Marcellin and Old Brighton remain undefeated to set up massive Round 4

Annie Ireland

Marcellin and Old Brighton have cemented their position as the heavyweights in the competition, flexing their muscles again this week with big wins to remain as the two undefeated teams. However, only one side will remain undefeated post-Round 4 as the two go head-to-head, whilst Brunswick are still searching for their first win of the season.

Old Haileybury would’ve hoped to recover from a tough one-point loss last weekend, although it wasn’t to be against Marcellin, suffering a 32-point loss. It was an even contest in the first half, Haileybury kicking 3.3. to Marcellin’s 6.4 at the main break and still looked to be in with a sniff for the rest of the game.

However, a strong second half from Marcellin showed why they are such a threat this year. Whilst they only kicked 2.7 for the remainder of the game, their defence managed to keep Haileybury scoreless for the entire second half showing that they have a well-rounded game style- playing well offensively in the first half and defending their lead in the second half.

Co-captains Bridget Hanrahan and Isabella Scaunich were both strong for Haileybury, whilst Zoe Glascott was a clear best on ground once again, kicking five of Marcellin’s eight goals.

Next up, Marcellin will travel to Brighton Oval to take on Old Brighton in the match of the round, with the winner to remain as the only undefeated team in the comp. On the other side of town, Old Haileybury goes to Gillon Oval to play the winless Brunswick in what should be a victory for Haileybury.

Old Brighton and the Parkdale Vultures were both coming off 100+ point victories in Round 2 where they impressively both kept their opponents scoreless; this was an indicator for a competitive matchup between two sides who are not shy in front of goals. Old Brighton was the better side on the day coming away with a 43-point victory. Like other games this weekend, the first half was an even contest- 1.2 to 3.4 at the main change.

However, Old Brighton just proved too strong, kicking another four goals after half time, holding Parkdale scoreless, and to just eight points for the game. Similar to Marcellin, the Tonners showed why they can be such a dominant team this season as they have a strong offensive and defensive style of play and can power away to win games when it matters.

Whilst there was not much to celebrate for the Vultures on the scoreboard, Shaedyn Aylen was their best player after kicking their only goal for the day, continuing her stellar form after her nomination for the Anytime Fitness Rising Star the weekend prior in Round 2.

India and Jasmine Tait starred once again for Brighton, whilst Lily Tait scored a goal. Caterina O’Brien demonstrated why she is one of the co-captains for this year, kicking three goals for the game.

Parkdale currently sit fourth on the ladder, their strong percentage from a big win in Round Two helping them to clear the pack of teams all on four points. However, if they really want to cement themselves within the top four, they need to look towards a return to form when they host Old Melburnians next weekend.

For Brighton, it’s the headline clash against fellow premiership cup favourites Marcellin at Brighton Beach Oval.

Old Melburnians suffered a second consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of Old Xaverians by 21 points. It was promising signs for Old Melburnians in the first half who went into the main break with a one-goal lead.

However, after half time Old Xavs came out to play, kicking another four goals for the match and as we have seen in other games this weekend, keeping the opposition scoreless for the remainder of the game.

Clare Fraser was best on for Old Melburnians with a goal to her name, whilst Jess Gough and Emma Chamberlain were also impressive. For Xavs, Maggie Gaffney was one of their best with a three-goal haul, and Mel Clarke was also equally impressive.

Old Camberwell also registered their first win for the season, with a strong showing against the winless Brunswick. A three-goal second quarter from Camberwell set up the rest of the game, taking a lead into the second half that Brunswick were unable to overcome.

Inaccuracy also got the better of Brunswick, finishing with 2.7 for the game. This proved even more costly given their opposition was kicking straight for the game.

Isabella Griffin was arguably best on ground, with a four-goal haul to seal victory for her team, whilst captain Justine Gabriel was also impressive. Emma Mactaggart and captain Clare Woodhouse were the best for Brunswick.