Top Ten Most Memorable Matches
Saturday, June 8th, 2019 will be the day we broadcast our 200th match of senior women's Australian football; and to mark the event, we have listed our Top Ten Most Memorable Matches our commentary team has called.
There's the controversial, there's cliffhangers, games which feature legends and future stars, as well as history making matches.
As much as we celebrate the AFL created 'Gen W' and the current AFL Women's competition, it's important to remind fans new to the women's side of the game that women's football existed before (and outside) the AFLW, and we hope the recordings of these games we've called highlight the foundations on what the current national competition thrives today.
Through rain, hail or shine, lugging our equipment around on bus, train, tram and plane, it's been our pleasure to volunteer our time each weekend to bring you the longest running and most professional radio broadcast of women's Australian football. Here's to another 200 (and more) games!
There's the controversial, there's cliffhangers, games which feature legends and future stars, as well as history making matches.
As much as we celebrate the AFL created 'Gen W' and the current AFL Women's competition, it's important to remind fans new to the women's side of the game that women's football existed before (and outside) the AFLW, and we hope the recordings of these games we've called highlight the foundations on what the current national competition thrives today.
Through rain, hail or shine, lugging our equipment around on bus, train, tram and plane, it's been our pleasure to volunteer our time each weekend to bring you the longest running and most professional radio broadcast of women's Australian football. Here's to another 200 (and more) games!
NUMBER 10: What's the score? The 'draw' that wasn't.
2014 VWFL 2nd Division Round 7 - Pascoe Vale v Sunbury Lions
Callers: Peter Holden and Daniel Hill
It's the middle of the season, and on a winter's day at Raeburn Reserve, the Pascoe Vale Panthers are playing host to the Sunbury Lions with both sides looking to lock down a top four spot.
Our call team that day are positioned in front of the clubrooms, next to the scoreboard, on the half-forward flank at the city end of the ground.
Both teams refuse to give an inch all day and the game goes down to the wire.
The final siren goes; we and the scoreboard operators sigh that the game has ended in a draw.
BUT WAIT, the Pascoe Vale players on their bench are celebrating?!
Our call team that day are positioned in front of the clubrooms, next to the scoreboard, on the half-forward flank at the city end of the ground.
Both teams refuse to give an inch all day and the game goes down to the wire.
The final siren goes; we and the scoreboard operators sigh that the game has ended in a draw.
BUT WAIT, the Pascoe Vale players on their bench are celebrating?!
NUMBER 9: The champs are on the ropes!
2017 AFL International Cup Round 1 - Canada v Fiji
Callers: Peter Holden, Xavier Moloney and Bec Dahl
Coming into the second game of the opening day of the AFL International Cup for 2017, the Women's division's reigning champions from Canada were expected to notch up a comfortable win over a side they beat easily three years prior.
However, the women of Fiji hadn't read the script.
In perhaps the most fiercely fought game of women's Australian football - with plenty of bone rattling tackles - the Fijians took it right up to the 'Northern Lights', with the game being forced into sudden death extra time.
Unlike years before when the tournament was a cakewalk for countries like Canada and Ireland, Fiji signalled that in 2017, the rest of the competition was ready for the fight!
However, the women of Fiji hadn't read the script.
In perhaps the most fiercely fought game of women's Australian football - with plenty of bone rattling tackles - the Fijians took it right up to the 'Northern Lights', with the game being forced into sudden death extra time.
Unlike years before when the tournament was a cakewalk for countries like Canada and Ireland, Fiji signalled that in 2017, the rest of the competition was ready for the fight!
NUMBER 8: No bench, no hope, no way the Creekers are giving up!
2015 VWFL Premier Division Preliminary Final - Diamond Creek v Melb Uni
Callers: Matthew Cocks, Peter Holden and Katie Lambeski
As happened before, the Creekers and Mugars once again met in a preliminary final to decide who would proceed through to the Grand Final to challenge Darebin for the Premiership Flag.
Despite the Creekers going in as favourites, Melbourne University dominated the first half of the match to take a 25 point lead into the main break.
It seemed like Diamond Creek would fall out of the finals in straight sets, especially with serious injuries mounting throughout the game at an alarming rate.
Somehow, with the odds increasingly stacked against them and time running out, the Creekers staged one of the most hard fought comebacks in the history of the Victorian Women's Football League.
Despite the Creekers going in as favourites, Melbourne University dominated the first half of the match to take a 25 point lead into the main break.
It seemed like Diamond Creek would fall out of the finals in straight sets, especially with serious injuries mounting throughout the game at an alarming rate.
Somehow, with the odds increasingly stacked against them and time running out, the Creekers staged one of the most hard fought comebacks in the history of the Victorian Women's Football League.
NUMBER 7: The breakthrough. The Knox Falcons' only VFLW win.
2016 VFLW Round 12 - Knox Falcons v (North) Geelong Magpies
Callers: Peter Holden, Matthew Cocks and Daniel Hill
The Knox Falcons had finished Runners Up in Division One of the VWFL the year prior, including staging a run from fourth to the Grand Final in a stunning finals campaign.
At the end of 2015, they along with three other Division One sides joined the six Premier Division teams to create the newly formed VFLW.
However, the tenure of Knox in the new league would prove to be short, lasting just one season.
They would struggle not only to compete, but also to find players from within their own club to want to step up from the seconds to the firsts.
This resulted in a number of VWFL Academy players from other clubs joining Knox on a loan basis to help the Red and Black Falcons to become more competitive.
Loss after loss continued through the season, until one fateful afternoon at home against former Division One rival (North) Geelong Magpies, the sweet taste of victory finally belonged to Knox.
At the end of 2015, they along with three other Division One sides joined the six Premier Division teams to create the newly formed VFLW.
However, the tenure of Knox in the new league would prove to be short, lasting just one season.
They would struggle not only to compete, but also to find players from within their own club to want to step up from the seconds to the firsts.
This resulted in a number of VWFL Academy players from other clubs joining Knox on a loan basis to help the Red and Black Falcons to become more competitive.
Loss after loss continued through the season, until one fateful afternoon at home against former Division One rival (North) Geelong Magpies, the sweet taste of victory finally belonged to Knox.
NUMBER 6: Brianna Davey versus the world!
2015 VWFL Premier Division Round 8 - St Kilda Sharks v Darebin Falcons
Callers: Peter Holden, Leesa Catto and Keryn Ralph
It's not often a loss can be celebarted in a club's history, but this game on a Saturday afternoon in 2015 is worthy of being told again and again at the St Kilda Sharks.
The Sharks were a young and upcoming side, but many times for them (and others) they would be handed a belting by the machine that was the Darebin Falcons.
However, the winds of change started to blow like a light cool breeze just a month or so prior.
Former Matildas goalkeeper Brianna Davey had made her debut for the Sharks against the Falcons at AH Capp Reserve, helping her side trouble Darebin for a half, before the Falcons pulled away.
It was a performance that stood out so much, that just a week or so later, Davey would be respresenting the Big V seconds against NSW/ACT at Punt Road Oval.
Flash forward to this game. Darebin are at near full strength, with just Elise O'Dea missing.
Despite such a stacked side, including a famed midfield along the like of Aasta O'Connor, Melissa Hickey, Karen Paxman and Daisy Pearce, Brianna Davey was to go on the ball and put on a clinic.
Even with her injury late in the game, Bri had done enough in this game alone to signal she was going to be one of the elite in the forthcoming national women's competition.
The Sharks were a young and upcoming side, but many times for them (and others) they would be handed a belting by the machine that was the Darebin Falcons.
However, the winds of change started to blow like a light cool breeze just a month or so prior.
Former Matildas goalkeeper Brianna Davey had made her debut for the Sharks against the Falcons at AH Capp Reserve, helping her side trouble Darebin for a half, before the Falcons pulled away.
It was a performance that stood out so much, that just a week or so later, Davey would be respresenting the Big V seconds against NSW/ACT at Punt Road Oval.
Flash forward to this game. Darebin are at near full strength, with just Elise O'Dea missing.
Despite such a stacked side, including a famed midfield along the like of Aasta O'Connor, Melissa Hickey, Karen Paxman and Daisy Pearce, Brianna Davey was to go on the ball and put on a clinic.
Even with her injury late in the game, Bri had done enough in this game alone to signal she was going to be one of the elite in the forthcoming national women's competition.
NUMBER 5: DOWN GOES DENVER! DOWN GOES DENVER!
2016 USAFL Nationals Women's Division One - Denver v San Francisco
Callers: Brian Barrish and Peter Holden
The Denver Lady Bulldogs entered the 2016 United States Australian Football League (USAFL) National Championships at Lakewood Ranch in Florida as the six-time women's division one national champions.
On the flip side, the San Francisco Iron Maidens had only been around for a few years, and had no success prior against Denver at the Nationals - in fact, they'd never kicked a goal against them.
In 2016, the two sides were both sitting 2-0 in women's division one when they faced each other on that fateful Sunday.
The format of the tournament that year had no Grand Final for women's division one, instead all five teams would play each other once in a round-robin format with the best record declared champions.
In all reality, this match on the second day of the tournament would act as a pseudo Grand Final, and although it would be a very low scoring game, both sides played like their life depended on the result.
At the end of the day, the seemingly impossible to conquer Lady Bulldogs would fall, and a new era of women's Australian football in the USA would begin, lead by the Iron Maidens.
On the flip side, the San Francisco Iron Maidens had only been around for a few years, and had no success prior against Denver at the Nationals - in fact, they'd never kicked a goal against them.
In 2016, the two sides were both sitting 2-0 in women's division one when they faced each other on that fateful Sunday.
The format of the tournament that year had no Grand Final for women's division one, instead all five teams would play each other once in a round-robin format with the best record declared champions.
In all reality, this match on the second day of the tournament would act as a pseudo Grand Final, and although it would be a very low scoring game, both sides played like their life depended on the result.
At the end of the day, the seemingly impossible to conquer Lady Bulldogs would fall, and a new era of women's Australian football in the USA would begin, lead by the Iron Maidens.
NUMBER 4: Women's football, welcome to the big stage!
2014 AFL Women's Exhibition Match - Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
Callers: Peter Holden, Daniel Hill, Ash Bye and Anna Harrington
Although this was not the first AFL Women's Exhibition Match - with the inaugural game played the year prior - this would be the one to finaly get the media talking about the possibility of a women's national competition.
The live video streamed production would see highlights of 'that mark' by Tayla Harris played again, and again, as well as the bone rattling collison between Lauren Morecroft and Chelsea Randall.
Under the roof of the Docklands stadium, the momentum of women's football would soon build from a ripple into a tidal wave.
For our commentary team, we would be the first radio broadcast of a women's game at the national level, two years before the 'official AFL broadcasters' finally got in on the act.
The live video streamed production would see highlights of 'that mark' by Tayla Harris played again, and again, as well as the bone rattling collison between Lauren Morecroft and Chelsea Randall.
Under the roof of the Docklands stadium, the momentum of women's football would soon build from a ripple into a tidal wave.
For our commentary team, we would be the first radio broadcast of a women's game at the national level, two years before the 'official AFL broadcasters' finally got in on the act.
NUMBER 3: A legend's 300th game.
2014 VWFL Premier Division Round 12 - VU St. Albans Spurs v Eastern Devils
Callers: Peter Holden and Anna Harrington
For years the face of the Victorian Women's Football League had been one woman, Debbie Lee.
Yes there had been other champions before and after Debbie, but this was not only a five-time Helen Lambert medalist, a Lisa Hardeman medalist, three-time Premiership player and multiple-times Victorian respresentative - she was also the founder of the Spurs and a former VWFL President.
With plans to start a family and an eye on the future of women's football, busily working behind the scenes to create the Exhibition Match series and help shape the future national competition, Debbie decided to call time on her playing career in 2014, with her 300th game to be her 3rd last.
The media celebrated Debbie throughout the week, and the Spurs not only made a big day to mark her incredible career, but to also acknowledge what was meant to be the second last game of another champion, the Eastern Devils' Lou Wotton.
Sadly, despite frantic searches throughout our archives, we are unable to find the recording of this special match. However, we were fortunate enough to find the file containing part of our pre-match interview with arguably the biggest name in the women's game.
Yes there had been other champions before and after Debbie, but this was not only a five-time Helen Lambert medalist, a Lisa Hardeman medalist, three-time Premiership player and multiple-times Victorian respresentative - she was also the founder of the Spurs and a former VWFL President.
With plans to start a family and an eye on the future of women's football, busily working behind the scenes to create the Exhibition Match series and help shape the future national competition, Debbie decided to call time on her playing career in 2014, with her 300th game to be her 3rd last.
The media celebrated Debbie throughout the week, and the Spurs not only made a big day to mark her incredible career, but to also acknowledge what was meant to be the second last game of another champion, the Eastern Devils' Lou Wotton.
Sadly, despite frantic searches throughout our archives, we are unable to find the recording of this special match. However, we were fortunate enough to find the file containing part of our pre-match interview with arguably the biggest name in the women's game.
NUMBER 2: The unbeatble Big V is no more.
2015 State Match - Western Australia v Victoria at Subiaco
Callers: Ashlea Renshaw, Peter Holden and Julie Nichols
Up until this match on the 6th of June 2015, the Victorian senior women's football state team had never been beaten. NEVER. BEEN. BEATEN.
So, just two weeks after the AFL Women's Exhibition Match at the MCG, most of the players that had played in that game fronted again, but this time wearing the state jumpers of Western Australia and the famous 'Big V' of Victoria.
On this day, the West Aussies would be lead by former Victorian and future Fremantle captain Kara 'Juddy' Donnellan, while leading Victoria for the first time would be future Geelong captain Melissa Hickey.
Due to head scratching scheduling by the AFL, this match was scheduled as a curtain raiser to the Fremantle v Richmond AFL men's match, beginnning around 3pm on a Friday afternoon, with no live video streamed planned, just one camera to film the game which would be uploaded later in the week.
Frustrated by the lack of live coverage, our own Peter Holden forked out $1,000, packed his equipment and jumped on a plane to Perth to provide a radio broadcast of the match alongside two WA women's footballers, Ashlea Renshaw and Julie Nichols.
It proved to be a wise investment, as they would witness what many believe to be at the time, the greatest match of women's Australian football ever played... and the day the Big V would become mortal.
So, just two weeks after the AFL Women's Exhibition Match at the MCG, most of the players that had played in that game fronted again, but this time wearing the state jumpers of Western Australia and the famous 'Big V' of Victoria.
On this day, the West Aussies would be lead by former Victorian and future Fremantle captain Kara 'Juddy' Donnellan, while leading Victoria for the first time would be future Geelong captain Melissa Hickey.
Due to head scratching scheduling by the AFL, this match was scheduled as a curtain raiser to the Fremantle v Richmond AFL men's match, beginnning around 3pm on a Friday afternoon, with no live video streamed planned, just one camera to film the game which would be uploaded later in the week.
Frustrated by the lack of live coverage, our own Peter Holden forked out $1,000, packed his equipment and jumped on a plane to Perth to provide a radio broadcast of the match alongside two WA women's footballers, Ashlea Renshaw and Julie Nichols.
It proved to be a wise investment, as they would witness what many believe to be at the time, the greatest match of women's Australian football ever played... and the day the Big V would become mortal.
NUMBER 1: A season decided in the dying seconds... of two games!
2015 VWFL Premier Division - St Kilda Sharks v Eastern Devils, with live crosses to Melbourne University v Diamond Creek
Callers: Peter Holden and Matthew Cocks at the Peanut Farm Reserve, with Daniel Hill at 'Tin Alley'
Heading into the final round of the VWFL Premier Division season for 2015, the ladder shaped up as such. Darebin were the clear minor premiers, dropping just one game. Diamond Creek had snared 2nd spot the week before. The Eastern Devils were sitting 3rd, where either a win or a Melbourne Uni loss would secure their finals birth. Melbourne Uni had to either win or hoped the St Kilda Sharks lost to hold onto their spot in the top four, while the St Kilda Sharks had to win to get into the finals.
In the days before the final round, Daniel Hill suggested the idea he go to Tin Alley to report on what was happening between the Creekers and the Mugars, while Peter Holden and Matthew Cocks broadcast the match between the Sharks and the Devils at the Peanut Farm Reserve.
Over the next two hours the lead at both grounds would swing back forth, with cries of "what does a draw mean"?!
Listeners (including those at league headquarters) would hear the commentary swing back and forth between both grounds while dramatic event after dramatic event unfolded.
In quite possibly one of the best broadcasts we've ever put together, the fate of three teams' finals hopes would come down to the dying seconds of both matches.
In the days before the final round, Daniel Hill suggested the idea he go to Tin Alley to report on what was happening between the Creekers and the Mugars, while Peter Holden and Matthew Cocks broadcast the match between the Sharks and the Devils at the Peanut Farm Reserve.
Over the next two hours the lead at both grounds would swing back forth, with cries of "what does a draw mean"?!
Listeners (including those at league headquarters) would hear the commentary swing back and forth between both grounds while dramatic event after dramatic event unfolded.
In quite possibly one of the best broadcasts we've ever put together, the fate of three teams' finals hopes would come down to the dying seconds of both matches.
Memorable Matches - Honourable Mentions (Part One)
2018 - VFL Women's Round 16 - Essendon v Carlton at Windy Hill
Callers: Peter Holden and Matthew Cocks
It was the final round of the 2018 Victorian Football League Women's season, and heading into the match featuring two sides that wouldn't be making finals, it seemed that the only thing of interest would be the AFLW trial rules being implemented - including an 18 metre goal square!
Carlton marquee forward (and former Darebin Falcon) Darcy Vescio started the day three goals behind Darebin's Hannah Mouncey on the VFLW Goal Kicking Ladder. Before quarter time, she'd taken top spot, and ended up finishing the match with nine goals and three goal assists.
Carlton marquee forward (and former Darebin Falcon) Darcy Vescio started the day three goals behind Darebin's Hannah Mouncey on the VFLW Goal Kicking Ladder. Before quarter time, she'd taken top spot, and ended up finishing the match with nine goals and three goal assists.
2014 - VWFL 2nd Division Grand Final - North Geelong v Seaford at Coburg
Callers: Jo Wotton, Matthew Cocks and Daniel Hill
There was no love lost between these two divisional rivals, each claiming a home victory against one another, with Seaford edging North Geelong for top spot on the ladder by percentage.
If anyone thought their semi-final was a thriller, with Seaford winning by three points, the Grand Final would serve up the drama ten-fold... especially with the rules not permitting any time-on!
Look out for future AFLW footballers Kate Gillespie-Jones and Kim Ebb playing for the Tigerettes, plus Maddie Boyd, Richelle Cranston and Laura Bailey lining up for the Magpies.
If anyone thought their semi-final was a thriller, with Seaford winning by three points, the Grand Final would serve up the drama ten-fold... especially with the rules not permitting any time-on!
Look out for future AFLW footballers Kate Gillespie-Jones and Kim Ebb playing for the Tigerettes, plus Maddie Boyd, Richelle Cranston and Laura Bailey lining up for the Magpies.
2017 - VFL Women's Round 10 - Diamond Creek v St Kilda Sharks at Plenty
Callers: Peter Holden and Matthew Cocks
A new coach and an injection of fresh talent had Diamond Creek flying through the early part of the 2017 season, with a Grand Final appearance seemingly their destiny.
Their opponent was the St Kilda Sharks, who had suffered a blow to morale during the week, with their full forward Moana Hope (100+ goals in 2016) walking out and heading to Melbourne Uni.
However, there was a twist. Seeking new opportunities outside football, former Brisbane Lions marquee Tayla Harris found herself in Melbourne, and on this day, wearing a Sharks jumper.
Their opponent was the St Kilda Sharks, who had suffered a blow to morale during the week, with their full forward Moana Hope (100+ goals in 2016) walking out and heading to Melbourne Uni.
However, there was a twist. Seeking new opportunities outside football, former Brisbane Lions marquee Tayla Harris found herself in Melbourne, and on this day, wearing a Sharks jumper.
2017 - USAFL Nationals (Division One, Pool A) - Seattle v Montreal at San Diego
Callers: Brian Barrish and Peter Holden
Prior to the begin of play at the 2017 USAFL Nationals, all the talk was if both Canadian women's teams - the Calagary Kookaburras and the Montreal Angels - would face off in the Women's Division One Grand Final; the irony being two Canadian teams playing to be the 'United States Champion'.
Montreal featured a number of women who had represented Canada at the AFL International Cup just two months prior - the most notable being Aimee Legault and Valerie Moreau.
On the other side of this battle was the Seattle Grizzlies, a fast developing women's program in the Pacific North-West. The Grizzlies supplied Portland with three players at the previous year's Nationals, helping the Sockeyes to the Division Two title.
Making their debut with a full squad in Division One, Seattle were beaten easily by reigning champions the San Francisco Iron Maidens earlier in the day.
Despite Montreal going in as favourites to this match, an historic occasion would be on the cards for the Grizzlies and a new force in USAFL Women's football would be born.
Montreal featured a number of women who had represented Canada at the AFL International Cup just two months prior - the most notable being Aimee Legault and Valerie Moreau.
On the other side of this battle was the Seattle Grizzlies, a fast developing women's program in the Pacific North-West. The Grizzlies supplied Portland with three players at the previous year's Nationals, helping the Sockeyes to the Division Two title.
Making their debut with a full squad in Division One, Seattle were beaten easily by reigning champions the San Francisco Iron Maidens earlier in the day.
Despite Montreal going in as favourites to this match, an historic occasion would be on the cards for the Grizzlies and a new force in USAFL Women's football would be born.
2018 - VFL Women's Round 13 - Darebin v Hawthorn at Bill Lawry Oval
Callers: Lucy Watkin, Matthew Cocks and Niamh Felton
The Darebin Falcons were twice five-times-in-a-row premiers, the reigning premiers, and were in danger of missing out on the finals for the first time in more than a decade.
Hawthorn were in their second year in the competition (known as Box Hill in their first year) and were in the hunt for a top two finish that held the prize of the double-chance.
An old era of women's football and a new era of women's football collided in the 'Birds of Prey Cup'.
Hawthorn were in their second year in the competition (known as Box Hill in their first year) and were in the hunt for a top two finish that held the prize of the double-chance.
An old era of women's football and a new era of women's football collided in the 'Birds of Prey Cup'.
2016 - VFL Women's Round 9 - Diamond Creek v Eastern Devils at Reservoir
Callers: Peter Holden and Matthew Cocks
On a day when the Herald-Sun decided to head to Schultz Reserve and cover Darebin's 184 point smashing of Knox as their feature on women's football, our commentary team headed over to CT Barling Reserve to not only call the clear match of the round, but one of the games of the year.
The Creekers had played in the last four Grand Finals, winning one and losing three. However, injuries were piling up in 2016 and they were struggling to keep pace with the top four.
On the opposite side, the Eastern Devils were easy beats in 2014, and were in heart-breaking fashion knocked out of the top four in the final round of 2015. This season was different. A focused hunger had them sitting just inside the top four and looking bound to wreck havoc in the finals.
Could they keep a distance between themselves and the Creekers in the fight for the top four?
The Creekers had played in the last four Grand Finals, winning one and losing three. However, injuries were piling up in 2016 and they were struggling to keep pace with the top four.
On the opposite side, the Eastern Devils were easy beats in 2014, and were in heart-breaking fashion knocked out of the top four in the final round of 2015. This season was different. A focused hunger had them sitting just inside the top four and looking bound to wreck havoc in the finals.
Could they keep a distance between themselves and the Creekers in the fight for the top four?
2016 - QWAFL Grand Final - Coolangatta Tweed v Yeronga at Yeronga
Callers: Peter Holden, Jessica Webster and Craig Starcevich
Both sides finished the 2016 QWAFL home and away season with 14 wins and 2 loses, with the Bluebirds coming into the match as the more experienced Grand Final team, having fallen in previous years to arch-rival Coorparoo.
However, Yeronga had the home ground advantage with the match being played at Leyshon Park.
This Grand Final would give AFLW fans a taste of the fast paced football the Brisbane Lions would bring to the competition in 2017, featuring such players as Kate McCarthy, Sam Virgo and Leah Kaslar
Also, pay attention during the commentary to a shout-out given to a certain left-footer that was driving from the West Coast of Australia to the East Coast - a future Lions AFLW fan favourite.
However, Yeronga had the home ground advantage with the match being played at Leyshon Park.
This Grand Final would give AFLW fans a taste of the fast paced football the Brisbane Lions would bring to the competition in 2017, featuring such players as Kate McCarthy, Sam Virgo and Leah Kaslar
Also, pay attention during the commentary to a shout-out given to a certain left-footer that was driving from the West Coast of Australia to the East Coast - a future Lions AFLW fan favourite.
2017 - VFL Women's Round 5 - Melb Uni v Darebin at Hamilton (Pride Game)
Callers: Peter Holden, Matthew Cocks and Kristy Williams
Just a month earlier Melbourne University shocked the VFLW knocking off the reigning premiers in the opening round with relative ease. Since that match the Falcons would suffer a loss to Diamond Creek and survive a scare against the Eastern Devils.
Being played in Hamilton, the Pride Game gave the Mugars the chance to put Darebin on thin ice with their finals chances early in the season.
However, Darebin had a big name recruit make her debut in this match - 2017 AFL Women's Rising Star Award winner and 2017 AFLW premiership footballer, Ebony Marinoff of the Adelaide Crows.
Being played in Hamilton, the Pride Game gave the Mugars the chance to put Darebin on thin ice with their finals chances early in the season.
However, Darebin had a big name recruit make her debut in this match - 2017 AFL Women's Rising Star Award winner and 2017 AFLW premiership footballer, Ebony Marinoff of the Adelaide Crows.
2017 - VFL Women's Preliminary Final - Darebin v St Kilda Sharks at Coburg
Callers: Peter Holden, Matthew Cocks, Katie Lambeski and Niamh Felton
Just a week before, the Falcons looked pretty sick and sore, having easily been beaten by Diamond Creek in the Major Semi Final.
For the Sharks, they were on cloud nine, having finally put away their finals' tormentors Melbourne Uni in the Minor Semi Final.
Besides the obvious spot in a Grand Final, there was also an extra carrot on the line for the winner, as they would play Diamond Creek the following week at Etihad Stadium (Docklands) with the match to be broadcast statewide on Channel 7.
For the Sharks, they were on cloud nine, having finally put away their finals' tormentors Melbourne Uni in the Minor Semi Final.
Besides the obvious spot in a Grand Final, there was also an extra carrot on the line for the winner, as they would play Diamond Creek the following week at Etihad Stadium (Docklands) with the match to be broadcast statewide on Channel 7.
2014 - VWFL 5th Division Grand Final - Seaford v Kew at Coburg
Callers: Peter Holden and Matthew Cocks
On any other occasion, a Grand Final should be the easiest game of the year for commentators to broadcast.
Typically, they would have called the two competiting sides a number of times through the season, the better players would have stood out and thus the team lists should be easy to remember.
On this day however, due to the number of divisions in the VWFL, it would be the first time both commentators would lay eyes on these sides.
In fact, in would be the first time that the game's callers would be broadcasting a match together.
No worries, just follow the provided team sheets and things should be fine.
Except that the Kew Giants for the first time in the season would run out in the old North Melbourne alternative strip, with their players wearing different numbers to the supplied team sheet!
The following call is an example of two commentators who have just met, 'holding the show together' while they frantically get an updated Kew team sheet, one that's not in numerical order!
Typically, they would have called the two competiting sides a number of times through the season, the better players would have stood out and thus the team lists should be easy to remember.
On this day however, due to the number of divisions in the VWFL, it would be the first time both commentators would lay eyes on these sides.
In fact, in would be the first time that the game's callers would be broadcasting a match together.
No worries, just follow the provided team sheets and things should be fine.
Except that the Kew Giants for the first time in the season would run out in the old North Melbourne alternative strip, with their players wearing different numbers to the supplied team sheet!
The following call is an example of two commentators who have just met, 'holding the show together' while they frantically get an updated Kew team sheet, one that's not in numerical order!
2016 - VFL Women's Round 11 - Melb Uni v St Kilda Sharks at Parkville
Callers: Peter Holden and Matthew Cocks
The Mugars and Sharks had played in some classic battles in recent times and this match at 'Tin Alley' was no exception.
With conditions a bit on the muddy side, each goal was like gold in what turned out to be a see-sawing match, that ended in the VFLW's first ever draw!
With conditions a bit on the muddy side, each goal was like gold in what turned out to be a see-sawing match, that ended in the VFLW's first ever draw!
2017 - International Cup 3rd Place Play-off - USA v Great Britain at Royal Park
Callers: Matthew Cocks and Brian Barrish
On the second last day of the tournament, the USA Freedom and GB Swans squared off for 3rd placed honours at Macalister Oval in Melbourne's Royal Park.
The Swans were smarting after leading the Irish Banshees late in their semi-final three days earlier, only to go down by 8 points.
For the USA Freedom, it was an injury plagued tournament with players going down left, right and centre, resulting in a weakend side losing by six goals to Canada in their semi-final.
Which side would finish the year on a high note? It wouldn't be decided until late in the day.
The Swans were smarting after leading the Irish Banshees late in their semi-final three days earlier, only to go down by 8 points.
For the USA Freedom, it was an injury plagued tournament with players going down left, right and centre, resulting in a weakend side losing by six goals to Canada in their semi-final.
Which side would finish the year on a high note? It wouldn't be decided until late in the day.
2015 - VWFL Round 2 - Melb Uni v Darebin at Parkville
Callers: Peter Holden and Matthew Cocks
It was a standalone game on a Sunday and the commentary team feared a one-sided blow-out after Darebin's eight goal victory over Diamond Creek the previous week, while the Mugars were coming off a shock loss to the Eastern Devils.
Not to mention that the Falcons hadn't be beaten since the opening game of the 2013 season, while it had been nine long years since the Mugars had knocked off Darebin.
The Falcons would go into the match missing Aasta O'Connor through suspension, however for Melbourne University, they had a surprise inclusion - Swan Districts (WA) footballer, Kirby Bentley.
Not to mention that the Falcons hadn't be beaten since the opening game of the 2013 season, while it had been nine long years since the Mugars had knocked off Darebin.
The Falcons would go into the match missing Aasta O'Connor through suspension, however for Melbourne University, they had a surprise inclusion - Swan Districts (WA) footballer, Kirby Bentley.
2015 - AFL Women's Exhibition Match - Bulldogs v Melbourne at Docklands
Callers: Peter Holden, Matthew Cocks, Kristy Williams, Katie Lambeski and Daniel Hill
Melbourne defeated the Western Bulldogs in a thriller at the MCG in Game 1, with the Bulldogs again taking it up to the Demons in Game 2.
This match would also be the first women's footy match to be broadcast on free-to-air television.
The occasion was a great one until 90 seconds to go in the match...
This match would also be the first women's footy match to be broadcast on free-to-air television.
The occasion was a great one until 90 seconds to go in the match...
2018 - VFL Women's Round 9 - Collingwood v Darebin at Victoria Park
Callers: Lucy Watkin, Matthew Cocks and Katie Lambeski
This mid-season clash saw the ladder leading Magpies test themselves against the reigning premiers, the Darebin Falcons, in front of a few hundred fans at Victoria Park.
The game also saw the debut of Lucy Watkin in the play-by-play calling role.
The game also saw the debut of Lucy Watkin in the play-by-play calling role.
2017 - USA Liberty Tour - Bulleen-Templestowe v USA Liberty at Bulleen
Callers: Brian Barrish and Peter Holden
One dodgy camera set up, one club volunteer to help film, one American to host and call a game of Australian football in Australia, one local commentator (with most of the streaming gear) running late in traffic... and one moment in footy history.
Prior to this night match at Bulleen Park, an American women's team had never beaten an Australian side on Aussie soil - whether the (first team) Freedom or the (development team) Liberty.
That would all change on Tuesday night, 8th August, 2017, when in a scrappy battle, the USA Liberty would outlast VAFA Women's Division 4 side, the Bulleen-Templestowe Bullants, claiming their first ever victory in Australia.
The Liberty would go on to finish their Australian tour with a winning record of 3 wins, 2 losses.
Prior to this night match at Bulleen Park, an American women's team had never beaten an Australian side on Aussie soil - whether the (first team) Freedom or the (development team) Liberty.
That would all change on Tuesday night, 8th August, 2017, when in a scrappy battle, the USA Liberty would outlast VAFA Women's Division 4 side, the Bulleen-Templestowe Bullants, claiming their first ever victory in Australia.
The Liberty would go on to finish their Australian tour with a winning record of 3 wins, 2 losses.
2018 - VFL Women's Grand Final - Hawthorn v Geelong at Docklands
Callers: Matthew Cocks, Lucy Watkin, Kristy Williams, Sasha Dougherty, Lisa Roper, Niamh Felton and Julia Montesano
The Hawks finished the Home and Away season in second place and would go on to defeat Collingwood in the major semi-final to earn their spot in the Grand Final.
Geelong would have to rally from behind in the Minor Semi-Final to eliminate the NT Thunder, before dominating Collingwood the following week and send the Magpies out of the finals in straight sets.
The Cats saw this Grand Final as a chance to announce themselves on the big stage, with the club set to debut in the AFLW the next year.
For the Hawks, a chance to not only state their case for an AFLW licence sooner, rather than later, but also an oppourtunity to give premiership success at last to veteran Meg Hutchins, Lou Wotton and Phoebe McWilliams.
Geelong would have to rally from behind in the Minor Semi-Final to eliminate the NT Thunder, before dominating Collingwood the following week and send the Magpies out of the finals in straight sets.
The Cats saw this Grand Final as a chance to announce themselves on the big stage, with the club set to debut in the AFLW the next year.
For the Hawks, a chance to not only state their case for an AFLW licence sooner, rather than later, but also an oppourtunity to give premiership success at last to veteran Meg Hutchins, Lou Wotton and Phoebe McWilliams.
2017 - VFL Women's Semi-Final - St Kilda Sharks v Melb Uni at Coburg
Callers: Peter Holden, Matthew Cocks and Niamh Felton
For the past number of years, the Mugars had the wood over the Sharks, putting them to the sword whenever they met in the finals.
The Mugars had started 2017 strong, at one point leading the ladder, before a late season slump found them in the minor semi-final.
The young Sharks team had lost their 100 goal full-forward to the Mugars mid-season, but turned a negative into a positive, with their midfield becoming a greater attacking asset.
The Mugars had started 2017 strong, at one point leading the ladder, before a late season slump found them in the minor semi-final.
The young Sharks team had lost their 100 goal full-forward to the Mugars mid-season, but turned a negative into a positive, with their midfield becoming a greater attacking asset.
2016 - VWFL Grand Final - Darebin v Melb Uni at Coburg
Callers: Matthew Cocks, Peter Holden, Katie Lambeski and Kristy Williams
The Darebin Falcons were aiming for their 4th flag in a row and 9th since 2006, while it had been a more than half-a-decade since the Mugars had played in the Grand Final.
On the back of the AFL Women's Exhibition Match being played at Whitten Oval less than a month prior, and the first AFLW Draft just a month away, a crowd of around 4,000 paying customers showed up to see two non-AFL aligned sides battle it out in an 18-a-side classic.
On the back of the AFL Women's Exhibition Match being played at Whitten Oval less than a month prior, and the first AFLW Draft just a month away, a crowd of around 4,000 paying customers showed up to see two non-AFL aligned sides battle it out in an 18-a-side classic.
2018 - VFL Women's Round 5 - Melb Uni v Geelong at Parkville
Callers: Peter Holden, Sasha Dougherty and Niamh Felton
The year saw a new look Melbourne University side with added youth and senior footballers from former VFLW clubs, aiming to get onto the North Melbourne AFLW list.
Likewise, it was the Cats second year in the competition as they built towards their AFLW debut as a club.
The game would feature two AFL Women's stars having standout performances - Richelle 'Rocky' Cranston and Emma Kearney.
Plus, listen very carefully to Peter's tip before the first bounce.
Likewise, it was the Cats second year in the competition as they built towards their AFLW debut as a club.
The game would feature two AFL Women's stars having standout performances - Richelle 'Rocky' Cranston and Emma Kearney.
Plus, listen very carefully to Peter's tip before the first bounce.