Thrilling finish heading into finals – Division 4 Women’s Round 16 Review

The top four is locked in, with Aquinas crowned minor premiers, while Mazenod, Wattle Park and Old Xaverians make up the remaining finalists.

Brunswick, Albert Park, Canterbury and MUWFC all finished the season with seven wins, while North Brunswick and Fitzroy both finished with four.

Albert Park 5.11 (41) def Canterbury 3.3 (21)

The round commenced at Bill Woodfull Oval, with Albert Park finishing their 2026 campaign with back-to-back victories, recording a 20-point win to secure their seventh victory of the season and sixth place on the ladder.

The Falcons had the perfect start, kicking the only goal of the opening quarter through Emma Calvert.

Albert Park continued their momentum in the second term, with Ariel Paterson finding the goals midway through the quarter before Amy Smyth kicked the Falcons’ second goal of the term, extending their lead to 27 points at half-time.

To Canterbury’s credit, they fought back in the third quarter, kicking their first two goals of the game.

Albert Park responded late through Karina Stankute, but Canterbury answered with a goal at the three-quarter-time siren to reduce the margin to 21 points heading into the final term.

After a tightly contested start to the last quarter, Canterbury added another goal just after the halfway mark. Zoe Dragoi responded with a goal in the closing stages to seal a 20-point victory for the Falcons.

Ariel Paterson, Emma Calvert, Zoe Dragoi, Amy Smyth and Karina Stankute all hit the scoreboard, finishing with one goal apiece.

Albert Park coach Anthony De Jong was delighted with his side’s strong finish to the season, which also saw Ariel Paterson celebrate her 50-game milestone.

“In brisk and still conditions so start, we were able to have a good first half. With Canterbury’s defensive pressure, we had difficulty kicking straight. A first half goal to 50^th game Ari Patterson was a highlight.

“A nice goal from ‘Joey’ Dragoi in the last quarter put the result beyond doubt. The game was played in good spirits with a good balance of contested play and open play.

“The second half was more even. A big shoutout to retiring players Sarah Grace and Katie Talbot who not only have been great on the field but also put in a mountain of work off the field.”

Best

Albert Park: Ariel Paterson, Bonnie Grining, Rhiann O’Donnell, Katie Talbot, Sarah Grace, Vanessa Gan

Canterbury: Olivia Feutrill, Danielle Calvisi, Lauren Bailey, Keira Jebb, Tess Holt, Courtney Shaw

Aquinas 5.7 (37) def Mazenod 3.2 (20)

Aquinas have finished the season on a five-game winning streak, securing their 11th win of the campaign with a 17-point victory over Mazenod at JW Manson Reserve.

The Bloods had the perfect start, kicking the only goal of the opening quarter. Mazenod responded midway through the second term, registering their first score of the game.

Emily Box added a goal for Aquinas, while Asher De Klijn continued her strong form in front of goal with two majors, extending the margin to 21 points at half-time.

While neither side was able to find the goals in the third quarter, both teams’ defensive efforts were impressive as they battled hard in a tightly contested term.

Kate McKenna got the scoring underway at the start of the final quarter before Mazenod responded with two goals of their own to finish the game strongly.

However, the Bloods held firm to secure the 17-point victory and the crucial four points to lock up top spot and finish the season as Minor Premiers.

Asher De Klijn and Emily Box were both on song in front of goal, finishing with two goals each, while Chelsea Delbridge added one major.

Aquinas coach Phil Box highlighted the club’s Mental Health Round, with Mazenod players and supporters joining in post-game activities, including the water slide and ice pool, while supporting the market stalls and helping raise awareness of the important issue.

“It’s what we’ll remember most when we’ve forgotten the stats and scores of the game. Congratulations to Rhiannon Walch on our committee who was the brains and foreperson on what was a huge day.”

Despite the result, Mazenod coach Matt Foale was pleased with his side’s efforts.

“It was a good hard spirited game. The girls had a real crack but came up short. Aquinas played the conditions better than we did. Erin Hopkins worked hard all day, while Evangeline Clough Good was inspiration for us, coming out of retirement and having a big impact on the game… Hopefully we can turn things around next week, when we play Aquinas again in the second semi-final.”

Best

Aquinas: Dianna Haines, Molly Licciardi, Hannah Jones, Millie Edwards, Louise Morris, Emily Box

Mazenod: Erin Hopkins, Olivia Snart, Scarlett Moresi, Iliana Skantzos, Evangeline Clough Good, Matilda McKenzie

Brunswick 7.11 (53) def Old Xaverians 0.1 (1)

Brunswick finished their 2026 campaign on a high note, recording their seventh win of the season with a convincing 52-point victory over Old Xaverians to finish fifth on the ladder.

Brunswick started strong, kicking three goals in the opening quarter before adding another major in the second term.

The home side continued to control the contest after half-time, adding two goals in the third quarter and another in the final term to run out comfortable winners and secure the four points.

Jolyn Collins led the way in front of goal with two majors, while Jessica Briggs, Cobie Farmer, Laura Geissler, Stephanie-Jade Szuhai-Andrews and Tahlia Hayes each finished with one goal.

Brunswick coach Amy Lee was delighted with her side’s four quarter performance showcasing the brand of football and teamwork that has defined their season.

“In the midfield, Emily Molnar and Meadhbh Larkin continued to lead with grit and determination, creating plenty of opportunities through their strong link-up play with the forward line.

“Tahlia Hayes got the scoreboard ticking early, while Jolyn Collins booted two goals to send the crowd into celebration. Elsie Daddows impressed with her relentless second efforts and tackling pressure throughout the match.

“A special thank you to Morgyn McCarthy and Meg Mac, retiring Renos for the season! 

“A great way to end the season, in my first year of coaching, I couldn’t be prouder of this group. Good luck to Old Xavs for the finals!

Best

Brunswick: Jolyn Collins, Elsie Daddows, Cobie Farmer, Tahlia Hayes, Meadhbh Larkin, Emily Molnar

Old Xaverians: India Harries, Zahli Burgess, Molly Blood, Charli Wapshott, Annabelle White, Ashley Rowan

Fitzroy 2.0 (12) def by North Brunswick 3.3 (21)

In a competitive contest that remained close for most of the match, North Brunswick recorded their sixth win of the season, defeating Fitzroy by nine points at W.T. Peterson Oval.

Fitzroy got off to a hot start, with Alanna Badenhorst kicking the opening goal of the game to give the home side the lead at quarter-time.

The second quarter produced an entertaining battle across the ground, with both teams giving it their all and putting on a great spectacle for those in attendance.

The Roy’s got the scoring underway in the third quarter through Isabel Tozer in the latter stages of the term, extending the home side’s lead to 11 points at three-quarter-time.

The Bulls finished the game strongly, producing an impressive comeback by kicking three goals in the final quarter to overturn the deficit and secure the four points.

Ruby-Rose Gibson-Haywood was terrific in front of goal, finishing with two majors, while Amy-Kate Cooper added one goal.

North Brunswick coach Jake Barclay described the match as an intriguing contest, admitting he wasn’t sure what to expect from Fitzroy. He praised his side for believing in the process and executing their game plan when it mattered most, describing the victory as a special win.

“After Fitzroy got the first goal on the board in the first quarter, we had the mindset to defend first and attack second which is what kept us in the game for so long.”

“We spent a majority of the game defending and to the credit of the group they were able to hold them to the one major for majority of the game.

“At the three-quarter time huddle and after Fitzroy had scored their second goal, we pulled the trigger to be more aggressive and take the game on. We changed up our hit target in the midfield and everything just clicked.”

“Isabelle (Izzy) Brennan got on top of the ruck battle and we were able to set up defensively off the back of repeat forward 50 entries.”

“Ruby-Rose Gibson-Haywood provided so much link up across half forward and was able to covert two majors in the last quarter.

“Denver Adams, Meagan Dick, Isabelle Brennan and Mary Ntalianis all put on a clinic in the fourth quarter with some of the best mid craft I’ve seen this year from any team, they were so clinical and determined.”

“Tahlia Sheilds-Bathgate and Lauren Balcombe our two key backs kept us in the game for three quarter and took some big intercepts in crucial times.

“Lastly, special shoutout to the Bulls community that came and created a big atmosphere. Being a twilight game, we had a massive support from the men’s players and supporters roll over from West Brunswick following their game and the atmosphere was electric.

“It was great to finish the year off altogether and sing the song in front of everyone.”

Best

Fitzroy: Evie Deasey, Eilish Wallace, Claudia Hetherington, Sophie Carolan, Sophia Carr, Ella Menzies

North Brunswick: Ruby-Rose Gibson-Haywood, Anne Spain, Denver Adams, Maegan Dick, Lauren Balcombe, Mary Ntalianis

MUWFC 2.1 (13) def by Wattle Park 2.11 (23)

The regular season wrapped up with a Sunday afternoon clash, as Wattle Park recorded their 10th win of the season defeating MUWFC by 10 points to move into third place on the ladder.

It was an even opening quarter, with Wattle Park edging ahead after kicking two goals to one. Both teams battled hard through a grindy second term, with the Animals taking a 10-point lead into the half-time break.

MUWFC managed to add one goal in the second half, but Wattle Park’s defensive pressure stood up when it mattered most.

The visitors produced some tough defensive plays late in the contest to hold on for the 10-point victory and secure the four points.

Wattle Park coach Mel Dell’Olio was delighted with his side’s performance, particularly given they were unable to move positions on the ladder.

With the finals picture already set, Dell’Olio was pleased to see his side bounce back from their earlier-season loss to MUWFC and finish the regular season on a winning note.

“The team embraced the unfamiliar start time outlying a uniform effort across every line, absorbing their physicality while countlessly surging forward.

“We’ll continue to work on finishing opportunities set up in front of goals. Big shoutout and sending love to Stacey Malloy, enjoying a terrific first year of footy who went down with a knee injury just before half time.”

Best

MUWFC: Daisy Sudholz, Gabrielle McDonald, Jacinta Cole, Mickey Gostencnik, Amelia Thompson, Ceara Kaschula

Wattle Park: Ebony Ratcliffe, Lucy Eales, Laura Sonnemann, Georgie Dillon, Jemima Clancy, Rani Knight