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Carlton signing Darcy Vescio stars as Darebin Falcons win fourth-straight VFL Women’s premiership

ELIZA SEWELL, Herald Sun

September 18, 2016 6:52pm

AT least 25 of the 44 players on show in Sunday’s VFL Women’s Grand Final are expected to feature in next year’s AFL Women’s league.

As powerhouse Darebin won its fourth consecutive premiership in front of about 4000 people at Coburg, AFL Women’s coaches from Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs watched on ahead of October’s draft.

While Melbourne University’s midfielder and Western Bulldogs priority signing Emma Kearney was a standout, Darebin’s skill and poise allowed it to triumph by 12 points with Carlton’s marquee forward Darcy Vescio claiming best on ground honours.

Vescio also won best on ground in last year’s premiership.

“There’s a lot of talk about the individuals we have in our team but it’s the way we band together and the bond we share when we take to the field that gets us the best result,” Vescio, who celebrated her fourth Falcons flag, said.

Darcy Vescio was best on ground and will play for Carlton in the AFL Women’s league in 2017. Picture: Getty

“ … We’re here, won’t don’t get paid to do this but we just love it and we love each other.

“Darebin Four-cons I’m saying.”

Vescio kicked two goals and launched for several spectacular marks, holding a few and giving a glimpse of what to expect on national television next year in February.

“I just try to go for them today they didn’t come off very many times,’ she said.

“I just try and then I fall and I try to get back up again.

“It’s just about having the belief that you can do it. You’re going to drop a few but the ones you take are pretty cool.”

AFL Women’s marquee signings including Vescio, Demons’ priority pick Karen Paxman and Carlton priority Lauren Arnell shone, while Darebin and Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce looked a class above when she had the ball.

But it was those not yet with a national league home including Darebin’s tough midfielder Elise O’Dea and versatile forward Jessica Dal Pos that would have caught the eye of recruiters.

Melbourne University defenders Nicole Hildebrand and Nicola Stevens also look likely high draft prospects while Darebin’s Nat Exon, a heptathlete, is expected to find a home as a rookie, with each club allowed to sign two players new to the sport.

Katie Brennan in action as Darebin won its fourth consecutive premiership. Picture: Wayne Ludney

Melbourne University forward Karly Tapner is as tough as they come and also appears a draft chance.

The AFL will hold a lottery to decide the draft order on September 29 with player nominations closing on September 30.

Players can select a state they want to play in, which means only clubs from that region can then draft them.

AFL Victorian women’s talent expert Darren Flanigan said Victoria’s talent pool was “solid”.

“There’s so many good athletes who are being converted back to footy … whether it be a Helen Roden or a Libby Birch,” Flanigan said.

‘’They’re not just coming in to make up numbers, everyone is expecting them to be really good players.

“There’s some great talent that’s come through the searches that within 12 months will be really good players.”

DAREBIN 4.5 5.8 8.9 9.9 (63)
MELBOURNE UNI 1.0 4.1 5.1 8.3 (51)

GOALS
Darebin: Brennan 2, Vescio 2, Callinan 2, Lange, Dal Pos, Hickey
Melbourne Uni: Tapner 3, Anderson 2, Blackburn 2, Ashmore

BEST
Darebin: Vescio, Paxman, D.Pearce, O’Dea, Dal Pos, Hickey
Melbourne Uni: Kearney, Blackburn, Eva, Ashmore, Tapner, Stevens

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