VAFA live stream: Women's Premier big guns Collegians eye win away against Melbourne Uni (VAFA)

While all eyes were on the battle upfront for the Lions, it was a little halfback who made all the difference in their big win over University. Watch the VAFA replays now.

She might be one of the smallest players on the field, but Jessica Pham plays with the biggest heart.

The Collegians pocket dynamo was dynamite off halfback to steer the Lions to a third straight win in the VAFA Women’s Premier League.

The Lions produced a stunning final term to pull clear of Melbourne University, running out 9.8 (62) to 5.8 (38) winners.

SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH BOTH VAFA WOMEN’S REPLAYS

Jessy Gardner was ultra-impressive through the midfield, pulling off several bone-crunching tackles before pushing forward to drive the final nail in the Melbourne University coffin from 30 metres out.

Melbourne University forward Lucy Watkin almost inspired a late fight back from the home side, who celebrated VAFA Pride Round at University Oval, but it was too little, too late.

Maddison Shaw, fresh off a best on ground performance last round, did her chances of making the VAFA representative side next month no harm with a two-goal performance.

Collegians now sit even with last year’s runner-ups Kew at the top of the VAFA Premier Women’s ladder with five wins from the opening six rounds.

The win capped off a perfect afternoon for the Lions after their Premier Reserves kicked their way to a comfortable win over University.

Melbourne University kicked the first goal within 90 seconds of the start but didn’t kick another until late in the final term as Collegians cruised to a 53-point VAFA Premier Women’s Reserve victory on Saturday.

Uni, who have now lost three games in a row, couldn’t believe their luck when they snapped truly so early, but Collegians hit back straight away and led by 16 points at quarter time.

They extended it to 25 points by halftime and added 34 points in a dominant second half performance that keeps them on the competition pace.

REPLAYS

Melbourne University v Collegians (Women, Premiers)

Melbourne University v Collegians (Women, Reserves)

PREVIEW

Collegians will look to make it three wins in a row when they head to Parkville on Saturday to take on Melbourne University on their home deck in a massive VAFA Premier Women’s showdown.

The Lions have begun the season in fine form, with four wins from their first five matches.

Attack has been the highlight of their season so far with the team in purple scoring the second most points in the competition with 191.

Catch the action from the Reserves/Premier double header live on KommunityTV from midday as part of a two-year streaming deal between News Corp and VAFA. See the schedule below.

Sparking the front half fluency has been 198-gamer Georgia Harris, who has booted the most goals in the competition after the first five rounds.

The forward, who has a ‘huge milestone’ coming up as the first Lions women’s player to reach 200 games, has kicked nine goals in total this season, including multiples in four of her five games.

Georgia Harris is nearing a massive milesatone. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Meanwhile, Uni have started their VAFA campaign with a 2-3 record, but are coming off a strong 20-point victory over Fitzroy, where Madison Katerelos led the charge with a goal and best on ground performance.

As invariably is the case, Uni will make it tough for their opponents inside the confines of the university.

They picked up a three-point win over fourth-placed Coburg when they played there in the season opener.

Collegians captain Megan Harrison said she was ‘really happy’ with how her side has started the season and was hoping for more of the same this weekend.

“We’re not doing much different (heading into this week’s game) to be honest,” Harrison said.

“We’re sticking to the process that we normally would.

“Pretty excited playing Melbourne Uni, we played them a few years back in Premier B.

“They got over the top of us, so we’re pretty keen and hungry for a win against them.

Collegians have kicked plenty of points so far this season.

“They’re a good outfit, so we are quite excited really.”

Harrison said she ‘couldn’t think of anything better’ than being part of teammate Harris’ upcoming 200-game milestone.

“She is probably one of the most experienced footballers I have ever played with, and definitely one of the most humble,” she said.

“She doesn’t like the limelight at all but, unfortunately, she seems to get it wherever she goes.”

Harrison was also complimentary of Harris’ football attributes.

“She is talented, she has got the skills, she has also got the knowledge, she is a part of our leadership group as well,” she said.

“She is really good for all of us girls, I think each and every one of us look up to her quite a bit.”