By Jono Venn.
Donvale
Pos: 7th (0-5, 20.59%)
For (Rank): 16.8 (7th)
Against (Rank): 81.6 (1st)
Leading Goalkicker: Monica Latino (3)
Last year’s runner’s up from Premier B, much like the premiers Whitehorse, have had a similar difficult path this year alongside the A teams having been merged with them this season.
They’ve come closest to a win against Mount Evelyn, where Monica Latino booted two majors, going down to the Rovers by 11 points.
For the matches to come, they have another shot at redemption going up against Whitehorse, but they have both Vermont and SBL Wolves twice in the closing seven matches, while they will play the Eastern Devils once.
Eastern Devils White
Pos: 1st (6-0, 286.62%) Avg. Points For (Rank): 75 (1st) Avg. Points Against (Rank): 26 (7th) Leading Goalkicker: Shelley Beggs (20)
The Devils senior side have continued their unbeaten run of form since the Premier A Grand Final win of last year, all thanks to experienced campaigners like Shelley Beggs, Ash Allsopp and Olivia Aing.
As senior coach Jason Cridland correctly predicted, Cass Stephens has been extraordinary in the ruck, helping Nat Bjelan really well- excelling after spending most of last year in the twos.
New skipper Jas Harrison has excelled in her role, featuring in the bests twice. The Devs have also seen Nicole Price go really well in the forward line, booting 12 goals from four matches.
Given the side’s incredible form, it’s hard to tell if they’ll drop a game in the home- and-away season. South Croydon is the best chance to topple them- they’ll meet in Round 9 at Cheong Park.
Mount Evelyn
Pos: 5th (3-4, 88.99%)
Avg. Points For (Rank): 27.7 (6th)
Avg. Points Against (Rank): 31.14 (5th)
Leading Goalkicker: Mackenzie Adams (7)
The Rovers have had a fair start to the season, They’re the only side to have played seven straight matches without a bye.
They came close to defeating the second-placed South Croydon, going down by 4 points at home. Mackenzie Adams has been one of their most consistent players, starring up forward.
To finish off the season, they face each side once. Their byes come this weekend and also in Round 11.
SBL Wolves Black
Pos: 4th (3-3, 89.38%) Avg. Points For (Rank): 33.66 (4th) Avg. Points Against (Rank): 37.66 (3rd) Leading Goalkicker: Olivia Flanagan (5)
Much like the Wolves reserves side, the seniors are fourth.
They are well and truly reaping the benefits of having Olivia Flanagan on the Wolves list full time, having stepped down from VFLW duties. VFLW experience is also at the fore with the help of Nicky Cormack, who has made three appearances this year, featuring in the best six twice.
Captain Baylie Withers has been exceptional, featuring in the bests thrice. A defensive general, she is steering the ship very well in 2023.
The Wolves had a great close win against Vermont by 5 points plus solid wins against Whitehorse and Mount Evelyn.
SBL can probably finish as high as third, with probable wins to come against Donvale (who they will face twice) and Mount Evelyn. The game against the Eastern Devils will be one to watch, plus they’re set for a big finish against Vermont- who, as mentioned before, they have the wood over in 2023.
South Croydon Blue
Pos: 2nd (5-1, 168.24%) Avg. Points For (Rank): 47.66 (2nd)
Avg. Points Against (Rank): 28.33 (6th)
Leading Goalkicker: Taylah Black (17)
The Bulldogs are having a blinder. They’ve been an incredible side this year, only losing to the Eastern Devils under lights at Mulgrave, they’re firming as a premiership contender.
They’ve introduced new talent like Ella Bibby, who has snagged 5 goals from four games- kicking four in the opening round against SBL Wolves.
The Dogs have shared talent across their two teams, with Brenda Lay and Brooke Stephenson-Fuss helping out in the reserves, while Liz Griffin and Chelsea Wilkinson lead in the best six appearances tally for the senior side.
Taylah Black is also in ripping nick, only 3 majors behind league leader Shelley Beggs. But one thing is for certain: if she continues on her merry way, she’ll have yet another Team of the Year spot locked up.
All eyes will descend on the result at Cheong Park in Round 9- just under a fortnight’s time- when the Dogs take on the Devs. A Grand Final preview of sorts, where t his mighty team certainly won’t rule themselves out of.
Vermont Purple
Pos: 3rd (3-3, 123.98%) Avg. Points For (Rank): 40.5 (3rd) Avg. Points Against (Rank): 32.66 (4th) Leading Goalkicker: Madison Buszano (11)
From third spot, Vermont have also had a great season so far. Maddie Johns leads as well as anyone taking on the captain’s position. A super midfielder, she’s been in the best six four times, saluting with best afield awards twice.
Morgan Pay has been solid down back, while down the other end Madison Buszano is a regular feature in front of goal.
Senior promotions have also been key to the Eagles’ success, with 2023 Div 4 premiership players Torey Burns (two matches) and Blue Ribbon Medallist Marissa Lee (one) coming into the side on occasions. Despite their reserves side’s winless record in what is their regular season, their depth and emerging talent should not be disregarded.
As South Croydon are red hot at the moment, it will be hard for the Eagles to gain second spot, but mathematical possibilities remain if results go their way. Big wins against Donvale and the up and coming Whitehorse Pioneers are needed if it is to be so.
Whitehorse
Pos: 6th (1-5, 70.53%)
Avg. Points For (Rank): 33.5 (5th)
Avg. Points Against (Rank): 47.5 (2nd)
Leading Goalkicker: Sienna Tallariti (8)
Whitehorse are a young team. It’s been a hard year coming from the Premier B competition as reigning premiers, but the team has a lot to be proud of.
Led by skipper Bridget O’Connell down back, the young team has a lot of Coates League talent to support like Maiya Stobie (3 goals) and Sienna Tallariti (8 goals).
Amanda Tessari has contributed a bit throughout the season, juggling VFLW commitments with Box Hill, experiencing success playing alongside mates in maroon and indeed the brown and gold.
While finals may be out of the equation this season for the Ponies, there’s certainly been a lot to be proud of as they make their way up the ranks again and could well be a contender in 2023. They played really well against Vermont and the Eastern Devils last time they met- there’s a lot to be gained from these next few meetings.