EDFL Women's - Premier has kicked off strongly, with nail-biting finishes and impressive individual goal-kicking performances.
Heading into the second half of the season, we can expect an array of exciting Friday night matches and teams to continue their rise, as they look to challenge for a place in the finals.
The division currently looks to have one standout, however just behind are a pack of teams that remain within striking distance.
Keilor, Burnside Heights, Westmeadows, Sunbury Kangaroos and Hillside sit between second and sixth and have all shown that at their best, they have the game to take it up to ladder leaders, Aberfeldie.
The contest for top positions will be fascinating as we get closer to the finals.
The Sunbury Lions, Strathmore, Craigieburn and Pascoe Vale have found the going tougher, but have each had their own moments of success and will have the opportunity to surprise higher-ranked opposition in the latter half of the year.
Featuring a combination of existing and newly introduced teams, Division 1 has had a mixed start, with a number of teams having played one less game after eight rounds.
In an open competition, all bar one have recorded victories, with Coburg Districts still looking for their inaugural win.
Momentum continues to build and with match-ups like Essendon Doutta Stars v Keilor Park and Moonee Valley to come, we can expect an action-packed finish to the season.
Here's a club-by-club look at how both divisions of EDFL Women's are poised after eight rounds.
Click on the EDFL Women's - Premier logo to view the current ladder.
Ladder Position:
1st at 7-0 (1093.22)
One forfeit received
Form:
W - vs Strathmore
W - vs Keilor
W - @ Westmeadows
W - vs Sunbury Kangaroos
W - @ Craigieburn
F - vs Pascoe Vale
W - @ Keilor
W - @ Sunbury Kangaroos
Leading Goal Kickers:
10 - Jess Atta
9 - Olivia Madden
9 - Siobhan Carlton
6 - Amber Wescombe
6 - Kylie Kennedy
6 - Sophie Cachia
Times Named in Best Players:
6 - Olivia Madden
5 - Amy Smith
4 - Amy Starzer
4 - Kylie Kennedy
3 - Siobhan Carlton
Remaining Draw:
vs Hillside
vs Sunbury Lions
@ Strathmore
@ Burnside Heights
vs Westmeadows
@ Pascoe Vale
EDFL Media says:
Beginning with an 88-point win against Strathmore in Round 1, the average winning margin for the ladder leaders has been 73 points. They have set up an imposing position, beating fellow finals contenders Sunbury Kangaroos and Keilor twice. Aberfeldie are yet to face Burnside Heights, with Round 12 the scheduled date, but have the confidence and the class of players like Olivia Madden that set them up to be the team to beat in the division.
Ladder Position:
2nd at 6-2 (320.89)
Form:
W - vs Sunbury Kangaroos
L - @ Aberfeldie 1
W - vs Pascoe Vale
W - @ Burnside Heights
W - vs Sunbury Lions
W - @ Westmeadows
L - vs Aberfeldie 1
W - @ Hillside
Leading Goal Kickers:
15 - Brooke Todero
10 - Lisa Kirby
6 - Kallyn Gent
6 - Renee Melton
6 - Tanay Barbuto
Times Named in Best Players:
5 - Kallyn Gent
4 - Sophie Freeman
4 - Taylor Jones
3 - Lauren Caruso
3 - Marthese Zahra
3 - Shenay Thomas
3 - Tanay Barbuto
Remaining Draw:
@ Strathmore
vs Burnside Heights
@ Pascoe Vale
vs Strathmore
@ Sunbury Lions
vs Craigieburn
EDFL Media says:
The Blues are a balanced outfit, with skill across the ground and have only two blemishes to their early season record. In the second of their losses to Aberfeldie, they were able to reduce the deficit to 12 points, in what has the potential to be a sign of times to come. Kallyn Gent has proven she is a big game player and will be influential towards the back end of the season.
Ladder Position:
3rd at 6-2 (241.70)
Form:
W - vs Sunbury Lions
W - @ Strathmore
W - @ Craigieburn
L - vs Keilor
W - @ Westmeadows
W - vs Hillside
L - vs Sunbury Kangaroos
W - vs Craigieburn
Leading Goal Kickers:
23 - Kayla Ravanello
15 - Brooke McKinley
9 - Maria Afuhaamango
6 - Sina Mason
5 - Maddison Cooper
Times Named in Best Players:
7 - Maria Afuhaamango
6 - Ebony Stevens
6 - Krissy Trang
5 - Brodie Stevens
5 - Kayla Ravanello
Remaining Draw:
@ Pascoe Vale
@ Keilor
@ Sunbury Lions
vs Aberfeldie 1
vs Pascoe Vale
@ Hillside
EDFL Media says:
Burnside Heights have suffered some early season setbacks and surprise losses but remain in the hunt for late August action. The loss of Brooke McKinley for the second season running is disappointing and has increased the importance of Kayla Ravenello and Maria Afuhaamango up forward. The Bears will need to find consistent support for their key playmakers to compete against the competition’s ladder leaders going into the pointy end of the season.
Ladder Position:
4th at 5-3 (264.63)
Form:
W - @ Craigieburn
W - @ Hillside
L - vs Aberfeldie 1
W - @ Sunbury Lions
L - vs Burnside Heights
L- vs Keilor
W - @ Pascoe Vale
W - @ Strathmore
Leading Goal Kickers:
17 - Renae Schwarze
13 - Natalie Linton
6 - Nicole Chiera
5 - Jacinta Scott
Times Named in Best Players:
6 - Kirzty Brady
5 - Jacinta Scott
5 - Natalie Linton
Remaining Draw:
vs Sunbury Lions
vs Sunbury Kangaroos
vs Craigieburn
vs Hillside
@ Aberfeldie 1
@ Sunbury Kangaroos
EDFL Media says:
Westmeadows are again around the mark, having rebounded from a couple of lean weeks to assert their presence in games against lower-ranked opponents in Pascoe Vale and Strathmore. Renae Schwarze and Natalie Linton have figured prominently up forward, helping their team secure expected wins, but they have a challenging run home going up against Aberfeldie and Sunbury Kangaroos twice within five weeks.
Ladder Position:
5th at 5-3 (221.20)
Form:
L - @ Keilor
W - @ Sunbury Lions
W - vs Hillside
L - @ Aberfeldie 1
W - vs Pascoe Vale
W - vs Strathmore
W - @ Burnside Heights
L - vs Aberfeldie 1
Leading Goal Kickers:
22 - Alexandra Quigley
8 - Kate Edney
6 - Bronte Koutras
5 - Regina Said
Times Named in Best Players:
8 - Tylah Bell
5 - Brittany Mifsud
4 - Bailee Said
4 - Rebecca Dekazos
4 - Regina Said
4 - Tara Mckean
Remaining Draw:
vs Craigieburn
@ Westmeadows
@ Hillside
vs Sunbury Lions
@ Craigieburn
vs Westmeadows
EDFL Media says:
The Kangaroo’s backed up their 88-point win against Burnside Heights in Round 7, finishing within 25 points of Aberfeldie in Round 8. This turnaround was remarkable, as only four weeks prior, the margin had been close to 100 points greater. Tylah Bell has been a force in the Kangaroos’ recent surge and they will be hopeful that their midfield can continue to fire to set up opportunities in the latter half of the year.
Ladder Position:
6th at 4-4 (189.87)
Form:
W - @ Pascoe Vale
L - vs Westmeadows
L - @ Sunbury Kangaroos
W - vs Craigieburn
W - @ Strathmore
L - @ Burnside Heights
W - vs Sunbury Lions
L - vs Keilor
Leading Goal Kickers:
13 - Fiona Pazsa
10 - Rebecca Coleman
8 - Rachael Burton
6 - Emily Paterno
Times Named in Best Players:
6 - Annalise Wilkie
6 - Rachael Jackson
5 - Rachael Burton
4 - Cassandra Turrie
4 - Demi Houston
4 - Melissa Higgins
Remaining Draw:
@ Aberfeldie 1
@ Craigieburn
vs Sunbury Kangaroos
@ Westmeadows
vs Strathmore
vs Burnside Heights
EDFL Media says:
Hillside’s growth as a team has been an exciting feature of the Premier competition across the first half of the season. The Sharks were only a goal away from claiming the victory against Burnside Heights in Round 6 and were not blown away by Keilor in their most recent outing. Fiona Pazsa and Rebecca Coleman create a dangerous forward line duo, having kicked 23 goals between them.
Ladder Position:
7th at 3-5 (22.84)
Form:
L - @ Burnside Heights
L - vs Sunbury Kangaroos
W - vs Strathmore
L - vs Westmeadows
L - @ Keilor
W - vs Craigieburn
L - @ Hillside
W - vs Pascoe Vale
Leading Goal Kickers:
4 - Jacinta Lee
2 - Karla Lobb
Times Named in Best Players:
8 - Jessica Rowe
5 - Jessica Sutton
4 - Sera Catania
Remaining Draw:
@ Westmeadows
@ Aberfeldie 1
vs Burnside Heights
@ Sunbury Kangaroos
vs Keilor
@ Strathmore
EDFL Media says:
The Lions lack pace that teams above them on the ladder have and have struggled to impact the scoreboard in five of their eight games, having lost top-end talent from Season 2018. However, Jessica Rowe and Jessica Sutton have been shining lights, helping the Lions get it done against Strathmore, Craigieburn and Pascoe Vale.
Ladder Position:
8th at 2-6 (37.44)
Form:
L - @ Aberfeldie 1
L -vs Burnside Heights
L - @ Sunbury Lions
W - @ Pascoe Vale
L - vs Hillside
L - @ Sunbury Kangaroos
W - @ Craigieburn
L - vs Westmeadows
Leading Goal Kickers:
7 - Sharon Mumford
6 - Zana Maginness
2 - Astride Loigom
2 - Taylah Lambert
Times Named in Best Players:
6 - Zana Maginness
4 - Chloe Taylor
4 - Robyn Randell
4 - Taylah Lambert
Remaining Draw:
vs Keilor
vs Pascoe Vale
vs Aberfeldie 1
@ Keilor
@ Hillside
vs Sunbury Lions
EDFL Media says:
Strathmore have had a big turnover of players after a number of departures post their 2018 Elimination Final appearance. Eight players have made their debut for the club with Zana Maginness and Sharon Mumford their biggest positives, making a consistent impact. The Mores run home does not get much easier with upcoming matches against Keilor (twice) and Aberfeldie.
Ladder Position:
9th at 1-7 (11.23)
Form:
L - vs Westmeadows
W - vs Pascoe Vale
L - vs Burnside Heights
L - @ Hillside
L - vs Aberfeldie 1
L - @ Sunbury Lions
L - vs Strathmore
L - @ Burnside Heights
Leading Goal Kickers:
4 - Belinda Gicevski
3 - Jazmin Wightman
Times Named in Best Players:
5 - Chloe Jonkers
5 - Naomi Heatcote
5 - Natasha Campbell
Remaining Draw:
@ Sunbury Kangaroos
vs Hillside
@ Westmeadows
@ Pascoe Vale
vs Sunbury Kangaroos
@ Keilor
EDFL Media says:
Craigieburn will be disappointed to have only claimed one victory for the season, which came against Pascoe Vale back in Round 2. The Eagles have been on the receiving end of three 100-point losses and have also struggled to match it with teams that sit just above them in the Sunbury Lions and Strathmore, however there is young talent on the Eagles' list, led by Chloe Jonkers and Natasha Campbell.
Ladder Position:
10th at 0-7 (9.27)
One forfeit given
Form:
L - vs Hillside
L - @ Craigieburn
L - @ Keilor
L - vs Strathmore
L - @ Sunbury Kangaroos
F - @ Aberfeldie 1
L - vs Westmeadows
L - @ Sunbury Lions
Leading Goal Kickers:
4 - Marie Napoli
3 - Lily Saunders
Times Named in Best Players:
6 - Amira Mekawy
6 - Rita Iocco
5 - Shannon Gore
4 - Lily Saunders
Remaining Draw:
vs Burnside Heights
@ Strathmore
vs Keilor
vs Craigieburn
@ Burnside Heights
vs Aberfeldie 1
EDFL Media says:
Pascoe Vale have fallen the furthest from 2018, having dominated last season, capping it off with a Grand Final win. After a number of transfers to opposition clubs, the Panthers have been playing with minimum numbers on a weekly basis and had limited opportunities to capitalise on solid defensive work. Amira Mekawy and Rita Iocco have been putting in their best efforts, but need greater on-field support.
Click on the EDFL Women's - Division 1 logo to view the current ladder.
Ladder Position:
1st at 5-0 (286.05)
Three forfeits received
Form:
W - @ Maribyrnong Park
F - vs Essendon Doutta Stars
W - @ Tullamarine
W - @ Coburg Districts
W - vs Avondale Heights
F - @ Greenvale
W - @ Keilor Park
F - vs Roxburgh Park
Leading Goal Kickers:
21 - Georgia Marsland
4 - Hannah Greasley
3 - Alexandria Caddy
3 - Molly King
3 - Tara Newman
Times Named in Best Players:
3 - Georgia Marsland
2 - Alexandria Caddy
2 - Erin Tarollo
2 - Hannah Greasley
2 - Nadia Valenti
2 - Tara Newman
2 - Yasmin Speekman
Remaining Draw:
vs Aberfeldie 2
vs Maribyrnong Park
@ Essendon Doutta Stars
vs Tullamarine
vs Coburg Districts
@ Avondale Heights
EDFL Media says:
Moonee Valley will have the freshest legs going into the second half of the season, having unfortunately been on the receiving end of three forfeits. Georgia Marsland’s experience is a key asset for the newly formed team, having kicked half of the Fog’s goals. With Essendon Doutta Stars having forfeited their Round 2 match up against the Fog, their meeting in Round 11 could be telling.
Ladder Position:
2nd at 7-0 (234.85)
One forfeit given
Form:
W - vs Tullamarine
F - @ Moonee Valley
W - vs Coburg Districts
W - @ Avondale Heights
W - vs Greenvale
W - @ Aberfeldie 2
W - @ Roxburgh Park
W - vs Maribyrnong Park
Leading Goal Kickers:
20 - Aleesha Hobbs
6 - Lauren Sims
6 - Shelby Meyers
5 - Sophie Fazzolari
5 - Tahlia Noonan
Times Named in Best Players:
4 - Aleesha Hobbs
4 - Joanna Falconer
3 - Bonnie Alderman
3 - Megan Runting
3 - Stacey Williams
3 - Tahlia Noonan
Remaining Draw:
vs Keilor Park
@ Tullamarine
vs Moonee Valley
@ Coburg Districts
vs Avondale Heights
@ Greenvale
EDFL Media says:
The Stars have done everything right so far in their first season of EDFL Women’s football. The recruitment of Aleesha Hobbs has been a big tick, with Hobbs (20) sitting only one goal behind Georgia Marsland on the goal kicking leader board. Their Round 6 win over a strong Aberfeldie team featuring talent from their Premier team looks defining.
Ladder Position:
3rd at 5-2 (277.08)
One forfeit received
Form:
F - vs Avondale Heights
W - @ Greenvale
W - vs Aberfeldie 2
L - @ Tullamarine
W - @ Roxburgh Park
W - vs Maribyrnong Park
L - vs Moonee Valley
W - @ Coburg Districts
Leading Goal Kickers:
13 - Samantha German
7 - Caitlyn Simon
4 - Sara Imela
3 - Amber McCabe
3 - Meghan Patrick
3 - Renee Szabo
Times Named in Best Players:
6 - Meghan Patrick
4 - Chiara Imela
4 - Sara Imela
3 - Caitlin Holzheimer
3 - Caitlyn Simon
3 - Samantha German
Remaining Draw:
@ Essendon Doutta Stars
@ Avondale Heights
vs Greenvale
@ Aberfeldie 2
vs Tullamarine
vs Roxburgh Park
EDFL Media says:
The Devils have arguably been the most consistent performing team among the finals contenders in Division 1 and have depth of talent, with Meghan Patrick, Chiara Imela, Sara Imela, Caitlin Holzheimer, Caitlyn Simon and Samantha German among their teammates all sharing responsibility for turning games in their favour. A three-point loss to Moonee Valley in Round 7 will provide motivation, to turn the tables as they go deeper into the season.
Ladder Position:
4th at 5-3 (205.03)
Form:
L - @ Essendon Doutta Stars
W - vs Aberfeldie 2
L - vs Moonee Valley
W - vs Keilor Park
W - vs Coburg Districts
L - @ Roxburgh Park
W - @ Maribyrnong Park
W - vs Greenvale
Leading Goal Kickers:
9 - Tricia Devine
6 - Courtney Annett
6 - Natasha Ziegelaar
5 - Kate Nicolaou
Times Named in Best Players:
8 - Tricia Devine
5 - Courtney Annett
5 - Emily Angelidis
5 - Kiandra Tuvaine
5 - Samantha White
Remaining Draw:
vs Avondale Heights
vs Essendon Doutta Stars
@ Aberfeldie 2
@ Moonee Valley
@ Keilor Park
@ Coburg Districts
EDFL Media says:
Tullamarine have been close in all games, without always getting the result. Performances against Essendon Doutta Stars (nine-point loss), Moonee Valley (19-point loss) and Keilor Park (27-point win), show their potential to challenge, but they will need to lock up a finals position, only sitting a game clear of Roxburgh Park and Aberfeldie with games against Essendon Doutta Stars, Aberfeldie 2, Moonee Valley and Keilor Park to come.
Ladder Position:
5th at 4-3 (195.83)
One forfeit given
Form:
W - vs Coburg Districts
W - @ Avondale Heights
W - vs Greenvale
L - @ Aberfeldie 2
L - vs Keilor Park
W - vs Tullamarine
L - vs Essendon Doutta Stars
F - @ Moonee Valley
Leading Goal Kickers:
7 - Katelyn Birmingham
7 - Rainbow Ebert
7 - Sarah Mazzucco
7 - Shelby Best
4 - Cheree Spowart
Times Named in Best Players:
5 - Danielle Verity
4 - Karina Carroll
4 - Katelyn Birmingham
3 - Freedom Ebert
3 - Kirstie Wild
3 - Sarah Mazzucco
Remaining Draw:
@ Maribyrnong Park
@ Coburg Districts
vs Avondale Heights
@ Greenvale
vs Aberfeldie 2
@ Keilor Park
EDFL Media says:
Roxburgh Park would be relatively happy to be sitting fifth after Round 8, only a game behind Tullamarine. The Magpies' one-point come-from-behind win over the Demons was the pick of their wins so far. The Magpies will need to re-group after forfeiting their last match, but have winnable matches against lower-ranked opposition up next.
Ladder Position:
6th at 4-4 (98.62)
Form:
W - vs Greenvale
L - @ Tullamarine
L - @ Keilor Park
W - vs Roxburgh Park
L - @ Maribyrnong Park
L - vs Essendon Doutta Stars
W - vs Coburg Districts
W - @ Avondale Heights
Leading Goal Kickers:
4 - Paige Harvey
3 - Courtnee Griffiths
3 - Jacqueline Wade
Times Named in Best Players:
5 - Louise Erasmus
5 - Ruby Cashmore
4 - Celeste Defina
4 - Claudia McGee
3 - Brittany Lukasik
3 - Mackenzie Pierce
Remaining Draw:
@ Moonee Valley
@ Greenvale
vs Tullamarine
vs Keilor Park
@ Roxburgh Park
vs Maribyrnong Park
EDFL Media says:
Aberfeldie is the only club with two teams in the EDFL Women’s competition and are difficult to rank, with mixed results including a win over Roxburgh Park and opportunity to win after the siren against Essendon Doutta Stars. With a full team out on the park, Aberfeldie 2 could be a dangerous opponent for teams around them also looking to make the finals.
Ladder Position:
7th at 3-5 (112.55)
Form:
L - vs Moonee Valley
W - @ Coburg Districts
W - vs Avondale Heights
L - @ Greenvale
W - vs Aberfeldie 2
L - @ Keilor Park
L - vs Tullamarine
L - @ Essendon Doutta Stars
Leading Goal Kickers:
8 - Gabrielle Mahoney
8 - Jessa Baluyot
5 - Sophia Poursanidis
Times Named in Best Players:
5 - Kate Arnold
4 - Amy Horan
4 - Eliza Funston
4 - Zoe Pedersen
3 - Ellie Lewis
3 - Faith Considine
3 - Jessa Baluyot
Remaining Draw:
vs Roxburgh Park
@ Moonee Valley
vs Coburg Districts
@ Avondale Heights
vs Greenvale
@ Aberfeldie 2
EDFL Media says:
Maribyrnong Park should be heartened by their start in the women’s competition and are playing competitive football, with their Round 4 loss to Greenvale by 51 points now looking like a bit of an anomaly. Kate Arnold and Amy Horan have been good finds for the Lions, having an influence in their first season of football.
Ladder Position:
8th at 2-5 (33.95)
One forfeit given
Form:
F - @ Keilor Park
L - vs Roxburgh Park
L - @ Maribyrnong Park
L - vs Essendon Doutta Stars
L - @ Moonee Valley
W - vs Coburg Districts
W - @ Greenvale
L - vs Aberfeldie 2
Leading Goal Kickers:
6 - Isabella Iaccino
3 - Rita Ceravolo
Times Named in Best Players:
7 - Rita Ceravolo
6 - Affinity Miller
6 - Daisy Samuel
5 - Isabella Iaccino
Remaining Draw:
@ Tullamarine
vs Keilor Park
@ Roxburgh Park
vs Maribyrnong Park
@ Essendon Doutta Stars
vs Moonee Valley
EDFL Media says:
The last month of football for Avondale Heights has seen improvement after a bumpy start to the season, getting within five goals of Moonee Valley before recording wins against Coburg Districts and Greenvale. Rita Ceravolo and Affinity Miller are the Heights' key playmakers, but greater depth is needed to complement their hard work.
Ladder Position:
9th at 1-6 (43.96)
One forfeit given
Form:
L - @ Aberfeldie 2
L - vs Keilor Park
L - @ Roxburgh Park
W - vs Maribyrnong Park
L - @ Essendon Doutta Stars
F - vs Moonee Valley
L - vs Avondale Heights
L - @ Tullamarine
Leading Goal Kickers:
3 - Arthurina Moreen
3 - Chloe Varenhout
3 - Danielle Harding
2 - Jessica Stassi
2 - Paige Caparello
Times Named in Best Players:
4 - Bianca Torrijos
4 - Talisa Bartolo
3 - Briana Barba
3 - Courtney Mclaughlin
3 - Kathleen Dunt
3 - Madison Campbell
Remaining Draw:
@ Coburg Districts
vs Aberfeldie 2
@ Keilor Park
vs Roxburgh Park
@ Maribyrnong Park
vs Essendon Doutta Stars
EDFL Media says:
Greenvale started the year with three losses in a row, before breaking through against Maribyrnong Park. Big losses to Keilor Park and Essendon Doutta Stars have illustrated the distance between the Jets and major finals contenders, but the upcoming game against Coburg Districts could be an opportunity to get another win on the board.
Ladder Position:
10th at 0-8 (8.24)
Form:
L - @ Roxburgh Park
L - vs Maribyrnong Park
L - @ Essendon Doutta Stars
L - vs Moonee Valley
L - @ Tullamarine
L - @ Avondale Heights
L - @ Aberfeldie 2
L - vs Keilor Park
Leading Goal Kickers:
2 - Abbie Storer
2 - Madeleine Curotte
Times Named in Best Players:
7 - Abbie Storer
5 - Bianca Hendricks
5 - Kerri Magee
5 - Maria Carbone
4 - Hayley Carmichael
Remaining Draw:
vs Greenvale
vs Roxburgh Park
@ Maribyrnong Park
vs Essendon Doutta Stars
@ Moonee Valley
vs Tullamarine
EDFL Media says:
Coburg Districts may not have recorded a win, and conversely been on the end of some big results. Nonetheless they have made it out onto the park for each round, which is a credit to the resilience of their playing list with Abbie Storer a driving force behind the team on and off the field. Greenvale is their next opponent in a match that could be their best opportunity to record their inaugural win yet.
