SOUTHPORT’S reign is over, Bond University is back on top, and a Grand Final rematch in next week's prelim on the cards for the VFLW.
Experienced Bulldog Lauren Ahrens nearly got her side across the line, and Carlton draftee Tayla McMillan continues to find her feet.
QAFLW
Southport 3.4 (22) lost to Bond University 6.4 (40)
Bond University ended Southport's reign at the top of the QAFLW with a Grand Final victory on Sunday.
Capping off an outstanding season, Shannon Nolan was awarded the best on ground medal for her 26 disposals, eight tackles, and six inside 50s in what was an influential performance in the win. Evy Reeves (23 disposals, one goal) and Skye White (30 hitouts, 10 disposals) were also important to the Bullsharks, as the scoreboard impact was spread across six individual goalkickers.
Tayla Christensen kicked two of Southport's three goals from just five touches, while Stephanie O'Brien was the side's leading ballwinner with 24.
VFLW
Carlton 5.5 (35) lost to Port Melbourne 6.9 (45)
Port Melbourne pulled off an upset win over Carlton, ending the latter's strong VFLW season in the process.
Irish recruit Emear Scally was once again dominant for Port Melbourne, finishing with 22 disposals and seven clearances, helping to share the load with Mia Caffry (19 disposals, six clearances) and Courtney Jones (18 disposals, 11 tackles, one goal).
Carlton draftees Lily Baxter (10 disposals) and Tayla McMillan (17 disposals, eight clearances) got to work, as did inaugural Blue Gab Pound (11 disposals).
Kiara Bischa finished with five intercepts playing behind the ball, and Lou-Lou Field recorded 11 disposals.
Port Melbourne will take on minor premier Williamstown on Saturday at DSV Stadium in the hopes of reaching a Grand Final.
Collingwood 6.2 (38) d Western Bulldogs 5.7 (37)
It was heartbreak for the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, who after getting out to a 25-point lead in the second quarter, were run down by Collingwood and ultimately knocked out of the finals race.
Olivia Lewis kicked a goal from her 12 disposals, while also supporting through the ruck, and Irish recruit Ellie Brady also hit the scoreboard, while Abbey Tregellis (23 disposals, one goal) and Tahlia Sanger (27 disposals, 15 tackles) starred through the middle.
The early control that the Bulldogs were able to establish was largely thanks to Lauren Ahrens' intercepting nous, finishing with 13 intercept possessions and 27 disposals for the match, while at the other end Analea McKee kicked two goals.
Young quartet Brooke Barwick (11 disposals, one goal), Charlie O'Connor Moreira (10 disposals), Amaia Wain (19 hitouts) and Mizuki Brothwell (14 disposals, five intercepts) worked hard, and experienced utility Lou Stephenson finished with nine disposals and two contested marks.
Collingwood will now face back-to-back premier North Melbourne Werribee in a preliminary final next Saturday at Arden Street.