Women’s football in Port Melbourne has hit an exciting new milestone with the launch of the Port Melbourne Chargers, the newest club to join the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) for the 2025 season.
This all-new senior women’s football club marks the completion of the Port Melbourne Pathway, offering a full junior-to-senior progression for local girls and women looking to take their footy to the next level. The Chargers will call JL Murphy Reserve home, adding even more life to this beloved local sporting precinct.
The club will field two senior women’s teams in their inaugural season-one in Premier B and the other in Division 4, allowing players of varying experience levels to get involved. It’s a major win for female athletes in the area and a reflection of the strong grassroots support for women’s sport in Port Melbourne and South Melbourne more broadly.
According to Club President Kerry Ashbrook, the Chargers are about more than just the game. “This club was formed by passionate local women who wanted to shape their own football future,” she said. “It’s about creating opportunities, building community, and being a part of something bigger.”
And they’re not just here to make up the numbers. In their Premier B debut, the Chargers narrowly lost by just three points to Old Melburnians, a strong showing for a brand new squad. Meanwhile, the Division 4 team stormed to a 75-point victory over Oakleigh, with forward Paige Holt booting five goals in a commanding performance.
The early rounds of the season have shown even more promise. The Chargers chalked up a 41-point win over St Kevin’s in Division 4 and a 36-point victory over Westbourne Grammarians in Premier B. Coach Harriet Cooper praised the team’s intensity and cohesion, saying their fast starts and teamwork have been key to their strong beginnings.
With community roots, strong leadership, and early on-field success, the Port Melbourne Chargers are already proving to be a powerful force in local footy. Whether you’re a player, supporter or local sports lover, this is a team to get behind.
To learn more about the project or get involved, visit courtsidemelbourne.com.
