melbourne-cricket-club-football-club

MCC Football Club Dominates Round 1

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:23:45 GMT

Which debutants and new recruits stood out?

One of the most pleasing aspects of the Round 1 victory was the seamless integration of new talent into the senior side. Moving from junior ranks or other competitions into senior VAFA football can be a significant hurdle, but Tess Porter and Ruby Poppett made the transition look effortless. Both debutants showed composure beyond their years, holding their own in physical contests and making smart decisions under pressure. Their inclusion brings a fresh energy to the squad and suggests a bright future for the club.

In addition to the debutants, several other new MCC players made their presence felt. Amelia Skepper, Mia Smith, Ash Kermode, and Emily Jeffrey all provided solid contributions across various parts of the ground.

How did MCC Football Club perform in the Round 1 opener?

The atmosphere at the ground was electric as the MCC Football Club took to the field for their highly anticipated Round 1 clash against the Caulfield Grammarians. From the first bounce, it was clear that the Dees had come to play, showcasing a level of fitness and tactical discipline that left their opponents struggling to keep pace. The primary objective was a fast start, and the team delivered exactly that, booting 3 goals and 4 points in the opening term while keeping the Grammarians scoreless.

This early dominance wasn't just about the scoreboard; it was about setting a physical and mental standard for the rest of the match. The ball movement was fluid, transitioning from the half-back line through the hands of composed midfielders and into a forward line that looked hungry for every opportunity. By the time the siren rang for the first break, the momentum was firmly with the Dees, and they never headed for the remainder of the afternoon. You can track our progress throughout the season on our Fixtures & Ladders page.

Throughout the second and third quarters, the pressure remained relentless. While the conversion in front of goal was occasionally wayward—resulting in 19 behinds—the sheer volume of inside-50 entries was a testament to the team's territorial dominance. The defensive unit, led by experienced heads, ensured that any Caulfield forward forays were quickly intercepted and turned into counter-attacking movements. It was a complete performance that signaled the MCC Football Club is a force to be reckoned with in the VAFA this year.

Dominant Midfield and Scoring Leaders

Central to this Round 1 masterpiece were the exceptional performances of Lucy Doyle and Jade Wulkan. These two superstars controlled the corridor and the stoppages, providing the engine room energy required to sustain a high-speed game. Lucy Doyle was a standout in the clinches, winning contested ball and feeding it out to the runners with surgical precision. Her ability to read the ruck's tap work allowed the Dees to win the clearance battle decisively, giving the forwards first use of the football.

Jade Wulkan was equally impressive, providing a dual threat as both a midfield extractor and a dangerous scoring option. Both Doyle and Wulkan finished the day with two goals apiece, a remarkable feat that highlights their versatility. When your primary ball-winners are also hitting the scoreboard, it puts immense pressure on the opposition’s defensive structures. Their synergy on the field is a product of hard work during the pre-season, and it is paying dividends early in the 2026 campaign.

MCC Football Club secured a commanding 65-point victory over Caulfield Grammarians in Round 1, finishing 9.19 (73) to 1.2 (8). Led by dominant performances from Lucy Doyle and Jade Wulkan, the Dees established an early lead and never looked back, marking a powerful start to the VAFA season.

MCC FC Women's Practice Match Event

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:44:54 GMT

How to get involved for the 2026 season?

The season starts next week, but it’s not too late to get involved! We are still welcoming new female players to join our ranks. The process is simple and transparent. You can start by visiting our Join the Club page to find information on registration, training times, and membership fees. If you have specific questions, our contact page will put you in touch with our football department who can guide you through the next steps.

We encourage anyone interested to come down to a training session to see what we are all about. You’ll find a group of motivated women who are passionate about the game and eager to welcome new teammates. Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back. Every great AFLW player started somewhere, and MCC FC is the perfect place to begin your journey. Whether your goal is to play at the highest level of the VAFA or simply to have fun and stay fit, we have a place for you in our team.

In summary, the inaugural Round Robin Practice Match was a massive success that has set the tone for an incredible 2026 season. We saw grit, determination, and a whole lot of talent on display. To our players, fans, and the teams from South Melbourne, Albert Park, and Old Haileybury—thank you for making it a day to remember. We are ready, we are hungry, and we can’t wait to see what the season holds.

Core Takeaways from the Event:

Successful inaugural round robin with four competitive VAFA teams.
Final pre-season test completed with high intensity and skill.
Strong community engagement from volunteers and visiting clubs.
Open recruitment continues for female players of all skill levels.
MCC FC is primed and ready for the 2026 season opener next week!

Why should you join women's football at MCC FC?

If you’ve been watching from the sidelines or thinking about getting active, there has never been a better time to join the club . MCC FC is dedicated to providing a supportive, high-performance environment for women of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the game or someone who has never picked up a Sherrin, our doors are open. We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture, where every player is valued for their contribution both on and off the field.

Joining our club offers more than just a chance to play football. It’s an opportunity to become part of the MCC community. You will build lifelong friendships, improve your physical and mental well-being, and challenge yourself in a competitive yet encouraging setting. Our facilities are some of the best in the league, and our commitment to player development is second to none. We have a clear pathway for players to progress, and our connection with our sponsors ensures that we have the resources needed to provide top-tier equipment and training aids.

Community: Be part of a local family that supports each other.
Fitness: Achieve your peak physical condition with professional guidance.
Skill Development: Learn the technical aspects of AFL from experienced coaches.
Empowerment: Build confidence through sport and teamwork.
Social Events: Enjoy a vibrant social calendar throughout the season.

The Vibrant Culture of MCC FC

At MCC FC, we believe that a club is only as strong as its people. This includes our players, but also our volunteers and parents who work tirelessly behind the scenes. From the people running the canteen to the boundary umpires and team managers, everyone plays a role in our success. On Saturday, this was evident as volunteers helped set up the ground, manage the scoreboard, and ensure that all visiting teams felt welcome.

This culture of service and passion is what sets us apart. We don't just play for ourselves; we play for the badge and for the community that supports us. We are always looking for more people to get involved. If you aren't ready to take the field as a player, we would love to have you as a volunteer or a supporter. Check our news page regularly for updates on how you can contribute to the club's growth. We are a senior Australian Rules Football Club that values tradition while embracing the future of the women's game.

Who competed in the Round Robin event?

We were absolutely thrilled to welcome three fantastic clubs to our Beaumaris home: South Melbourne, Albert Park, and Old Haileybury. Each of these clubs brought a unique style of play, which provided our squad with a variety of challenges to overcome. South Melbourne showed great speed across the wings, while Albert Park demonstrated a very physical and contested style of play in the middle. Old Haileybury, always a formidable opponent, displayed excellent structural discipline and accurate kicking.

Hosting these teams is a testament to the strong community ties we are building within the VAFA. It was wonderful to see the mutual respect between the clubs. After each match, players from opposing teams could be seen sharing tips and congratulating each other on their performance. This sense of camaraderie is exactly what makes women's football so special. We want to extend a massive thank you to the coaching staff of the visiting teams for making the journey and contributing to such a successful day of sport. This event wouldn't have been the same without your participation and competitive spirit.

Essential Pre-Season Training Milestones

As we look toward the season opener next week, this practice match served as the final major milestone of our pre-season program. Throughout the summer and early autumn, our focus has been on three core pillars: conditioning, skill acquisition, and tactical awareness.

Conditioning: Building the aerobic capacity to run out a full four quarters on the large ovals of the VAFA.
Skill Acquisition: Refining kicking techniques, handpass accuracy, and overhead marking under pressure.
Tactical Awareness: Understanding team structures, zone defense, and offensive transitions.

Seeing these elements come together on Saturday was incredibly rewarding for our coaches . We’ve spent hours in the video room and on the training track, but there is no substitute for live-game experience. The way our players communicated on the field and supported one another during difficult passages of play shows that we are ready for the challenges of the 2026 season. We are confident that the lessons learned during this round-robin will give us a significant edge when we take the field for points next week.

MCC FC hosted its inaugural Women's Round Robin Practice Match on April 11, 2026, in Beaumaris, providing an essential pre-season platform for local athletes. This event allowed female players to test their fitness and skills against South Melbourne, Albert Park, and Old Haileybury before the official VAFA season begins next week.

What happened at the MCC FC Women's Practice Match?

The atmosphere at our home grounds in Beaumaris was nothing short of electric this past Saturday. As the sun rose over the oval, the energy was palpable. This wasn't just another training session; it was the culmination of months of hard work, early morning runs, and tactical drills. Our inaugural Round Robin event was designed to bring together diverse teams from across the VAFA competition to celebrate the growth of women's football in Victoria. From the first siren to the final whistle, the level of intensity was high, with players showcasing remarkable agility, strength, and sportsmanship.

For many of our players , this was the first opportunity to see how the new team structures would hold up under match conditions. We saw incredible defensive pressure, lightning-fast transitions from the midfield, and some truly spectacular goals that had the sidelines cheering. The round-robin format meant that games were short and sharp, requiring immediate focus and high-intensity bursts. This format is perfect for building 'match fitness,' which is often quite different from the fitness gained during standard training blocks. It was a day of learning, growth, and, most importantly, high-quality Australian Rules Football.

Rising Star Award for Round 17, 2026

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:53:51 GMT

Congratulations Lucy Doyle

The VAFA congratulates Lucy Doyle from MCC FC, who has been nominated as the Week 17, 2026 Anytime Fitness Women's Rising Star.

Lucy has pieced together an impressive body of work in her first season of senior football. Her strong form in the run home has seen her earn a spot in the best as a key component of the MCC Women's side in the final four rounds.

2025 Team of the Year

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:44:45 GMT

Congratulations to the Team of the Year Members

MCC Football Club is proud to have three players, Nikita Rogers, Anna Harris and Bella Jeffrey, selected for the VAFA Division 3 Team of the year for 2025. All three players have been wonderful players for the whole season and their contribution has been duly recognised by the league.

Preseason 2026

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:58:57 GMT

Preseason Training Starts January 22, 2026

Come and join preseason training. Open to new and existing players.

Where: Beaumaris Secondary College

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 22nd

Time: 6:15 to 7:30pm

Welcome our new head coach

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:45:23 GMT

Our new head for 2026 is Sebastian Mueller

We’re thrilled to welcome our new Head Coach to the Melbourne Cricket Club Football Club family! ��
With a strong background in developing female talent, he brings a wealth of experience across community, talent pathway and elite programs:
Coaching Journey:

• Emerald U18 Girls – Head Coach (2016–2017) 

• Monbulk U18 Girls – Head Coach (2018) 

• Eastern Ranges – U18 Girls Development Coach (2020) 

• Casey VFLW – Development Coach (2022) 

• Casey VFLW – Assistant Coach (2024–2025)

We are super excited to have him on board and can’t wait to see what’s ahead for our program!

2026 Registrations Open

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 06:01:14 GMT

Registrations are Now Open for Players and Volunteers

Register to play at the MCC Football Club and become part of this growing club. We are a dedicated women's team participating in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

MCC Football Club 2026 registration fee is $315 and includes a long sleeve training top, playing shorts & socks, loan of playing jumper and umpires/club VAFA fees. Register before end of Feb 2026 to get your name & number on the back of the training top!

Players must also pay the $11 VAFA Fee upon registration. Mid season registrations will not receive the training top.