Southern Saints 4.2.26 defeated by Collingwood 6.5.41 

Collingwood overcame an early scare from the Southern Saints to run away 15-point winners after a strong second half. The result keeps the Pies undefeated and two wins clear in second place just below Port Melbourne. The Saints started strong, kicking two goals to none in the first quarter, however, Collingwood bounced back kicking six goals to two to take the lead and the eventual win at Trevor Barker Oval.

Jasmine Ferguson was a rock in defence for the Magpies finishing with 18 disposals, five marks and seven tackles. Maddie Shevlin and Matilda Zander found plenty of the football in the midfield. Up forward, talls Bella Smith and Abbey Green had three and two goals respectively and provided a target forward of the ball.

Alice Burke had a day out in the midfield for the Saints finishing with 35 disposals and seven marks, benefitting from the service of Poppy Kelly who had 30 hit outs and 15 disposals. Tara Bohana continues her fine form kicking two goals, and Madison Capsalis had her best output for the season with 25 disposals, six marks and nine tackles.

AN UNUSUAL JOURNEY Pies coach taking it one extraordinary year at a time

Essendon 6.9.45 defeated Williamstown 2.3.15

Essendon took another step towards a finals berth with a strong 30-point win over Williamstown. Ten points separated the teams at half-time, but the Bombers kicked three goals in the final quarter after only managing three across the first three terms, and finished strongly over the Seagulls. The win has Essendon with a 5-2 record and in third on the ladder, a position it will be keen to hold onto.

Federica Frew and Zali Friswell were dominant in front of goals for the Bombers kicking two apiece. Mia-Rae Clifford and Cecilia McIntosh’s experience was on display again, while Natalie McDonald did well with her 17 disposals and five marks.

Seagulls young gun Ruby Tripodi found plenty of the footy and had a few chances at goal. Erin Meade and Aimee Whelan fought hard across the ground, and Megan Williamson was everywhere, finishing with 16 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.

Hawthorn 7.5.47 defeated by Casey Demons 9.6.60

A six-goal haul to Imogen Milford propelled Casey Demons to a 13-point win over Hawthorn. Casey only had two more inside 50s than their opponents, but were able to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal. Only one point separated the teams at the first break, but the Demons were able to kick away in the second quarter with the Hawks not able to regain the lead.

Milford was best afield with her half dozen goals, 16 disposals and nine tackles for the Demons proving a headache for the Hawks defence. Eliza West had 28 disposals and also kicked a goal for Casey, while Maggie Caris’ development in the ruck continues, winning 22 hit outs and 11 disposals.

Kristy Stratton returned to the VFLW in brown and gold after featuring in Collingwood’s AFLW finals campaign. She had an impact on return with 16 disposals, five tackles and a goal. Tamara Luke gave the Hawks a focal point up forward kicking two goals and Olivia Flanagan and Emily Gilder did their part through the midfield. 

Geelong 7.6.48 defeated North Melbourne 5.2.32

Geelong overcame North Melbourne and shored up its fifth win of the season to hold onto fourth spot on the ladder. The Cats never looked like relinquishing the lead during the encounter, holding the Roos scoreless in the first quarter and then outscoring them every term thereafter. Geelong had almost double the inside 50s of their opponents and used the ascendancy to take the win.

Olivia Barber played for the first time since round one and kicked three goals from 16 disposals in her return for the Cats. Geelong's young core of Laura Gardiner, Georgie Rankin, Sophie van de Heuvel and Tamara Smith all played a role in the win. Laura Gardiner was the best of the bunch with her 27 disposals and 11 tackles. Consistent performers Claudia Gunjaca and Paige Sheppard also contributed to the Cats win.

After a slow start for North, forward Brooke Brown was able to finish with three goals from 17 disposals. Meagan Kiely and Sarah Skinner did their best for the Roos, finishing with 23 and 20 disposals respectively.

Darebin 4.0.24 defeated by Western Bulldogs 14.9.93

The Western Bulldogs got their second win of the season and kicked the biggest score of the VFLW this year in the process. The Dogs were too good for the Falcons and kicked more goals in this game than their last five games combined. The win takes the Dogs off the bottom of the ladder and just outside the top six, in eighth

The Bulldogs will be pleased with their five multiple goalkickers, both Danielle Marshall and Jemima Woods finished with three. Angela Gogos returned from an ankle injury and was one of the best with her 23 disposals, six tackles and a goal. Katelyn Betts and Amanda Tesseri were in the Dogs best for their contributions all over the ground.

Nicole Callinan has been a big recruit for the Falcons and her experience was on display with 29 disposals, 10 marks and six tackles. Samara David was brilliant up forward with three goals, 16 disposals and 10 marks.

Port Melbourne 7.4.46 defeated Carlton 6.4.40

Port Melbourne was given an almighty scare from Carlton in their clash at ETU Stadium, forced to come from behind after being held scoreless in the first quarter and trailing by 11 at the main break. Two goals to Sabrina Frederick in two minutes late in the third quarter gave the Borough back the lead and Claire Dyett iced the game early in the fourth. The win keeps Port’s unbeaten record alive and moves them to the top of the ladder after seven rounds.

Pip Peshke and Mel Kuys were crucial for Port Melbourne in the midfield collecting 22 and 20 disposals respectively, with Peshke also laying 10 tackles. Courtney Bromage applied plenty of pressure around the stoppages with her 12 disposals and 10 tackles. Abbey Tanner, Nayely Borg and Holly Bailey also kicked crucial goals for the Borough.

Akayla Peterson kicked the two early goals that put the Blues 18 points in front at quarter-time. While Maddy Guerin and Olivia Madden never gave up, working hard around the contest and keeping the pressure on.