Round 18 Match Reports (2026)

The final game of the La Trobe Senior Women’s season took place at home against the top of the ladder Ormond, in what was a special day of celebrating both milestones and careers.

There appeared to be a late inclusion after glancing upon the warm-up, with professional vibe check enthusiast Elise Freeman putting on the La Trobe colours once again to deliver her final rev up of the season!

After a well-delivered performance from Freo, it was time to unleash the milestone heroes. The playing group and supporting cast were challenged with making 3 banners to recognise 50 gamer Ella Lauritsen and 100 gamers Kaitlyn Ritchie and Nat Cappelletti. There was a solid turnout to view the rare sighting of 3 different banners being torn apart one at a time.

The first quarter was a tussle, with Ormond starting the game the stronger side and getting rewarded for it on the scoreboard. Some intriguing Ormond tactics had Sam Greene thinking actively in her final game as coach. Greeney as always was precise with her response to the situation and wasn’t going to let Ormond outsmart her in her farewell game.

The visitors took a 14-point lead into the 2^nd term, with La Trobe needing a spark to get themselves right into the contest.

Both teams had their moments in the quarter, with Ormond initially extending their lead after getting out the back on multiple occasions which is always a possibility with some of the quality in their side.

But La Trobe’s moment would come through Marleigh Andrews, who earned a free kick inside 50 and kicked truly to get La Trobe’s first goal of the game in her final appearance in the red and black.

With Merl’s goal, the vibes were at a premium in the rooms at half time. With Jess Lowry’s ability to cause damage with her hit outs, there was a push for the Trober engine room to get more aggressive and capitalise on the skipper’s tap work.

The second half couldn’t have started much better. Merl was rewarded with her second free kick and with some good practice in the first half, she was never in doubt to put through her second. Going into the game, there was a push for Merl to kick a couple of snags to take out the leading goal kicker award for season 2026, and she delivered to secure a highly respected accolade. The performance from the retiring forward had Greeney and the bench questioning whether Merl had made her decision too early, with her best footy perhaps still ahead of her.

It was also a strong quarter from Yasmine Budic and Tara Chetcuti, who both got more involved in the contest and used the ball beautifully under pressure on multiple occasions.

The visitors took a 22-point lead into the last quarter, as it was a heartful final Greeney address to go along with a final quarter for season 2026.

With the talent on the Ormond side, it was always going to be difficult to reduce their impact as they prepare for a premiership push. A strong last quarter led to their 41-point victory over a valiant La Trobe outfit.

Although it would’ve been nice to send off some Trober legends with a win, it will always go down as a performance that won’t be forgotten.

Jess Lowry as always was immense and performed like a true captain should. The captain’s end of season form has been tremendous, to go alongside her leadership capabilities which continue to grow as she impacts all of those around her.

After having her best performance of the season last week, Thara Sar said she could go one better this week! Thara was given a role to negate the influence of an Ormond star player, and she did a brilliant job. Jasmine Smith also deserves recognition for her impact on the same player when Thara earned a breather.

Eve Conlan was another who was given a pre-game role on the leading goal scorer in the competition. Eve was brave and terrific, as she attacked the ball fiercely at ground level and competed to a high standard. She displayed glimpses in 2025 of the player she might become, as season 2026 became a career-best year and we hope she follows a similar trajectory leading into 2027.

Claire Wilson ended her season on a high note, with her hunt and determination around the middle of the ground becoming a stellar string to her bow. Similar to Eve, Claire is a player we can’t wait to see take her game to new heights next season.

Ella Lauristen in game 50 did not disappoint, having a plethora of possessions on the left side of the ground as well as connecting well with both the defenders and forwards.

Despite a concerning looking finger post warm-up, Kaitlyn Ritchie was a class above in game 100. Ritchie had plenty of intercept possessions and got the Trobers plenty of territory with that booming kick coming out of defence.

Nat Cappelletti performed well in what was both her 100^th and a potential farewell outing. Nat unfortunately wasn’t able to kick a team desired final goal but went about her business as usual, with her team-first approach to the game in addition to clean hands at ground level.

Ellen Brasier kept the news about her final appearance quiet. El’s pace has always been her trademark, and a first quarter chase down tackle was one of the highlights of the match. Her presence in the backline and warm-ups will be missed by all.

Both Kate Bond and Teresa D’Angelo announced their retirements to the playing group during the week, on what was an emotional night in the Trober locker room. Both Bondy and Swifty might not have had the farewell game they both deserved, but everyone at the club knows the impact they’ve had both on and off the field. No doubt looking forward to what these club legends will continue to bring to the club in the future.

And then there’s Sam Greene, whose journey at the club as a coach has come to an end. Over her coaching journey, her record speaks for itself. 2 Grand Final appearances, 1 Premiership, VAFA’s Community Women’s Coach of the Year, and competitive matches in Prem B footy are just some of the accomplishments she’s picked up along the way. Greeney, like all retiring players will be missed, but she departs the group not only leaving the team in a more advanced position than when her tenure began, but also leaves knowing this team has the values and foundations of a team that can continue to develop and compete strongly into the future!

Congratulations to those who celebrated a milestone game and have finished their time as a player at La Trobe, and thanks to all who contributed to the La Trobe Senior Women’s side in 2026 both on and off the field! Can’t wait to see what 2027 looks like as the side enters a new era!