Port Charge home to secure inaugural VAFA victory

The opening round of the Division 4 Women’s 2025 season delivered strong early statements, thrilling match-ups, individual brilliance, and a moment of league history.

The Preston Bullants kicked off their campaign with a gritty and composed 18-point win over West Brunswick. In what was a closely contested battle for much of the day, it was Preston’s forward firepower that ultimately proved decisive.

Suwindi Buckley was a standout, slotting three goals and leading from the front. The Bullants’ work around the stoppages gave them clean looks inside 50, where Buckley capitalised with confidence.

West Brunswick battled hard and showed structure in their play but struggled to match Preston’s efficiency when it mattered most.

All eyes were on Port Melbourne Chargers this weekend as they made their much-awaited VAFA debut – and they did not disappoint. In front of a proud home crowd, the Chargers stormed to a historic 75-point win over Oakleigh.

Paige Holt was simply electric in the forward line, booting five majors and will no doubt be one to watch for those opposition defenders. Her pace and finishing touch were a constant threat, and Oakleigh had few answers. Across the ground, the Chargers looked well-drilled, composed, and hungry. It was a powerful statement from the competition newcomers who are clearly ready to contend from the outset.

Chunmin Zhou and Claire Peters were named best on for the home side, while Gisselle Jones-Wilson was a stand out for Oakleigh on a tough day out.

St Kevin’s brought their trademark intensity and system into Round 1, overcoming a spirited Fitzroy by 25 points. Last year’s Div 4 Women’s premiers hit the ground running with their winning form and a cohesive looking outfit. The game saw several momentum swings, but it was SKOB’s ability to convert under pressure that proved telling.

Petra Edwards and Elizabeth Macey were crucial contributors, each kicking two goals and providing spark through the middle and forward half.

Fitzroy showed fight and glimpses of promise but couldn’t maintain the same level of polish across four quarters. Still, their competitiveness bodes well for the weeks to come.

Westbourne Grammarians delivered a clinical and complete performance, recording the biggest win of the Round in Division 3 Women’s with an 85-point thumping over the Monash Blues. It was a display of attacking flair and defensive structure, led by Ashleigh Pearson who starred with four goals.

The Grammarians dominated possession, moved the ball with purpose, and suffocated Monash’s forward entries. Pearson’s strength in marking contests and ability to finish cleanly underlined her value in Westbourne’s forward mix. They are making their mark early as one’s to watch under the experienced guise of skipper Ella Dickie.

For Monash, it was a tough initiation, but the match will provide valuable lessons as they find their rhythm in the weeks ahead. Aimee Vuong managed the sole major for the Blues on Saturday afternoon, and Ruby Rosas and Skye Blackshaw were amongst the best in a match up that proved an up-hill battle.

Unfortunately, the final clash of the round was decided off the field as Old Xaverians were forced to forfeit, handing Beaumaris the points. While both sides would have preferred to open their seasons on the park, Beaumaris will take the early ladder advantage as they gear up for their first competitive hit-out next week. Old Xavs will be keen to regroup and come back strong in Round 2.

With Round 1 wrapped, the season is already showing signs of intrigue and unpredictability. Port Melbourne Chargers dream debut and Westbourne’s blistering form are early talking points, while Preston’s balance of experience and emerging talent sets them up nicely. Individual stars have already made their mark, proving that this year’s competition won’t be short on standout performers.

As we look ahead to Round 2, fans can expect tighter contests, improved cohesion, and more breakout performances. Kicking things off, Oakleigh are set to host Old Xaverians while Westbourne Grammarians travel to face Fitzroy. Either West Brunswick or Monash Blues will secure their first win of the season as they do battle in the early hours at McAlister Oval. While the match of the round is set to be a showdown between St Kevin’s and Port Melbourne Chargers. Rounding out the weekend, Beaumaris will use the yellow Sherrin when they host Preston Bullants in the late afternoon time slot. If Round 1 is any indication, the 2025 Division 4 Women’s season is shaping up to be one to remember.