Live stream: Caulfield Grammarians face Melbourne University in big VAFA Women’s Premier showdown
An eight-goal first half was the catalyst behind Grammarians’ third VAFA Premier Women’s victory a row. Check out the Reserves/Premier REPLAYS.
Caulfield Grammarians comfortably maintained their place in the top four of the VAFA Women’s Premier competition with a big win over relegation-threatened Melbourne University.
Caulfield have now won three in a row after their 78-29 success and could even be pushing for a third place finish if things go their way in the finalo three rounds.
This win was built on an impressive opening half when they kicked eight goals.
Melbourne Uni are fast running out of chances to save themselves from the drop and face crunch matches with West Brunswick, Old Yarra and Coburg over the next month.
VAFA WOMEN’S PREMIER RESERVES
Caulfield Grammarians produced their best performance of the season to demolish VAFA Women’s Premier Reserves bottom side Melbourne University 54-1 on Saturday.
Caulfield kicked 27 points without reply in the opening term and added a goal in each of the second and third quarters before finishing with two goals in the last few minutes for the blowout victory.
Melbourne Uni didn’t get on the scoreboard until late in the final term.’
Caulfield Grammarians v Melbourne Uni (Reserves Women)
PREVIEW
The double bye might have proven to be the turning point in Caulfield Grammarians season.
Since returning from the break, the club’s Premier Women’s team have won back-to-back games to jump into the top four and could strengthen their position further on Saturday against Melbourne University.
Player availability had been the biggest challenge for coach Danielle Di Stefano in the opening half of the season, but greater consistency has emerged in the last fortnight.
Catch the double header LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV. Check the LIVE STREAM schedule below for full details.
The end of the VFLW season has also proven pivotal for The Fields who have regained a quartet of players from the state league in recent weeks, including Molly Denahy Maloney, Georgia Foran, Isobel Hartog and Marg Purcell.
“We’ve had a tricky year with injuries as well,” Di Stefano said.
“Availability has been a challenge but we’re probably at the strongest we’ve been all year right now. The competition for spots is really heating up, you get to training and the players are in groups of five or six working on their weaknesses from the weekend.
“Everyone is so determined to be in the senior side. Having a lot of the VFLW players back has been a great addition, they have a great impact with their leadership on and off the ground.
“They can have a significant impact on those around them because you want to step up to their level. It’s a very healthy position to be in.”
One VFLW listed player Di Stefano has had access to all year is Zoe McCurdy.
While she didn’t earn a shot with the Southern Saints, she has emerged as one of the best recruits of the VAFA season.
The young gun joined the club in round 2 after finishing her underage footy with Mordialloc Braeside last season and the Sandringham Dragons.
“She started at halfback but has forced her way into the middle,” Di Stefano said.
“We had a few injuries in the midfield and Zoe was begging for a rotation up there so it all worked out. The way she drives through packs without fear makes her a pleasure to watch.
“She’s got a booming left foot, she can get it on her boot so quickly. Zoe is becoming a great leader despite only being so young. She’s still impressionable and is looking to learn off her more experienced teammates whenever she can.”
Despite entering Saturday’s game as favourites, Di Stefano is well aware of the dangers a relegation-threatened Melbourne Uni will present.
The two sides played out a thrilling draw back in round 7 with The Fields’ inaccuracy, 4.10 (34), proving to be their undoing.
“They’ve had some VFLW players come back into the side as well,” Di Stefano said.
“In the last game, they were great in their transition from halfback. We think we’ve managed to tighten up a few areas in the last couple of weeks.”
