Scotch Stars continue to dazzle

The William Buck Premier Women’s competition was welcomed back from the double bye with wild and wintery conditions, asking the question of which teams are the best at wet weather footy.

To kick things off, two finals contenders in Collegians and Caulfield Grammarians faced off, with Caulfield coming out on top.

Both sides struggled to adapt to the wet conditions in the first term, as the two teams combined for just three scoring shots. Accuracy proved to be the main difference in the first half, with Caulfield kicking three straight goals to take an 8-point lead into the main break.

Caulfield were able to assert their dominance in the third, adding another 19 points to their tally while holding Collegians scoreless, however, Collegians kicked the last two majors of the game to bring the final margin back to 20 points.

The win might prove crucial in the finals race, with Caulfield now sitting just two points behind 4^th-placed Collegians.

The conditions did not seem to affect Serena Kuo who was immense for Grammarians, finishing with three goals and the best-on honours. For Collegians, Krystal Russell and Scarlett Orritt were brave in defeat.

Coburg were no match for Old Scotch when the two sides met at Piranha Park, with the visitors trouncing the home side by 33 points.

Old Scotch led at every break, with their star power proving far too strong for Coburg. Had Old Scotch been more accurate in front of goals, the scoreline could have looked a lot worse for the Lions, with the final scores reading 3.0 (18) to 6.15 (51).

2024 Big V players, Amy Duguid and Mia Cowan, were in the best for their respective sides, with Cowan finishing the day with an impressive five majors.

West Brunswick have kept themselves in finals contention, with a 31-point win over Monash Blues.

It was a tough first quarter for both sides, with neither managing to score. Monash got on the board first with a point early in the second term, after which West Brunswick began to take control.

West Brunswick really found their footing in the second half, kicking four goals while only allowing Monash one additional behind.

Taylah Watson was the only multiple goal scorer of the game, rightfully earning the praise of her coaches. For Monash, Ella Stephenson impressed with her never-say-die attitude.

Melbourne University were at home for their annual First Nations match, celebrating indigenous culture in a special day. The Mugars were aiming to do what no other side has been able to do so far in 2024 – defeat St Kevin’s.

It was a tight first half in which both teams held slender leads at different stages.

At half time when the scores were deadlocked at 16 apiece, the Mugars would have been hopeful of causing an almighty upset and registering their third win of the season. However, St Kevin’s had different ideas and did what they have done all season, upping the ante in the second half to kick a further 3.4 (22) whilst holding Melbourne University scoreless to run away comfortable winners at the end.

St Kevin’s had five individual goal kickers in the absence of key forward, Sarah Cameron, while Tess Cattle named as their best on ground.

For Melbourne University, Jolyn Collins stood tall with a strong performance, while Nell Washington battled hard in what was her 50^th game for the club.

Kew were looking to hold their place in the top 3 when they travelled to Doncaster Reserve to take on Old Yarra Cobras, who were at risk of a sixth consecutive loss.

Ashlea Melnikas got the Bears off to a strong start, kicking the only goal of the first term in what were challenging conditions. By half-time, Kew had worked hard to establish a 25-point lead, keeping the Cobras scoreless. The Cobras managed to wrestle their way back in the second half, holding their own to fall by 28 points at the final siren.

Evie Lee was recognised post-match for her strong performance for the home side, while Amelia Dawborn dominated from start to finish for Kew.

With six rounds remaining, there appears to be six sides still in finals contention, while four sides are left to battle their way out of relegation.

In Round 13, Caulfield will be seeking revenge against Old Yarra Cobras for the 1-point loss they experienced in their previous encounter, while Coburg are looking to break a 3-match losing streak but will come up against a tough opponent in Kew. The top two sides will face the bottom two sides, with Monash Blues travelling to Righetti Oval to face an intimidating St Kevin’s outfit while Melbourne University will come up against Old Scotch at Camberwell Sportsground. The final match looks to be the match of the round, as Collegians will host West Brunswick with a lot at stake for the two finals contenders.