2026 Division 1 Women’s Team of the Year

The 2026 VAFA Women’s Division 1 Team of the Year has been announced, recognising and celebrating the standout players from across the competition after another exciting season of football.

Ormond, Power House and Marcellin were separated by just one win across the home & away season, with Monash Blues finishing a game-and-a-half clear of Whitefriars to claim fourth spot.

Marcellin eliminated the Blues in the First Semi, while Power House won straight through to Grand Final day with a 14-point win over Ormond, who rebounded to take care of Marcellin by 14 points in the Prelim to set up a Grand Final rematch.

The Monders led by 7 points at quarter-time, and after a tight opening three quarters, three unanswered final-term goals saw Power House win a historic women’s premiership by 23 points, capping an outstanding season of football.

Players from eight clubs have been selected in the Team of the Year line-up, reflecting the competition’s evenness. And what an incredibly talented and accomplished group we have here!

Good luck to any Division 1 rep team trying to take this side on!

Here is the 2026 Division 1 Women’s Team of the Year, as compiled by VAFA Media reporter Bailey Walsh, with feedback and analysis from coaches, umpires and media across the home & away season:

Premiers Power House have three players selected, with Lauren Boyle at half-forward, Grace Read providing ruck support, and Caoilfhionn Culliton leading the team as skipper and defensive general. Premiership coach Anna Sallows caps her outstanding maiden season by also being named the Coach of the Year.

Runners-up Ormond also provide four representatives, with league Best & Fairest Maddi Wilson a lynchpin in the middle alongside Olivia Steinfort, and leading goalkicker Bella Gietzmann a key target up forward. Promising Rising Star shortlister Izabela Ignjic rounds out Ormond’s representation, adding energy off the bench.

Whitefriars also have four players in the side, with Caitlin Ryan starting in the ruck, Maeve Bohanna and Carly Notting featuring up forward, and Kaitlyn Wallace providing excellent depth from the bench.

Monash Blues also have four representatives, with Ruby Hancock and Anna Purtill selected in defence, Emily Conroy on the ball, and Ruby Rosas earning a place on the interchange.

Marcellin have three representatives following their run to the preliminary final. Charlotte McGilp has been selected across half-back, T Zagontinos features at half-forward, and Alana Pane will provide plenty of on-ball energy and class.

Old Carey have two players recognised, with the brilliant Lia Kelvie selected at centre half-back, and Lucy Wynne on the wing.

La Trobe’s Kaitlyn Ritchie has earned a spot in the back pocket, while Oakleigh’s Sienna Bernardo will find plenty of the footy as always and hit the scoreboard up forward.

Congratulations to all selected in this impressive line-up!

A Team of the Year from each senior VAFA section (plus Under 19 Premier Men’s & Women’s) will be selected and published on the VAFA website and socials in the coming weeks.