THE Cats celebrate after Georgie Prespakis goals late in the fourth term to win the game for the blue and white against Tigers.
(AFL Photos)
The seventh AFLW season got underway on the weekend, with some big statements made across the board. Let’s have a look at moments that shaped the opening round of the new season.
Pies start strong yet again
Collingwood extended its winning streak against Carlton to four, with an 18-point win at Ikon Park on Thursday night. After a tight first quarter, the Pies held the Blues to just the one goal for the remainder of the game, to win 5.6 (36) to 3.0 (18).
Ruby Schleicher was superb in defence, whilst Eliza James helped trap the ball in the Pies forward line with 10 tackles.
Round two will see Collingwood host the newly-introduced Swans on Sunday at Victoria Park. Meanwhile, the Blues will battle against another traditional rival when they face Essendon at North Port Oval, also to be played on Sunday
Dees get sweet revenge
Melbourne made a statement against last season’s premiers with an 18-point win against the Crows on Friday, 6.8 (44) to 4.2 (26).
The Dees were dominant in the midfield with Eliza West, Karen Paxman and Olivia Purcell all gaining 20 disposals or more. For the home side, Ashleigh Woodland kicked three majors, while Anne Hatchard was solid.
The Crows can get their season back on track with a win against Richmond at Punt Road on Saturday. Melbourne can remain undefeated, should it get past North Melbourne at the MCG, in the curtain raiser for the AFL Qualifying Final on Friday night.
Karen Paxman was among her side's best players on the weekend.
(AFL Photos)
North do it for their milestone women
The Kangaroos pushed their case as a genuine threat on Saturday afternoon, with a 6.4 (40) to 2.2 (14) win over Gold Coast at Blundstone Arena.
Jasmine Garner and Emma Kearney were among the best in their 50th games, as Tahlia Randall kicked a career-high three goals in the victory.
The Suns kicked their first goal with three minutes left through vice-captain Jamie Stanton.
Gold Coast has a chance to get on the winners list when it hosts West Coast at Metricon on Sunday.
Eagles cause Power outage at home
A four-goal to nil last quarter from the Eagles, saw Port Adelaide miss out on victory in its debut game going down 6.4 (40) to 4.4.(28).
West Coast skipper, Emma Swanson and youngster, Bella Lewis starred for the Eagles in their come from behind win. Two-time AFLW Best and Fairest winner, Erin Phillips was quiet by her standards, with just 10 disposals.
The Power will play their first home game next Saturday when they host the Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.
Saints march home with a win
St Kilda defeated Sydney by 29 points, thanks to four goals from Kate Shierlaw. The 8.8 (56) to 4.3 (27) win was set up by a three goal to one second term.
Tarni White was best afield with 17 disposals and 14 tackles, while Georgia Patrikios returned with a game-high 18 disposals.
Number one pick, Montana Ham was Sydney’s best with 11 disposals and eight tackles, however an awkward smother with five minutes left, saw the Swan leave the ground with a right knee injury.
St Kilda's Tarni White had a massive game against Sydney and was a tackling machine in the engine room, finishing with 14 tackles.
(AFL Photos)
Essendon puts on the afterburners
Essendon took home bragging rights against Hawthorn on Saturday night, in a 7.11 (53) to 4.3 (27) victory.
Maddy Prespakis and Bonnie Toogood were instrumental for the Bombers, so too draftee Paige Scott who added 16 disposals and a goal in her debut performance.
The highlight of the night though was when Sophie Locke kicked Hawthorn’s first ever goal and paid tribute to her late mother.
Hawthorn will look to get on the board against St Kilda at Box Hill on Sunday.
Bulldogs hang on despite Giant charge
The Western Bulldogs withstood a last-quarter charge from GWS as the Dogs won 6.5 (41) to 5.4 (34).
Gabby Newton kicked the first two goals of her career, joining Celine Moody as the only multiple goal scorer for the Bulldogs. Giant, Cora Staunton slotted three goals for the visitors.
Ellie Blackburn and Alyce Parker locked horns in the middle, providing an entertaining contest. Blackburn had 21 disposals (10 contested), as Parker finished with a game-high 26 touches and six tackles.
Brisbane makes a huge statement
The Brisbane Lions demolished Fremantle on Sunday, taking home a 49-point victory at the Gabba.
Brisbane had a host of goalkickers with four players kicking multiple majors in the 11.10 (76) to 4.3 (27) win. Orla O’Dwyer was the pick of the multiple goalkickers, adding 20 disposals to her stat sheet.
The Lions will look to make light work of the Giants when they travel to Canberra on Sunday. Meanwhile, Freo will have a chance to regain composure against Geelong at home on Saturday.
Orla O'Dwyer put in a great performance in Brisbane's demolition of Fremantle on Sunday.
(AFL Photos)
Last-gasp Cats steal victory
Georgie Prespakis’ second goal of the game with a minute left helped the Cats to a come-from-behind win over the Tigers 2.3 (15) to 1.5 (11).
After Geelong had no goals to half time, Prespakis took over and got her side over the line.
In a low-scoring affair, Nina Morrison and Amy McDonald starred, both with 24 disposals and seven tackles. For the Tigers, it was Sarah Hosking and Monique Conti who led the pack.
Gabby Seymour kicked the only goal for Richmond.
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