Yarra Valley Water | Weekend Takeaways

By Ryan Long.

Another big weekend of results in the Eastern Football Netball League, as Berwick emerged with one of the club's greatest road victories and a Premier Division Senior Women's draw adds more intrigue to the division.

Berwick’s highest-ever score in the EFNL, as Wickers pile pain on Dogs

For just the third time since joining the league in 2021, the Wickers have reached triple digits on Saturday.

Berwick scored 22.16 148 on Saturday Afternoon as they put away South Croydon by 94 points at Cheong Park. One of this year’s recruits, Luke Nelson, had a day out, picking up disposals and 10 clearances. A strong performance alongside Ashton Williamson, who had another 33 disposals along with 3 goals in what’s been an outstanding start to the season.

Back in the side this week, Jai Neal was key up forward, four goals from the Wickers key man.

The 148-point final score for Berwick is the Wickers' highest score in six years of senior football in the Premier Division of the EFNL.

Their form at home and ability to shut down sides defensively have been well documented over the last couple of seasons. But a dominant attacking performance on the road has senior coach Andrew Williams pleased about their start to the season.

For the Dogs, the early-season worries continue to mount, replicating last year’s slow start. South Croydon managed to turn around a 0-5 start last season to make the finals, but three out of four losses this year have surpassed the 70-point margin.

Multiple key players came out of the lineup on the weekend, including Liam Shiels and Matt George, making things difficult for the Dogs. They’re also yet to get Anthony Scott into the line-up due to injury.

Their fixture hasn’t been kind to them, playing four of the top five with an undefeated Doncaster East up next.

East Ringwood overcomes Blackburn challenge in Match of the Round

It’s a perfect four-and-zip start to the year for the Roos under new senior coach Paul Griffiths.

However, this weekend they didn’t have it all on their own terms, holding on for a 13-point win over last year’s Grand Finalists, Blackburn.

The first quarter saw the Roos boot six goals to two, scoring five off the six off midfield turnovers. Felix Seymour exploded onto the scene in the opening term with two goals, 10 disposals and four clearances.

The game shifted over the following two quarters as Blackburn moved within 11 points of East Ringwood by Three-Quarter Time, eight goals to four in the second and third terms.

Ryley Stoddart’s performance in the midfield was one of the key reasons the visitors were able to work their way back into the game, 21 disposals and 10 clearances. Skipper Kade Answerth booted three, while MacKenzie Doreian had 24 touches and the two majors.

With the game on the line in the final quarter, East Ringwood converted four goals in a quick period to keep their undefeated run alive. Josh Weightman was massive in the final quarter with eight disposals and seven clearances, while skipper James Belo had seven touches and an important momentum-shifting goal for the Roos.

Premier Division Senior Women’s contenders begin to emerge

An important weekend for the Senior Women’s competition as four of the top five sides faced one another.

Nothing could separate North Ringwood and Boronia at Quambee Reserve.

The Saints and Hawks, both expected to be in finals contention this season played out a thriller. It was North Ringwood who got out to an early lead, 17 points up at Half Time. Three goals to zip in the third term in favour of Boronia brought the margin back to one point. One goal each in the last as the two sides shared the points.

Jess Begg has yet another standout game for the Saints, once again listed best on for North Ringwood. Playing for the Eastern Ranges last season, Zoe Grace-Willis has entered the North Ringwood senior line-up with a third consecutive strong performance.

Skipper Rachael Quirk starred for the Hawks, while Kelsie Ternes brought some VFLW experience into the side, her first game for Boronia this year, booting two goals.

The two teams sit fourth and fifth after Round Three with records of 1-1-1.

South Croydon hosted Park Orchards in the early timeslot on Saturday out at Cheong Park, both sides entering the game 2-0. In a tight first quarter that saw two goals apiece, it was the Dogs second term that set up the win, three goals to one.

A final 18-point margin as South Croydon record their third straight victory in season 2026. Three goals to Katie Prendergast, making it five in two weeks. Isabelle Khoury and Nicole Garner both playing big roles in setting up the win.  

South Belgrave also remains undefeated in the division after a 103-point win over the Pioneers. Both Olivia Flanagan and Georgia Grimmer booting six majors each.

It sets up an enticing clash at Domeney Reserve, a Grand Final Rematch with Park Orchards.

Statistically dominant

Donvale enter a bye weekend after four of the most dominant one-sided games of the season.

Defeating fourth-placed Silvan on the weekend by 123 points was the club’s fourth straight victory by 100 points or more.

In just four weeks, the side has scored 747 points and only conceded 128.

Round One: Donvale 18.22 130 def. Coldstream 2.0 12

Round Two: Donvale 34.16 220 def. Oakleigh District 5.1 31

Round Three: Donvale 39.14 248 def. Whitehorse 8.11 59

Round Four: Donvale 22.17 149 def. Silvan 2.14 26

Six players from the side have kicked ten goals or more, making up six of the top ten spots in the leading goal kickers for the division. Luke Marriner now leads the division with 14 after another four goals against the Cats.

After the bye, they meet The Basin, who is the only other side left in Division Three that is undefeated.