The VAFA Outlast NAB PFL Women in Hard-Fought State Clash

Big V Take the Honours Again in Women’s State Clash

The NAB PFL State Team Women fought hard but ultimately fell short against a polished Big V Women outfit in Saturday’s representative clash at Elsternwick Park, going down 6.8 (44) to 3.3 (21).

Despite a spirited four-quarter effort, the Big V claimed victory for the third consecutive year in the annual state competition, using superior ball movement and midfield execution to take control of the contest.

The NAB PFL side showed plenty of heart around the contest, edging out their Victorian counterparts in contested possessions, but Big V’s ability to capitalise in space proved decisive.

The PFL dominated the ruck duel with 49 hit outs to 29, showcasing a strong aerial presence. However, Big V’s midfield worked smarter at ground level, winning 9 hit outs to advantage compared to the PFL’s 4, and converting that service into meaningful territory.

Big V also led the disposal count 272 to 216, with a marked difference in disposal efficiency–61% for the home side versus 43% for the visitors–highlighting a cleaner, more composed ball use from the Victorian side.

Play by Play

First Quarter

The Big V Women struck first, with Hannah Smith slotting the opening goal at the 13-minute mark. They quickly added another through Mia Cowan, before Big V Women added a third to open up an early buffer.

A behind from Julia Uhe opened the scoring for the The NAB PFL Women. PFL’s Tayla Bresland later converted a much-needed major with just over two minutes remaining, with the PFL then trailing by 12 points at the first break.

Quarter Time: Big V 3.0 (18) to NAB PFL 1.1 (7)

Second Quarter

The Big V took control early in the second term with goals to Hannah Smith, the only goals for the quarter. Despite multiple entries, the PFL were unable to capitalise, adding just a single behind through Emily Pickett early in the quarter. The home side’s pressure and efficiency saw them extend their lead to 26 points by half time.

Half Time: Big V 5.4 (34) to NAB PFL 1.2 (8)

Third Quarter

The third term was an arm wrestle, with the Big V peppering the goals but missing opportunities, adding three consecutive behinds. The PFL managed to break through early, with Tayla Bresland kicking her second of the match to reduce the margin to 23 points heading into the final change.

Three Quarter Time: Big V 5.7 (37) to NAB PFL 2.2 (14)

Fourth Quarter

With the game still within reach, the PFL continued to push, but Big V’s structure behind the ball held firm. Amy Hunt slotted the first goal of the quarter goal with Bresland had adding a behind and a sense of momentum for the travelling side, but Mia Cowan’s second major sealed the result for the hosts, closing out a strong performance from the Victorian side.

Full Time: Big V 6.8 (44) def. NAB PFL 3.3 (21)

Key Stats (via Premier Data)

Meg Brown led the ball winers with 20 disposals, with Sabreena Mckinnon next with 19.

Best on Ground for the NAB PFL State Team Women was awarded to Chloe Colgate (Baldivis). Colgate’s strong performance returned with 15 disposals, 4 marks, 2 inside 50’s and 3 tackles.

Captain of the NAB PFL State Team Women, Jamii n congratulated the team saying “you girls fought hard and really proud of our efforts, and we’ll get them next time.”

The match was a valuable learning experience for the NAB PFL squad, who showed glimpses of their potential and will look to build on the representative opportunity heading into future seasons.