MELBOURNE University endured a difficult Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s season, suffering both close and hefty losses. The Mugars enjoyed plenty of individual success but could only record five season wins. They will be hoping to better their win-loss tally next season.

Position: 9th
Win-loss: 5-9
Percentage: 78%

Results:

Round 1: Lost against Geelong by 39 points
Round 2: Defeated Essendon by eight points
Round 3: Bye
Round 4: Lost against NT Thunder by 69 points
Round 5: Lost against Geelong by one point
Round 6: Lost against Richmond by 29 points
Round 7: Lost against Darebin by 12 points
Round 8: Defeated Carlton by six points
Round 9: Lost against Western Bulldogs by 21 points
Round 10: Lost against Hawthorn by five points
Round 11: Defeated Southern Saints by three points
Round 12: Lost against Collingwood by 19 points
Round 13: Bye
Round 14: Defeated Casey Demons by 53 points
Round 15: Defeated Western Bulldogs by 33 points
Round 16: Lost against Williamstown by 38 points

Key players:

#3 Kaitlyn Ashmore

Despite missing five games during the season, Ashmore still managed to make an impact in her nine games. She was named in the best three times and kicked seven goals as well. She had a standout game in Round 9 with two goals, 15 disposals and six tackles.

#7 Ashleigh Riddell

The skipper was the Mugars’ star player of the season, proving to be a fierce midfield bull. She won Melbourne University’s Best and Fairest count and earned a spot on North Melbourne’s AFL Women’s list as a result of her consistent season. Riddell was also named in the VFLW Team of the Year at half back, highlighting her versatility. She was a ball magnet against the Pies in Round 12, gathering 33 possessions, four marks and seven tackles.

#15 Emma Kearney

Despite playing just seven games, Kearney managed to come second in Melbourne University’s Best and Fairest count, along with Kate Gillespie-Jones. Kearney dominated in the midfield, picking up where she left off in the 2018 AFL Women’s season. She played a stellar game against the Falcons in Round 5, tallying 30 disposals, taking three marks and laying seven tackles.

#26 Caitlin Greiser

The Western Jets forward made a seamless transition into VFLW, being a dominant force in the forward line. Greiser used her strong hands and accurate kicking to make an impact during the season. She won the Melbourne University Coaches Award as a result of her efforts. Despite a heavy loss in Round 14, Greiser was a shining light with two goals, 12 disposals, three marks and five tackles.

#41 Kate Gillespie-Jones

Gillespie-Jones was an integral part of Melbourne University’s defence. She was able to trouble opposition forwards with her strength and intercept marking, as well as her long kick. Gillespie-Jones earned a spot in the VFLW Team of the Year after averaging 17 disposals, five marks and five tackles in her 10 games. She also the placed second in the Mugars’ Best and Fairest count. One of her best games was in Round 5 when she gathered 26 disposals, took six marks and laid 10 tackles.

Season summary:

Despite just the five wins, the Mugars came close on many occasions, with over half of their losses being under 10 points. There was plenty of individual success during the season, with 10 players on Melbourne University’s list earning an AFLW contract with North Melbourne. With the potential of multiple players returning to the VFLW with more AFLW experience next year, the Mugars could rise up the ladder and build on their 2018 VFLW campaign.