Darebin Falcons bounce back to topple Melbourne Uni in VFL Women’s grand final rematch

FOUR goals from Darcy Vescio helped Darebin Falcons secure their third win of the VFL Women’s season on Saturday.

Darcy Vescio kicke four goals in Darebin Falcons’ win on Saturday. Picture:Getty Images

FOUR goals from Darcy Vescio helped Darebin Falcons secure their third win of the VFL Women’s season on Saturday.

In a rematch of last year’s grand final, Darebin and Melbourne University produced a memorable contest as the Falcons triumphed 5.4 (34) to 4.4 (28).

The fixture, which was held in Hamilton and marked the first VFL pride game, started with a bang for Darebin as Elise O’Dea booted the first goal of the game and Vescio piled on the next two as their team gained a 19-point lead.

But the Mugars struck back through two Kate Shierlaw majors and when Emma Kearney kicked the only goal of the second term, scores were tied at halftime.

Darebin coach Jane Lange. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano

With each team kicking a goal in the third term, Melbourne Uni led by a point at the last break before Vescio converted the eventual matchwinner halfway through the final term as Darebin inflicted the Mugars’ first defeat of the year.

“It was a pretty hard-fought game. I think both sides had quite a lot of forward 50 entries but couldn’t really capitalise,” Falcons coach Jane Lange said.

Representing a turnaround of 36 points from last time the teams met, Lange said her team was starting to play the style it had been renowned for.

“There were some really good patches of footy,” she said. “We also have a few more of our players back, which adds a bit of stability and guidance.”

Aasta O’Connor starred in her first game back from an ACL injury, while Melissa Hickey, Jess Dal Pos, Karen Paxman and Libby Birch also impressed.

“We’re happy we’re one-up in the wins column and we’re starting to play the footy we’d like,” Lange said.