Honeysett goal spree spurs Power women to AFL triumphs

PORT Stephens Power senior women’s AFL team have opened their 2026 Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Plate campaign in style.

With three victories from their opening four matches, Tim Drough’s talented combination has captured the imagination of the local sporting public with their skill and commitment.

Emphatic victories over Muswellbrook Cats (131-0 and 86-2) and a thrilling 15-13 win over University of Newcastle Seahorses has zoomed the team into third spot on 12 points and on track for yet another finals appearance.

Lake Macquarie Dockers inflicted the Power’s only defeat this season with a 54-25 triumph at Ferodale Oval in Medowie last month.

Head coach Drough was delighted with the comprehensive win over Muswellbrook, which featured standout performances from Stephanie O’Neill, Nicole Honeysett, Jemma Astley, Molly Goudie, Jenny Rojas, Renee Selby, Alysha Fewster, Mel McCartney, Shakira Jobson and NSW Masters defender Josie Johnson.

Outstanding forward Honeysett bagged six and four goal hauls against the Cats with the experienced Johnson booting four goals in a masterclass opening round display.

In a superb team effort, the Power victories also featured goal doubles from Goudie, Rojas, O’Neill, Jayde Everill and Grace Astley and single goals by Selby, Chantal Giepmans and Jemma Astley.

Emma Chester produced a top performance in the 29-point loss to the Dockers with wholehearted support from O’Neill, Goudie, Jobson, Fewster and Rojas.

The Power showed plenty of spirit to edge out the Seahorses at Connolly Park with Honeysett and Goudie nabbing crucial goals in a low scoring tussle.

Inspirational leader Johnson, a Port Stephens AFL stalwart, told News Of The Area that this year’s squad was “reaping the benefits” of a tough pre-season training and skills regime under coach Drough.

“Our preparation for this campaign is spot on and we have assembled a talented group of women that will do the club proud.”

The Port Stephens senior women resume their Black Diamond Plate campaign this Saturday when they clash with seventh placed Killarney Vale Bombers at Adelaide Street Oval from 9am.

By Chris KARAS