Deakin University 2025 Season Review | Eastern Devils

The Eastern Devils made it four consecutive finals appearances since joining the EFNL, this time falling short of a Grand Final.

Senior Women’s (Premier Division)

Ladder Position:

Leading Goalkicker: Chloe Hunt (22 Goals)

Summary:

For the first time since joining the Eastern Football Netball League, the Eastern Devils fell short of making the Grand Final.

In what was the tightest Premier Division competition we’ve had, the Devils had another strong season, making a fourth consecutive Premier Division finals series.

Aaron Ross took over this season as the new senior coach, a perfect fit for the Premier Division powerhouse and club.

The Devils hit their strides in the second half of the season, winning five of their last six and piling on the goals late in the year, finishing with the best percentage in the division by a fair length.

The side missed the double chance by a game, forcing the Devils into an Elimination Final match-up with Park Orchards. The Sharks who would go on to win the 2025 flag began their finals campaign with a strong performance, blowing the lead out to seven goals by the end of the third term.

Chloe Hunt kicked three on the day and Olivia Aing starred but the Devils came up short, finishing their 2025 season campaign.

Best Win: Round 12 – Eastern Devils 8.6 54 def. Park Orchards 3.5 23 @ Domeney Reserve

At this point of the 2025 season, the Devils had hit their strides, coming off a 73-point win over Boronia.

They proved their flag credentials with the side’s second win over the Sharks, this time with a five-goal win at Domeney Reserve.

Keeping the Sharks to just one major in the opening three quarters, Chloe Hunt put on a show up forward with a bag of five.

Key Players:

Chandler Medal Night was a big one for the club with three of the top four of the Premier Division count all Devils.

Shaneece Stratton took home the honours of the EFNL League Best and Fairest, following the footsteps of teammate Olivia Aing from 2023. The skipper of the side has had previous VFLW experience and has been a major reason why the Devils have had such great sustained success in the EFNL.

Ellie MacDonald and Olivia Aing also finished second and equal third in the vote count, both with incredible seasons for the club.

Despite not playing prior to Round Nine due to VFLW commitments, Chloe Hunt was a massive factor in the Devils late season run of form. 22 goals in just six games, Hunt kicked a bag of ten against the Pioneers. When Hunt played, the side won five of the six games.

What’s Next?

Next year looks to be yet another exciting Premier Division competition with the inclusion of North Ringwood after success in Division One.

It is likely to be a similar season with multiple sides in the premiership window.

With the Devils current list and recent finals and Grand Final history, there’s no reason to suggest they won’t be a contender for the flag in 2026.

Senior Women’s (Division Three)

Ladder Position: 8^th (1-12)

Leading Goalkicker: Shelley Beggs (15 Goals)

Summary:

The Eastern Devils once again had strong senior numbers that they were able to put together a second team to compete in the competition.

The development side competed in Division Three, finishing eighth win the one win.

Best Win: Round Seven – Eastern Devils 7.6 48 def. Chirnside Park 3.6 24 @ Kimberley Reserve

The Devils first win of the 2025 season came in Round Seven when the side went over to Kimberley Reserve to face the Panthers.

A first-half blitz saw the Eastern Devils skip out to a 31-point lead, five goals to zip in the first half.

It was Shelley Beggs biggest game for the season, kicking five of the Devils seven goals.

Key Players:

Riley La Fontaine played all 14 games this season and earned the club’s Best and Fairest for the reserves side.

Finishing behind her in second place was Emily Chalmers, frequently selected in the best and also featured in the Premier Division side in Round 14.

The experienced Shelley Beggs was prominent once again. Playing in both the Premier Division and Division Three sides. At the Division Three level, Beggs kicked 15 goals from nine games.