Western Bulldogs 4.10.34 defeated Southern Saints 2.4.16 

The Western Bulldogs made it two from two, defeating the Southern Saints by 18-points under lights at VU Whitten Oval. It was an even contest up until three-quarter time with only three goals scored between the two sides and a margin of 11-points splitting them. The Dogs were able to take control in the last term, kicking two goals to take the win. The Southern Saints had ten more inside 50s than their opponents and will rue not making the most of their opportunities.

Nell Morris-Dalton and Danielle Marshall combined to kick all four of the Dogs goals and provided targets up forward. Ellyse Gamble returned for the Dogs and was instrumental with her 27 disposals, as were Elisabeth Georgostathis and Angelica Gogos through the midfield. Eliza Morrison, Vanessa Murphy and Simone Ruedin were the best of the Dogs’ VFLW listed players.

Alice Burke found plenty of the footy again for the Saints, collecting 27 disposals after her 35 disposals last week. Deanna Joliffe had one of her best games, hitting the scoreboard and gathering 18 disposals and six marks. Tahlia Meyer played her first game this season and featured in the best alongside the experienced Mel Bertuna.

Port Melbourne 4.4.28 defeated by Casey Demons 10.9.69

Port Melbourne’s undefeated run came to an end with a 41-point loss to the Casey Demons. The Demons had plenty of big inclusions for the clash at ETU Stadium and the added AFLW experience was the difference. Both teams sat on 22 points apiece at half-time, but a seven goal to one second half set up the Demons win. Casey’s work at the contest and quick transition had Port unstuck in the second half, and an injury to Pip Peshke, who was in the Borough’s best, didn’t help the home side either.

Young Demon’s forward Alyssa Bannan kicked three goals in her first VFLW game this season, Emma Humphries was the side’s other multiple goalkicker with two. Maddi Gay and Eliza West were busy in the midfield and Jacqueline Parry was instrumental in creating opportunities for her fellow forwards.

Sabrina Frederick’s two first-quarter goals kept Port Melbourne in the contest early, but she was often triple teamed inside 50, doing well to finish with three goals, six marks and 14 disposals. Olivia Barton did well under siege in the Port defence and Mel Kuys and Holly Bailey did well around the contest.

Darebin 1.5.11 defeated by Geelong 11.9.75

Geelong had its biggest win of the season and extended its winning streak to four after defeating Darebin on Saturday. After a tight first quarter where just one goal was scored, the Cats then piled on 10 goals to the Falcons one to run away 64-point winners. The win puts Geelong a game clear in third, just behind Port Melbourne on the ladder.

Olivia Barber kicked three goals for the second week in a row and 2020 draftee Laura Gardiner’s fine form continued with 24 disposals, two goals and 10 tackles. Sophie van de Heuvel and Darcy Moloney were also big contributors for the Cats alongside other consistent performers in Paige Sheppard and Cladia Gunjaca.

GWS Giant’s Jess Dal Pos returned home to Victoria to line up for the Falcons, again leading the side with her 21 disposals and five tackles. Nicole Callinan continues her form for the Falcons and was supported by Alyssa Mifsud and Alice Caddy. Hayley Munro kicked Darebin’s only goal to go with her six marks and eight disposals.

Hawthorn 5.6.36 defeated Williamstown 2.8.20

Hawthorn celebrated Meg Hutchins’ 250th game in style with a 16-point win over Williamstown at Box Hill City Oval. The Hawks led at every break and never relinquished the lead, holding the Seagulls goalless in the first half. The win is Hawthorn’s second of the season and raises it to 10th on the ladder.

Dom Carbone kicked two crucial goals for the Hawks and was well supported by Tamara Luke and Amy Malander up forward. Hutchins featured in her milestone game, helping her side to its second win. Jenna Richardson and Chloe Bain were also amongst the Hawks’ best for their roles in the drought-breaking win.

The Seagulls find themselves sitting in eleventh after the loss. Captain Erin Meade led from the front, doing her best to keep her side in the game. Eliza Strafford and Ella Baxter were also tireless for Williamstown all over the ground.

Essendon 4.4.28 defeated by Collingwood 5.8.38

Essendon came close to ending Collingwood’s unbeaten run but couldn’t hold on against an experienced Pies outfit. Single digit margins separated the teams at every break, but a strong final quarter from Collingwood handed them a 10-point win. The victory makes Collingwood the only undefeated side in the competition, sitting a game clear on top of the ladder.

Collingwood’s Marla Neal had her best game of the season with a game high in both disposals and tackles, as well as a crucial fourth-quarter goal to put the game beyond reach for the Bombers. Sophie Alexander and Joanna Lin returned for the Pies and created plenty of chances in front of goal for their teammates. Caitlin Bunker and Jennifer Guy were also instrumental around stoppages for Collingwood.

Mia-Rae Clifford took herself to second on the league’s goalkicking tally with three goals for the Bombers. Cecilia McIntosh showed her class against her former side and Eloise Ashley-Cooper and Elizabeth Hosking were also important in the clinches.

North Melbourne 6.11.47 defeated Carlton 1.0.6

North Melbourne got its second win of the season over Carlton by 41-points. The Roos scored four of their six goals in the first quarter and didn’t kick another until the last. Carlton was goalless for all of the first half, kicking their only major in the third quarter. North Melbourne broke the deadlock in the last, but were inefficient inside 50 registering 52 entries to Carlton’s 17.

Sarah Skinner was crucial for the Roos winning plenty of the footy, kicking a goal and taking five marks. Meagan Kiely and Molly Eastman were also instrumental with their 26 and 22 disposals respectively. Daria Bannister and Laura Wright combined for four of North Melbourne’s six goals.

For Carlton, Teresa Zampaliogne collected 20 disposals through the midfield and was well supported by Charlotte Hammans, Winnie Laing and Bryannen Gurr. Eliza Wood kicked the Blues’ only goal and had 15 touches of her own.