Division 3 Women’s Season Preview

A fresh chapter begins in VAFA’s Division 3 Women’s competition, with a new-look line-up of clubs set to battle it out in 2025. With six teams stepping up from Division 4, two coming down from Division 2, and two fresh entries, the competition is shaping up as an exciting watch for VAFA fans. 

The six promoted sides from Division 4: Albert Park, Canterbury, Elsternwick, North Brunswick, South Melbourne Districts and St Marys Salesian will be eager to prove they belong at this level. Meanwhile, the two teams relegated from Division 2, Mazenod and Old Camberwell will be determined to bounce back. The competition will also welcome two brand-new teams Ormond and Prahran. Here’s a look at the teams set to compete in Division 3 this season.

ALBERT PARK 

Albert Park enters the 2025 season with a new coaching direction under Anthony De Jong, marking his first year at the helm after Johannah Griffin’s departure. Griffin, a VAFA and club legend, was an inaugural player for the Falcons in 2019 and has won the past four league Best and Fairests.

The team is adjusting to significant player changes, with both Griffin and full-forward Kate Lang leaving the club. To fill the gaps left by these key departures, De Jong has introduced a fresh game plan, one that focuses on a more inclusive approach where everyone has a role to play, emphasizing the shift away from the previous reliance on star players. 

With a young and dynamic squad, the Falcons will be one to watch in 2025, albeit without some club stalwarts.

CANTERBURY

The Cobras will look to build upon a 2024 season which saw them finish eighth on the ladder in Division 4. With head coach James Sabell at the helm.

The Cobras will attempt to utilise their VAFA experience against the sides that are new to VAFA football and won’t be surprised by familiar foes who have made the jump from Division 4 to Division 3.

ELSTERNWICK

Elsternwick heads into the 2025 season with a sense of continuity, retaining the majority of their senior players. Under the leadership of head coach Olivia Powell, a former player herself, the Wickers are focusing on building a strong team culture both on and off the field. 

However, the team will need to adjust to the loss of full-back Vanessa Kovarik, a key defensive pillar in past seasons. Recruitment has been a major focus over the pre-season, and the Wickers have added promising new faces, including Eilish Horsfall and Maddy Riddle from AJAX.

With a solid foundation built over previous years, Powell is looking for her team to grow in confidence, sharpen their skills, and continue evolving. With a mix of seasoned leaders and exciting fresh talent, Elsternwick will be eager to prove themselves in Division 3.

MAZENOD 

Mazenod begins the 2025 season in a period of transition, with significant player turnover but a strong foundation in fitness, stoppage work, and team culture under second-year coach Matt Foale. 

The club farewells a number of experienced players, including long-time captain and seven-time Best and Fairest winner Claudia McGuire, who retires after making history as the first woman to play 100 games for Mazenod. Other key departures have made an impact; however, these losses have been countered by an influx of fresh talent, including several first-time Senior footballers and returning players, bringing experience back into the squad. 

The squad’s varied experience levels have also shaped the coaching approach, with a renewed focus on skill development and game education, aided by new Assistant Coach Kamahl Cogdon. 

OLD CAMBERWELL

Old Camberwell, alongside Mazenod are the two sides that were relegated from Division 2 in 2024. The Wellers will be determined to have a bounce back campaign in 2025 with Coach Nick Hooper leading from the front, after competing as a merged team with AJAX last season.

Despite winning just the single game in 2024, Old Camberwell will look to utilise their Division 2 experience against clubs moving up from Division 4 and don’t be surprised to see them pushing for a spot back in Division 2 at the end of the 2025 season.

ORMOND

Ormond are one of two sides alongside Prahran that have re-entered the VAFA Women’s competition this year. The Monders will be led by Coach Oscar Persson and will hope to bring some excitement and flare as the new kids on the block. Stay tuned for how they fare come Round 1.

NORTH BRUNSWICK

North Brunswick heads into 2025 looking to build on a milestone season, having won its first game in years and securing a finals appearance after being regraded following Round 4.

While the Bulls have seen significant player turnover, with several key contributors—including Best and Fairest winner Denver Adams—departing, they’ve welcomed a fresh crop of footballers eager to make their mark. The focus throughout pre-season has been on mastering the basics, ensuring new players are ready to step up. Beyond the on-field results, North Brunswick is striving to be a side that is both tough to play against and respected for its sportsmanship.

PRAHRAN

Prahran dives into the 2025 season with a fresh start under Coach Don Angus. The focus during pre-season has been on education, skill development, and forging strong team bonds.

Prahran’s game style will centre on keeping possession and controlling play. With an emphasis on a simple, structured approach, Angus is steering the squad toward a system that allows them to minimise opposition opportunities while maximising their own scoring potential. With a mix of raw talent, enthusiasm, and a coach dedicated to player growth, Prahran will be one of the most intriguing teams to watch in Division 3.

SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS 

After steady progress in recent years, South Melbourne Districts enters 2025 with high expectations and a well-defined approach under third-year coach Deb Konopnicki.

Learning from last season, Konopnicki has placed an emphasis on empowering players to take ownership of in-game decisions, ensuring they can react well in high-stakes moments. With strong player retention and an exciting injection of midfield and forward-line talent, the squad looks well-equipped to build on last season’s foundation. With internal competition for spots driving higher standards, expect South Melbourne to be a well-drilled, connected, and competitive force in 2025. 

ST MARY’S SALESIAN

St Mary’s Salesian head into the season with a strong emphasis on team-first football, bonding, and a positive mindset under Coach Terry Burt. The club has built its foundations around enjoyment and player development, believing that results will follow naturally. 

On the field, St Mary’s is aiming to play an aggressive and relentless style of football, hunting both the ball and the opposition with intensity. While the focus is on growth rather than immediate results, expect a competitive and well-connected team that will push opponents every week.