VFLW Match Report: Round 14 vs North Melbourne Werribee 

04/08/2025

The Zebras now look ahead to Finals!

Photography by Anthony Vella 

With a home Elimination Final already secured, Round 14's clash with the ladder-leading North Melbourne Werribee served as a great warmup for Finals.

Despite the early morning start, both teams were awake and ready to go immediately. Unfortunately, it was the Kangaroos that struck first, immediately kicking a goal within 15 seconds. We didn't keep the home fans waiting for a response for long though, with a fast kick out of the middle from Makhaela Bluhm finding Stacey Livingstone on the chest, who went back and kicked truly. Typically known for her work as a key defender, Livingstone showed a real presence as a key forward in the first quarter, taking marks and providing a contest when the ball was in the air. North Melbourne Werribee showed their worth as the league’s top side, controlling territory. However, our defence stood tall, keeping them off the scoreboard for most of the quarter, until a late soccer off-the-ground saw the Kangaroos take a seven-point lead into the second term.

Our defence was again under pressure in the second, but did an excellent job at ensuring the Kangaroos got no clean looks at the goals. Jordan Membrey provided a highlight, with a big rundown tackle stopping an almost-certain goal. Ali Hynes and Courtney Aughtie were also impressive, constantly impacting the contest with some big spoils. Persistence eventually paid off for North though, with another soccer from the goal square going through the big sticks. We again found the quick response, with Membrey popping up at the other end of the ground this time, taking a mark and quickly playing on to snap home a goal, leaving us trailing by just nine at the main break. 

North emerged from the break again controlling territory, and started to create some distance as they opened up a 23-point lead with a couple of goals early in the quarter. We ensured it didn’t turn into an onslaught though, continuing to apply the same relentless pressure from the first half. Our hard work paid off, with Tayla Kearns clawing one back late in the quarter from a pinpoint set shot, bringing the margin back to 17 with a quarter to play.

Our defence took some great form heading into Finals, holding North Melbourne Werribee goalless for the entire fourth quarter. We were kept busy though, constantly fighting off countless North attacks, and clearing the ball to great success. Some great team play to work the ball up the ground saw Membrey get on the end of it and add her name to the scoresheet for a second time as she made easy work of the set shot. The siren sounded shortly after, confirming a 17-point win for the Kangaroos. 

Top Performers 

As she has all season, our fearless Captain Grace Holder led from the front, racking up 22 disposals (14 contested), and applying 10 strong tackles. Jordan Membrey matched her in the tackle count, and was often a beneficiary of Hodder's work in the clearances, finishing the contest with an equal game-high two goals. 

Thrown forward in what could potentially be a preview for how the Zebs lineup in Finals, Stacey Livingstone impressed in her new role, finishing the game with a goal, while competing all over the ground when the ball was in the air, either marking it herself or bringing it to ground. In her absence, the defence didn't waver though, with Ali Hynes (11 disposals, eight tackles), Courtney Aughtie (13 disposals, six intercept possessions) and Deanna Jolliffe (17 disposals, seven tackles) in particular competing fiercely under relentless pressure. 

Also finding herself in the backline was club debutant Erin Woodford, who put forward a fine display, finishing with 15 disposals and five marks.

Sandringham Zebras:                           1.0        2.1       3.1        4.1         (25)

North Melbourne Werribee                2.1        3.4       5.6        5.12      (42)        

Visit the VFL website for full stats. 

The Zebs now turn their attention to the rebel VFLW Finals, with our first test being Williamstown in a home Elimination Final at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval this Saturday at 11:05am!

Written by Jake Beddard - Sandringham FC Media