Parkdale hold strong to win Premiership – Division 3 Women’s Grand Final Review

Parkdale Vultures are Division 3 Women’s Premiers after a thrilling Grand Final on Saturday.

Neither team could add a goal to their tally in the first quarter as the Hearts and Vultures tried to shake off any early Grand Final nerves.

It was Parkdale who struck first, kicking one in the second quarter. Whilst their defence kept Old Haileybury scoreless in the first half.

The Hearts lifted in the third quarter, proving they were down but definitely not out by kicking two goals to the Vultures one for the quarter. This set up an incredible last quarter with a four-point difference, one goal either way could’ve spelt victory for either team.

It was tense right to the final siren as Parkdale kicked a decisive two points late that made all the difference.

The Vultures were victorious by four points, winning the 2026 Division 3 Women’s flag.

Parkdale’s Jess Welford did it all on the weekend, not only the captain and coach of the side, but was electric on field, excelling at both ends to receive the Best on Ground Medal.

Welford expressed her pride in the group’s performance.

“The game was a typical Grand Final, with both teams fully committed from the start. Haileybury are a strong side and definitely made us work hard right until the final siren.

“Despite a challenging game and our scoring opportunities letting us down, it was a fantastic effort from every player as we brought home the win.

“I’m incredibly proud of all the girls as we’ve been up against it for numbers for the whole season, but everyone knew their roles each week and gave a 100% effort without question. A beautiful group of girls, I couldn’t be any prouder.”

Old Haileybury coach David Lappage looked at their loss constructively.

“We got off to a slow start and then when our captain was knocked out and stretched from the ground 10 minutes into the game, our girls seemed shocked and stunned.

“For the next quarter and a half, we were probably playing a little within ourselves, and it wasn’t until the third quarter where the real Haileybury started to play.

“Our intensity and attack on the ball in the second half was ferocious and we were the dominant team but to Parkdale’s credit they were able to contain our scoring power.

“Ciara Scahill was fantastic down back, Leesa Guastella was fantastic off half back and Ruby Hartney completed a great finals campaign in the middle. I couldn’t be prouder of the girls with where they have come from to achieve what they have this year and I look forward to what the future holds with this very young group.”