The Limestone Coast AFL Women’s competition kicks off this weekend, with teams across the region ready to launch into the new season.
Will Boston takes a look at how the teams are shaping up this season.
Kybybolite
Kybybolite will look to keep their winning ways going in 2025 as they head into the season on the hunt for a third straight A Grade premiership. Last season was a dominant one for the Tigers, going undefeated in the home and away season and backing it up with an impressive finals campaign, playing North Gambier twice and getting the job done in the grand final, winning by 12 points. Kyby will have a tough round one match up this weekend as they take on Mundulla in Naracoorte. The Tigers met Mundulla once last season, in what was an overall solid result as they won by 28 points. After being the top side the previous two years, a target will certainly be on Kyby’s back this season.
North Gambier
It was an overall solid season for North Gambier last year, making the grand final again but coming up short to Kybybolite. Despite the Tigers were still a good side, finishing second on the ladder and beating out Mundulla and Penola for the top two spot with better percentage. Their finals campaign started on a rough note with a 27-point loss to Kyby which was followed up by a 26 point victory over Mundulla in the preliminary final. In the grand final they gave it their all but came up short in the fourth quarter. The Tigers will take on Nangwarry to kick off their season. Last year North had a big win over the Saints, winning by 168 points. In 2025 North Gambier will certainly be a title contender for the A Grade premiership.
Casterton Sandford
Casterton Sandford had a very successful 2024 season, being named premiers in the B Grade grand final and getting the job done on their home deck. The Cats finished the home and away season seventh on the ladder and just snuck into the B Grade finals. Despite winning two games in the home and away season they found some good form in the finals, beating South Gambier and Millicent by convincing margins. In the grand final they had a great performance against Kongorong, holding them to one point and winning by 41. After a successful end to the season, Casterton will be keen on making the A Grade finals this year as they have a tough challenge early on. This weekend the Cats will take on Penola where they will look to start their season on a strong note.
Kongorong
Kongorong will look to build on a solid 2024 season this year as they come off a B Grade grand final appearance. Last season the Hawks finished sixth on the ladder with three wins. In the finals they had a great win over Millicent which landed them in the grand final. In the big dance they struggled against Casterton, falling by 41 points. This season the Hawks have the bye the first week and will face South Gambier for their first game.
Mundulla
Mundulla will look to push for another top four finish this season as they build on a solid 2024 campaign. Last year the Tigers were one of the better sides in the competition, finishing third on the ladder and just missing out on the top two by 1.17%. In the finals they had a big win in the elimination final, beating Penola by 109 points. However their luck ran out in the preliminary final, losing to North by 26 points. Mundulla have got a tough first challenge to start the season as they take on Kybybolite this weekend.
South Gambier
South Gambier will look to improve on their 2024 season this year as they push for a premiership. The Dees were somewhat inconsistent last season, having two wins and a couple of close losses, finishing eighth on the ladder. In the finals they took on Casterton Sandford in the B Grade elimination final and fell by 19 points after a slow first half. The Dees will look to start their season 1-0 this weekend when they take on Millicent at Blue Lake Sports Park. Last year the Dees had a solid win over the Saints, beating them by five points.
Penola
Penola will be on the hunt for a grand final appearance this season as they build on a successful 2024. The Eagles finished last year making the top four as they had the same record as the two sides ahead of them. In the finals their season came to a tough end as they lost to Mundulla in the elimination final by 109 points. They really struggled in that match as they failed to score. This year they will look to bounce back from last season early on as they face the B Grade premiers Casterton Sandford in Naracoorte.
Millicent
Millicent will be aiming to build on a strong 2024 season as they set their sights on a flag. Last season the Saints finished fifth on the ladder which resulted in them getting a double chance opportunity in the B Grade finals. In the finals they struggled as they lost to Kongorong in the qualifying final and Casterton Sandford in the preliminary final, kicking just three goals across the two games. Despite the tough end Millicent certainly had some bright spots during the season with some nice wins. This season Millicent will certainly be a side that will be in contention for the flag, I’m not sure if they will be able to make the A Grade finals but they will certainly be a favourite for the B Grade. They kick off their season this Sunday when they take on South Gambier at Blue Lake Sports Park which should be a competitive match.
Nangwarry
It was another tough season for Nangwarry last year, losing all eight of their games which was a repeat of the previous year. They struggled across the season, losing every game by over 100 points along with scoring just nine points overall. This season will be a fresh start for the Saints as they look to find some success. They will have a tough round one match up on Sunday as they take on North Gambier at Blue Lake Sports Park.
