Macedon women proved why they were overwhelming favourites for the Riddell League’s 2026 women’s football premiership with a 76-point victory over Lancefield in the grand final late on Saturday afternoon.
The third successive premiership for the Cats was widely expected, and the joy and jubilation from players and supporters after the final siren and the formal presentations was overwhelming.
Even better for the Cats was that the 14.8 (92) to 2.4 (16) victory was achieved on their home ground — Tony Clarke Reserve. They went through the season unbeaten.
Given the opportunity to develop their sporting talents, the Macedon Youth League girls’ side had an easy 8.5 (53) to 1.3 (9) victory over Sunbury Kangaroos in Sunday’s grand final at Melton.
Before a large crowd, following the Macedon versus Lancefield men’s match on Saturday, the women’s grand final was memorable — the fourth time in a row Macedon had contested with about half the players having shared in two previous flags.
In his first season as head coach, Matt Laing was praiseworthy of the calibre of the girls and their dedication and willingness to listen and improve their football.
Next season the strong Wallan FNC will field a women’s team in the RDFNL for the first time, and this challenge for Macedon is awaited.
SIX IN FIRST QUARTER
Early in the first term it was clear both sides had come to play, and Macedon had to withstand some good forward thrusts by the Tigers.
Lifting in confidence and combining well, the Cats soon put goals on the board — key forward Shakira Parker kicked three in the term and a quarter-time score of 6.3 to nil illustrated the home side’s overall superiority.
At half-time it was 9.4 to 1.2, and the Cats knew they had things under control despite the Tigers’ best endeavours. It was a countdown to celebrations in the last term.
Top league goalkicker Charlotte Noonan took her season’s tally over 50, and the Cats’ on-ball brigade of talented co-captains Brianna Woodburn and Ruby Watts, with Alex Cairney and the dashing Taya Konias, proved difficult to contain.
The Tigers continued to try hard, and their best players were listed as captain Emily O’Brien, Molly Libardi, Sienna Green, Lilly Bromley, Harmony Cassar and Laura Lonergan.
RDFNL chief executive officer Jordan Doyle officiated at the after-match presentations, commending both sides on their season.
Players in the Cats’ lineup received individual medallions, and Taya Konias the best afield award.
Coach Laing and the co-captains were thrilled to hold the premiership cup.
Lancefield coach Cash Ferguson described Macedon as the “benchmark” for women’s football, with a great team culture.
“I know we are going to get better,” Ferguson said, looking ahead to 2027.
Laing said the Cats had a very fine team, and it comprised “really good people”.
Macedon FNC president Ron Rutledge said it was a tremendous effort by everyone involved in women’s football at Macedon, both on and off the field.
THE PREMIERS
This is how the Macedon women’s team lined up for the 2026 grand final on Saturday:
B: Emily Consiglio, Tamara Collins, Grace Sanders-Savage.
HB: Jessy Unger, Sam Pointer, Tamsin Muller.
Wingers: Lily Prater and Ninna Harbinson.
HF: Lilli Collins, Shakira Parker, Kaitie Muller.
F: Julette Johnson, Charlotte Noonan, Sian Andrews.
On-ballers: Brianna Woodburn (c), Ruby Watts (c), Alex Cairney, Taya Konias.
Inter-change: Eve Moait, Sarah McLean, Laura Wilkinson, Hannah Beasley, Ella Clow.
Coach: Matt Laing.
