2026 Division Three Senior Women's Grand Final Preview

 By Josh Ward.

History is set to be made for either North Ringwood or South Croydon as their second side’s clash at Mulgrave Reserve in the Division Three decider.

The two clubs possess two of the best Women's programs in the competition. South Croydon with two teams for a number of years, both featuring in finals most seasons, while North Ringwood became the first club this season to have three teams compete in the Senior Women's competition.

The Saints have been near flawless this season, dropping points in only one game against the Bulldogs but winning all of their other games, including their second semi-final against their foes this Saturday.

South Croydon Red was able to respond from that defeat with a thrilling five-point triumph over Ferntree Gully in what was the Bulldogs reserves' first-ever finals victory.

There’s plenty of Premier and Div 1 experience, as well as some young talent, across the park this weekend.

Emily Kane will be looking to play a key role for the Saints, having been named in the best 10 times in the 12 games she’s played with this side.

Shannon Harris and Charli Power will also be aiming to have big games in attack, with Harris kicking 20 goals this year whilst Power has kicked 17 so far.

South Croydon Red isn’t short of options though, with Heid Sadlier, Amy Grimwade and Brooke Stephenson-Fuss so far sitting on double-digit goals this year.

Skipper and former Premier Division premiership player Kate McKellar will also look to have a big say in this contest alongside Clare Prendergast.

The Saints have the wood over the Bulldogs having not lost to their Grand Final opposition since Round 10 last year. But the Bulldogs have been the closest side to North Ringwood this year, with the average margin of their three matches this year being just over eight points.

We are in for another close Grand Final!

Previous Meetings:

Semi Final 2: North Ringwood Red 4.5 29 def. South Croydon Red 4.1 25 @ Mulgrave Reserve

Round 9: South Croydon Red 3.2 20 drew with North Ringwood Red 2.8 20 @ Cheong Park

Round 2: North Ringwood Red 4.7 31 def. South Croydon Red 1.3 9 @ Quambee Reserve