By Josh Ward.
Coldstream
Position (W-L): 4th (4-3)
Percentage: 71.08%
Points For (Rank): 145 (6th)
Points Against (Rank): 204 (5th)
Leading Goalkicker: Abbey Broughan (6 goals in 7 matches)
After back-to-back preliminary finals appearances, the Cougars commenced a new era in Division 3 with a new coach at the helm.
And so far they’ve settled back into Division 3 with relative ease, winning four games (three of which at home) to sit in a finals position.
The contributors continue to be well spread for Matt Coghlan’s side, with Sophie Stark, Ashle Clausen and Bella Rogers consistently in the best to start the season.
Abbey Broughan has also continued to build on her strong first campaign with Coldstream, leading the charge up forward in the absence of Madison Stark.
With some wins against tough opposition in two of their most recent games, the Cougars are on track to make it three consecutive finals appearances
Prediction: 5th
Croydon North MLOC
Position (W-L): 8th (1-6)
Percentage: 44.28%
Points For (Rank): 120 (8th)
Points Against (Rank): 271 (6th)
Leading Goalkicker: Brittany Grech (5 goals in 2 matches)
There was plenty of change at Croydon North MLOC’s women’s side between the end of their 2023 season in Division 2 and the beginning of the 2024 season.
And while they haven’t been able to pick up the four points on a consistent basis, the side has shown glimpses of its best footy in the opening half of the season.
Whilst players such as Brittany Grech have been key when available, leaders such as Natalie Laurie and Jen Goldsworthy have continued to step to the plate.
None have stood up more though than Lucy Nation who, after coming to the club last year, has become a key cog in the lineup so far in season 2024.
They’re capable of pulling off upsets, as was the case in Round 1, and the KangaRams will be looking to do so in the second half of the season.
Prediction: 8th
Eastern Devils Black
Position (W-L): 2nd (5-2)
Percentage: 132.35%
Points For (Rank): 225 (3rd)
Points Against (Rank): 170 (4th)
Leading Goalkicker: Hayley Thompson (6 goals in 2 matches)
Since coming into the EFNL both Eastern Devils sides have been one of, if not the, teams to beat in their respective divisions.
While there’s been some hiccups on the road, this year has been no exception for the Devils reserves side who have set themselves nicely in the opening half of the season.
This year has seen an even spread of contributors across the park once again, with Georgina Beech leading the charge alongside Cass Stephens.
The return of Louise Spindler has also added to the side, with the experienced star being named in the best in all but one game this year.
They’re set for another tilt at the flag in 2024, the big question now is can they conquer the reigning Division 4 premiers?
Prediction: 3rd
Heathmont
Position (W-L): 3rd (5-2)
Percentage: 129.49%
Points For (Rank): 202 (4th)
Points Against (Rank): 156 (3rd)
Leading Goalkicker: Bronte Arnott (6 goals in 6 matches)
Following a tough couple of seasons in Division 2, 2024 presented a fresh start for Heathmont in a new division and with a new coach.
And so far they’ve enjoyed the beginning of a new era, with the side well and truly on track to make their first ever finals appearance in the women’s competition.
Key players from years gone past in Aimee Morrow, Millah Wright and Emily Eversteyn have been some that have enjoyed the move to Division 3.
But it’s been a new face in Bronte Arnott that’s enjoyed it the most. Coming across after a couple of years out of the game, the ex-Old Carey player leads the Jets goalkicking and has been named in the best in all their games this year.
With the side on a nice run of form following their 50 point loss to Mooroolbark, Adam Sullivan and his charges will give themselves every chance of being there on the final day of the season.
Prediction: 2nd
Mitcham
Position (W-L): 6th (3-4)
Percentage: 87.54%
Points For (Rank): 253 (2nd)
Points Against (Rank): 289 (8th)
Leading Goalkicker: Georgia Fairbairn (19 goals in 7 matches)
After making a Grand Final in only their second season, there was some expectation the Tigers could challenge once again in a new but familiar division.
And despite a shaky start, the Tigers are starting to find their best form in recent weeks to sit only a game outside of a finals spot.
A mixture of fresh recruits as well as key players from years past have been key to their strong season, with Hannah Linnett, Riley Holloway and Brittany Wolf forming a formidable midfield.
Up forward it’s been Georgia Fairbairn that leads the way for both the Tigers and the division, with the ex-Ringwood star the only player with more than 10 goals in Div 3.
With their stars firing and some players starting to find form, Jess Grace’s side will certainly be in the mix to push for yet another finals series.
Prediction: 5th
Mooroolbark
Position (W-L): 1st (6-1)
Percentage: 514.75%
Points For (Rank): 314 (1st)
Points Against (Rank): 61 (1st)
Leading Goalkicker: Lily Chilver (6 goals in 7 matches)
After coming home like a steam train in Division 4 last year, many expected the Mustangs to be up there once again this season.
So far they’ve done that and more, defeating all bar South Croydon to sit a game and a fair bit of percentage at the top of the Division 3 ladder.
As all good sides do, the Mustangs haven’t had to rely solely on two star players, with players such as Jordyn Doevelaar, Emma Beer and Lily McDonald all standing up as leaders of the side.
Lily Chilver has once again been the star up forward though, leading the charge with six goals and being one of three players with five or more goals this season for the Mustangs.
The sky’s the limit for Domenic Ciancio’s team who have set themselves once again as the team to beat, this time in Division 3.
Prediction: 1st
North Ringwood Red
Position (W-L): 7th (1-6)
Percentage: 49.65%
Points For (Rank): 141 (7th)
Points Against (Rank): 284 (7th)
Leading Goalkicker: Shannon Harris (9 goals in 6 matches)
With many numbers heading into this season, a new side was born for the ever-growing North Ringwood women’s program.
And despite having a rocky start, the Saints reserves side have shown plenty of potential, particularly in the past couple of weeks.
There’s plenty that have put their hand up to play in North Ringwood’s Division 1 side, particularly Teagan McInerney, Mali Neale and Charli Power.
The experience of Shannon Harris has also helped the new side too, with the star forward sitting second in the Division 3 goalkicking charts.
Having gained an understanding of the division and these new sides, Rachel Iaucone and her charges have the potential to cause headaches for side’s above them.
Prediction: 7th
South Croydon Red
Position (W-L): 5th (3-4)
Percentage: 126.32%
Points For (Rank): 168 (5th)
Points Against (Rank): 133 (2nd)
Leading Goalkicker: Teanu Graham (6 goals in 7 matches)
The South Croydon reserves side have always been one that’s flown under the radar yet still been strong since 2021.
This year has presented a similar story for them. Unlike previous years, and despite being the only side to defeat Mooroolbark, they sit outside a finals position.
Players such as Teanu Graham and Emilie Fogarty have started to become key players in the lineup in the opening half of the season.
Grace Tobin Dillon has also started to come into her own too, with the experienced star consistently in the best and starting to hit the scoreboard more prominently too.
The Bulldogs are well and truly in the mix to play finals, the question now is can they start to find some consistency after a rollercoaster start to the year?
Prediction: 6th
