Premier B Women’s Season Preview

The 2025 season for the VAFA Premier B Women’s competition promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with significant changes shaking up the competition.

Only four teams remain from the 2024 fixture (Beaumaris, St Bedes-Mentone Tigers, Westbourne Grammarians, Old Xaverians), while four strong contenders from Division 1, (Old Melburnians, Marcellin, Old Brighton, Parkdale Vultures) will also join the fray. Coburg come into the mix after dropping down from William Buck Premier, and the newly formed Port Melbourne Chargers will make their VAFA debut.

BEAUMARIS

Beaumaris will hope to build on their 2024 season, having finished fifth on the Premier B ladder with a 6-10 win-loss record.

With new coach Sam Calogero at the helm, the team is eager to improve their standing and earn a spot in the 2025 finals campaign. Calogero will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Sharks, having recently been involved with the Sandringham Dragons Coates Talent Leage program.

An influx of graduating juniors will also bring fresh energy and talent to the team, supporting the experienced players as they look to go one step further this year.

COBURG

Coburg is set for a fresh start in the 2025 Premier B Women’s Competition under new coach Cal Curtis. After finishing seventh in Premier last season with four wins, the team narrowly escaped relegation, however, due to a high turnover of players, Coburg has chosen to drop down a division as they rebuild their squad.

With the large number of list changes, the focus will be on integrating new talent and developing a cohesive unit. Tara Chetcuti has stepped into the role of Captain, supported by Vice Captains Elise Putyra and Jaz Wightman.

Despite the off-season challenges, Coburg is determined to make the most of their new beginning in Premier B and excited to see how far they can go.

MARCELLIN

Marcellin enters the season with a renewed sense of purpose after a memorable 2024 campaign. Despite a tough loss to Old Brighton in the Division 1 Grand Final, the team remains optimistic.

This preseason, Coach Paul Harvey has put an emphasis on skills, ball movement, and positioning, believing the team is fitter than ever. While the team will miss 2024 Team of the Year member Hayley Harley, they are thrilled to welcome back Maddie Rush, who will resume her role as vice-captain. 2024 Division 1 B&F winner Lani Pane returns as captain, leading a new-look leadership group featuring Laura Robertson and Stephanie Bridges.

Marcellin’s quick, attractive style of play will be put to the test in Premier B; however, they should have the star power needed to compete with the rest.

OLD BRIGHTON

Old Brighton starts the season full of confidence after a stellar 2024, where they secured the Division 1 premiership having lost only one game for the year. Coach Andrew Grant acknowledges the increased difficulty of Premier B but remains assured, stating, “We know this season will be more challenging, but we are full of confidence going into it and know that our best will give us a chance to match it with any team.”

During the pre-season, the team has focused on their fitness and running game, which will help them to move the ball quickly, and apply their characteristic pressure.

With a list very similar to last year’s, Old Brighton is poised to continue their success. Key players to watch include Giselle Buckley and Sienna Scott, who are expected to break out this season.

The team’s goals remain consistent: prioritise enjoyment, provide equal opportunities, and always give 100% effort. Grant believes that with these principles, the rest will take care of itself.

OLD MELBURNIANS

Old Melburnians will look to bounce back in 2025, after a frustrating season saw them fall one win short of a finals berth. Reflecting on 2024, coach Nic Stephens stressed the importance of treating every game like a final, after missed opportunities cost them a spot in the top four.

The Omlettes went back to basics over the preseason, sharpening up kicking skills and bringing fitness and strength to the forefront, while also developing their transition and forward entry work.

Key recruits to watch for include Ollie Mclean, Zari Mildenhall and Lily Wallace, while Omlette fans will be excited to see the return of Ellen Williams and Steph Barnett, after both players were sidelined with long-term injuries last year.

The team’s goal is clear: win the flag. “We’re under no illusions that it’s going to be a challenging season with so many talented teams in the comp, but we’ve got a real belief internally that our best can go all the way,” Stephens said.

OLD XAVERIANS

Old Xaverians are looking to turn things around in 2025, after finishing at the bottom of the ladder last year with just three wins.

The team welcomes a new coach in Doug Greenough, who brings a wealth of experience from school, state league, and talent pathway football.

Under Greenough’s guidance, Old Xaverians hope to leverage his expertise to develop their players and improve their performance. With a fresh approach and renewed determination, the team is focused on climbing the ladder and making a significant impact this season.

PARKDALE VULTURES

Parkdale Vultures join the Premier B Women’s competition with high hopes after a strong showing in Division 1 last year. Despite losing to Marcellin in the preliminary final, the team finished 3rd on the ladder with an 8-8 record, highlighting their potential.

This season, the Vultures have bolstered their coaching staff with the addition of Josh Hudson, who will support head coach Mark Allen.

With their strengthened leadership, Parkdale will strive to build on last year’s success and make finals once again.

PORT MELBOURNE CHARGERS

Port Melbourne Chargers enter Premier B in their inaugural season, marking a significant milestone for the newly established club. The Chargers have worked quickly to build a strong team culture from the ground up, emphasising inclusivity and player development.

On the field, the Chargers have turned focus to their defensive structures and transition play, with a strong emphasis on skills development. “We want to be a team that is known for its hard running and pressure,” said coach Harriet Cooper.

The primary goal for the Chargers this year is to build a competitive team and establish themselves in the VAFA competition. While playing finals is an aspiration, the focus is on creating a supportive environment for the players and laying a strong foundation for the future.

With several recruits making the move across, as well as a talented group of players moving up from Port Colt Juniors, expect the Chargers to make an immediate impact.

ST BEDES/MENTONE TIGERS

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers is set to embark on a development journey this year, after losing several valued players. Despite finishing fourth on the ladder in 2024 and narrowly going down to Fitzroy in the semi-final, the team is focused on growth this season.

The team will commence the season under the guidance of new head coach Meg Fisher. Having been a part of the Tigers family since 2017 when she joined the inaugural women’s team, Fisher brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of the club’s culture, prioritising an inclusive environment where players can excel.

As the Tigers look to rebuild, they aim to foster a strong team spirit and develop their players’ skills, setting a solid foundation for future success.

WESTBOURNE GRAMMARIANS

Westbourne Grammarians gear up for their second season in Premier B, looking to build on the valuable lessons learned from their inaugural year in the VAFA.

The preseason focus has been recruiting to add depth, increasing players’ strength and fitness, and enhancing their understanding of game strategy.

Coach Chris Grant identified that their ability to move the ball into the forward 50 was a positive from their first season, however, they struggled to capitalise on their opportunities. With the addition of young guns such as Alesha Ibrahim, and the continued development of upcoming stars like Temeika Cathery, the team hopes to improve their scoring power in 2025.

Unfortunately, Caitlin Brennan will miss the season due to a knee injury, though the return of emerging star Gracie Lamers will bring a smile to Westbourne fans.

As one of the younger sides in the competition, Westbourne Grammarians will be sure to improve at a rapid rate and should not be underestimated.