PORT Stephens Power are shaping as a premiership contender in this year’s AFL Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Womens Plate competition.
The return of club legend Maz Masiero and addition of Gaelic football recruit Stephanie O’Neill has bolstered the Power’s stocks at the halfway mark of the 2026 series.
With more than 360 matches under her belt, the skilful Masiero brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the forward line that has borne fruit in recent weeks.
Tim Drough’s rejuvenated charges have made their rivals sit up and take notice after superb performances over the past fortnight.
With the inspirational Masiero and team captain Josie Johnson leading the way, the Power women came within an ace of toppling undefeated champions Newcastle City in a heart-breaking 18-17 loss at the No 1 Sportsground.
They backed up that spirited performance by slamming University of Newcastle Seahawks 56-13 in last weekend’s Indigenous Round at Ferodale Oval.
It was the Power team’s fifth win of the season after eight rounds and keeps the club entrenched in fourth spot on 20 points behind pacesetters Newcastle City (28 points), Wyong Lakes Magpies (22 points) and Lake Macquarie Dockers (20 points).
Coach Drough said he couldn’t have asked for a more committed effort against the much-vaunted Newcastle lineup.
Port Stephens charged to a stunning 15-1 lead with two first-quarter goals and three behinds and held a 15-12 advantage over the title favourites at the half-time interval.
Newcastle booted the only goal in the third term to snatch an 18-15 lead before the Power kept the premiers scoreless in the final quarter – posting two behinds in a pulsating finish to nearly pull off a major upset.
Despite the one-point loss, the Port Stephens women can claim bragging rights as the first team to score goals against Newcastle this season – a psychological boost in the lead in to the finals.
Club mainstay Renee Selby told News Of The Area that the Power went into the match with a “three point plan”.
“Our aim was to score first, grab a goal and restrict Newcastle to under 50 points,” Selby said.
“We were successful with almost getting the win and to become the first side to kick a goal against such a dominant lineup was a huge achievement.
“Without a bench, the team grew tired, but we didn’t let that affect our desire to play strong and hard.
“Every single player played a pivotal role and gave it their all.”
Best-on-ground for Port Stephens were the elusive Masiero, defender Johnson, ruck forward Selby, centre half back Bly Savuro, forward Mel McCartney, fullback Jemma Astley and winger Grace Astley.
In superboot O’Neill the club have unearthed a real find.
She booted five goals in the 43-point victory over the Seahorses last weekend with midfielder Jenny Rojas (2) and iron woman Bianca Cattelini capping strong games with six pointers.
Other Power players to impress were Masiero, midfielder Molly Goudie and back pocket Kirra Terranova.
Meanwhile the Port Stephens mens team suffered a narrow 93-89 loss to Maitland Saints in the Senior Mens Plate after giving up a twelve point lead in the final quarter.
The Power were best served by Rohan Williams, Seth Fowler, Brock Tye, Adam Fiene, Ben Stonyer and Joel Chapman.
By Chris KARAS
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