.”

Kew 3.6 (24) def West Brunswick 2.2 (14)

Kew strengthened their grip on fourth spot with a hard-fought 10-point victory over West Brunswick.

In a low-scoring, contested affair, Lily Barr, Millie Lang and Emily O’Beirne found the goals for the Bears. Barr, Daisy Graham and Lang were also among the best.

The Magpies two goals came through Alex Trollip and Bronte Whyte, with Clare Balbata, Sissi Scott-Hickie and Georgia Alomes named in their best players.

Kew coach Mannie Di Parsia praised his side’s defensive effort in a game dominated by pressure around stoppages.

“West Brunswick made it a real stoppage game, with fierce pressure from both teams and very little space to play into. I was incredibly proud of the way we responded. For four quarters, we didn’t flinch.”

Di Parsia said improved defensive spread and structure were major positives, while conceding his side could have won by more with greater polish in attack.

With finals now within reach, Kew faces another crucial challenge against St Kevin’s this week.

Caulfield Grammarians 11.9 (75) def Fitzroy 1.1 (7)

Caulfield Grammarians produced another statement performance, defeating Fitzroy by 68 points.

Kylie Lynch was unstoppable in front of goal, booting five majors, while Serena Kuo added three. The pair led the way alongside Jacinta Baxter as Caulfield continued their outstanding run of form.

Eliza Gorman-Jacobs kicked the Roy’s only goal, with Frances Walsh, Olivia Brilliant and Maddie Smith among the best for the visitors.

Caulfield coach Danielle Di Stefano was particularly pleased with her side’s ball use.

“I was pleased with our connection between lines for four quarters.”

Di Stefano praised a backline that once again stood tall, while highlighting the work rate of the forwards, with Lynch and Kuo making the most of their opportunities.

Fitzroy coach Nathan Jumeau acknowledged Caulfield’s superiority but was encouraged by his side’s response after half-time.

“Caulfield were a level above on the day, they were cleaner and outworked us.”

Jumeau praised Frances Walsh for her best performance of the season through the midfield and Olivia Brilliant for her work across half-back, while identifying the match as an important learning experience against one of the competition’s benchmark teams.

Westbourne Grammarians 2.1 (13) def Old Scotch 10.13 (73)

Old Scotch continued their unbeaten season with a comprehensive win over Westbourne Grammarians.

Eloise Defina starred with four goals, while Anna Vrsecky added two and four other Cardinals found the scoreboard.

Mia Cowan, Sophie McIntosh and Cassidy Mailer were among Old Scotch’s best, with Cowan particularly influential in another strong performance.

Westbourne’s two goals both came through Elsie Conroy, while Gracie Lamers and Temeika Cathery joined Conroy among their best.

Old Scotch coach Dean Anderson praised his side’s ability to execute their game plan despite difficult conditions.

“There was a very tricky cross breeze at Westbourne that complicated the game, but we formulated a plan that worked to our advantage when it was executed.”

Anderson identified clearance work and forward-half pressure as key factors in the victory, although he admitted the Cardinals dropped away somewhat in the second half.

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Looking ahead to Round 16 of William Buck Premier Women’s action, Fitzroy host Old Scotch, Kew travel to St Kevin’s, Caulfield face the red-hot Old Geelong, West Brunswick do battle with a rested Old Brighton and Westbourne Grammarians have the bye.