Over 35’s Women’s Competition- Grand Final Day 2023
On Saturday 9 September, the competition saw a very highly contested and entertaining Women’s Grand Final match. Darebin won the match against Port Melbourne in front of a loud and supportive crowd. If you missed it, the match can be watched here. YouTube – https://youtu.be/NOKIIjoBtDs
At the end of the day only nine points separated the two teams. The Over 35’s Women’s rivalry between Darebin and Port Melbourne continues! Port winning the inaugural 2022 Premiers by 6 points, and now Darebin claiming the 2023 Premiership Cup with a 9 point win.
Player of the match was Natalie Wood, much to the delight of her cheer squad of Falcon family and players from the Essendon football club, where she is the inaugural Head Coach of the AFLW Team. Wood was in everything, taking long runs on the wing, delivering the pinpoint accurate passes to the forwards, and even getting back deep in defence to effect a goal saving tackle late in the final quarter. Jane Lange and Shiv Hogan wowed the crowd with their high leaping, strong marking, Aasta O’Connor and Sarah Hammond also in Darebin’s best for their contested ball strength and ability to read the play beautifully. Goal kickers were Erin Nash, Louise Potter, Jane Lange and Natalie Wood. Carley Allan’s strong game capped off a strong season, with Peta Sirec staunch in defence, and Rachel Hoult playing a good role for the team.
For Port Melbourne, captain Belinda Bowey had a strong day, often directing traffic with great intercept marks and her consistent kicks sending the ball long. Midfielders Tamara Tomamichel and Rebecca Fisher were strong at the ball all day, with clever touches and speed to get ball moving forward. Speedsters Lauren Arthur and Amanda Brown were creative in attack, and relentless in defence. Captain Amanda Williams , Danielle Viney and Lisa Walshe were relentless at the contest. Goal kickers were Amanda Brown, Johanna Clapper and Tamara Tomamichel.
At the end of the match, General manager Jen Pitson presented the league awards, with President, Ian Prendegast and Umpire Coordinator, Tim Bain.
The 2023 Best and Fairest was won by Kirsten Rosser from Parkside Spurs.
The Golden Boot for Highest Goal Scorer went to Louise Potter from Darebin.
Several new awards were introduced, with clubs and individuals able to nominate contributions that went above and beyond. The 2023 Lynn Smith Medial was won by Amanda Williams from Port Melbourne. Nominations were Michelle Flintoff, Erin Smith, Fiona Kerr, Michelle Lewis, Kylie O’Reilly. Click here for more info.
The 2023 John Crennan Volunteer of the Year was won by Brigid Ryan and Fi Munn from Darebin Falcons. The Nominations were Jaci Ramires, Amanda Butcher, Emma Kirkham. Click here for more info.
The 2023 Coach of the year was Beth Aitken from Parkside Spurs. Nominations were Sue Emery, Belinda Bowey, Kerry Saunders. Click here for more info.
The 2023 Women’s Over 35’s Non Contact Player / Contributor of the Year was Sandra Hoult. Nominations: Fiona Butler, Sue Emery
Kylie O’Reilly received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her outstanding contribution and support of the growth of AFL Masters Women’s Football.
A great way to showcase the AFLVM Women’s Competition. Congratulations to all teams that competed in 2023.
