The AFLW scoring floodgates opened on Saturday, with Brisbane and Sydney both kicking over 100 points in ruthless wins over Fremantle and Gold Coast respectively.
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Prior to this year, only three teams had reached triple figures in an AFLW game. But on Saturday, two teams reached the mark in a four-hour spot.
On-lookers were on record watch at People First Stadium as superstar Swan Chloe Molloy kicked an equal-record seven goals against the Suns in an 82-point victory – Sydney’s biggest ever.
The Swans reached triple figures for the first time in their short AFLW history, piling on 15.13 (103) to 3.3 (21) as they outworked and out-toughed a young, hapless Gold Coast outfit.
Molloy, who kicked four goals against Richmond last week, booted five majors in the first half before finishing with 7.3 for the game. She equalled the seven goals kicked by former Bulldog Brooke Lochland, who coincidentally is Molloy’s forwards coach as a member of Sydney’s coaching panel.
“I kicked too many points for my liking,” Molloy laughed, speaking to Fox Footy post-game.
“I’m spewing. There’s a few on the run that I missed. But I think it’s a reflection of the way we’re playing. We want to play fast footy. It’s the way we were able to attack off defence… and I’m just doing my role.”
Molloy found great support in No.1 pick Montana Ham, who came of age on Saturday to kick two goals from 27 disposals in a career-best performance.
All-Australian midfielder Laura Gardiner amassed a whopping 38 disposals to go with seven clearances and a goal, while star 2024 draftee Zippy Fish played with composite so far beyond her years, amassing 27 disposals and eight intercepts to surely earn the Round 2 Rising Star nomination.
It’s a hot 2-0 start to the season for the Swans, who have bluntly declared their desire to not just reach finals this year, but go as deep as possible.
Meanwhile, Brisbane bounced back from a shock home loss to Hawthorn last week with a comprehensive 70-point win over the Dockers at Fremantle Oval.
The Lions were at their sharpshooting best, kicking an impressively accurate 17.3 (105) to Freo’s 5.5 (35) to record their highest-ever AFLW score and their third-biggest winning margin.
Craig Starcevich’s side was particularly dominant in the second half, booting 10 goals to three in an impressive bounce back performance.
Star small forward Courtney Hodder booted three goals, while six other players — including debutant Neasa Dooley — all booted two majors.
Dynamic midfield duo Ally Anderson (24 disposals) and Belle Dawes (21) were busy at the coalface, while Bre Koenen and Nat Grider cleaned up down back with 11 intercepts each.
Docker Aisling McCarthy was a shining light on a tough day for the Dockers, booting one goal from 27 touches and seven clearances
PIES END 331-DAY DROUGHT IN GIANTS THRILLER
Collingwood has secured its first victory in 331 days, and its first of season ten, running over GWS late in the contest to claim an eight-point win.
It’s also the Magpies’ first win at Victoria Park since round eight, 2023.
After struggling to maintain territory against Carlton last week, Collingwood won inside 50 and dominated field position to secure a hard-fought 4.9 (33) to 4.1(25) victory against a tough Giants outfit.
Inefficiency and ill-discipline plagued Sam Wright’s side, recording only four behinds when it had all the momentum in the second term, but an effective last-quarter flurry proved enough.
The Magpies also recorded two pivotal 50m penalties against in the first quarter, both resulting – directly and indirectly – in a goal for the Giants.
GWS worked its way into the contest off the back of great efficiency and a lifted work rate at stoppage, damaging the Magpies off turnover.
Without Alyce Parker, Bec Beeson and Kaitlyn Srhoj did the heavy lifting to not only draw level, but win clearance in their own right after the first five minutes.
The Magpies subsequently lifted their pressure, though, and eventually converted their chances when it mattered most.
Former pick three Kaitlyn Srhoj recorded her first AFLW goal to extend the margin to twelve points early in the third term – but a quick reply from Mikayla Hyde proved enough to ebb the flow of the orange tsunami.
Joining the AFLW list to replace the injured Mattea Breed, club debutant Lily-Rose Williamson was a bright spark for the home side with nine disposals whilst Sarah Rowe was impactful upon her return.
Tarni’s hot boot
The Giants struggled to gain territory early, but Tarni Evans ensured their lack of opportunity wouldn’t hold them back.
The beneficiary of a 50m penalty against Lucy Cronin, she kept GWS in the contest with her first of the day before backing it up with a second only moments later.
Her third of the term came with only twenty seconds to spare, with Alicia Eva setting up a chance for one of the best goals of the year so far – and Evans’ career high haul.
After recording 2.3 last week, it was always Evans who held the keys to a Giants win, and she almost willed them over the line this afternoon.
Pies claim first AFLW win in 331 days | 00:40
No Parker, no worries
The biggest question for the Giants this week? How to fill the void of Alyce Parker.
Watching on, you would be forgiven for not noticing her absence as Giants skipper Bec Beeson (22 disposals, six clearances) and Kaitlyn Srhoj (16 disposals, one goal) lifted in her absence.
This ascendancy was halted by a knee injury to Beeson in the final term – who eventually returned to the field of play – but by this time, Collingwood’s damage was done.
Cen-sation
Ash Centra – who remains on managed minutes – once again showed glimpses of her future stardom, playing on from a set shot and evading her defender before her attempt ultimately drifted right.
Despite sporting face strapping after a blood nose, she finished with 12 disposals and four tackles.
Hot contest
It was a heavily contested arm-wrestle, typified by a massive collision between Brodee Mowbray and Tarni White.
Mowbray, who was one of the Giants’ best with seven disposals prior to the second-term incident, spent time out of the game due to the blood rule, while White was assessed and cleared under concussion protocols.
Howarth’s moment
Kalinda Howarth was lively early as Collingwood found repeat inside 50s, registering the first major score of the day after missing an earlier attempt.
It comes after playing her first game in 712 days – and her first for the Magpies – against the Blues last week.
An already-strapped right shoulder worsened throughout the contest – particularly in the third term – but she was able to play out the remainder of the game.
DEMONS CRUISE TO BIG WIN
Melbourne’s premiership credentials were strengthened at Casey Fields as it cruised to a dominant 74-point victory, handing St Kilda its largest-ever AFLW loss in the process.
The Demons dominated both possession and field position, getting first use and subsequently using the ball with great efficiency to record 42 inside 50s to 18.
Its impressive win was dampened by an injury to Olivia Purcell, who will be sent for scans on her left knee after exiting the game in the second term.
Prior to this, Purcell was the best player afield with 19 disposals and two clearances.
While stoppage is its usual source of success, Melbourne arguably looked even better in a lower-stoppage game as it controlled the play with fast ball movement to counter the holding-the-ball rule change.
Its run-and-carry was marked by a 31-9 victory in handball-receives in the first term, allowing for a plethora of opportunities forward of the ball and heavily contributing to its 13.11 (89) to 2.2 (15) win.
St Kilda’s usually stingy defence was up to the challenge early, limiting Melbourne to only two first-term goals despite recording ten more inside 50s.
But while it won last week despite losing the inside 50 count, Melbourne’s efficiency was much greater than Adelaide’s whilst they also finished the game +98 for disposals.
The floodgates eventually opened in subsequent terms, with Melbourne’s midfield and multi-pronged forward line proving too powerful.
As a result, St Kilda’s scoring chances were limited for much of the afternoon, recording only two goals for the day.
After an impressive pre-season and round one outing, there’s no doubt this victory has propelled Melbourne back into premiership contention.
Star Dee down
Melbourne will be hoping that star midfielder Oliva Purcell has avoided serious damage to her left knee, but Head Coach Mick Stinear is adamant that the group will adjust if she faces an extended period on the sidelines.
It would be a huge blow for the Demons and for Purcell herself, who Stinear said has started the season “in brilliant form.”
Having previously ruptured her right ACL – and more recently working her way back from horrific facial fracture – Purcell will head for scans during the week.
Her early season dominance – typified by her 14 disposal first quarter against St Kilda – was the result of a strong pre-season.
“She loves footy, she’s put a lot of work into the off-season,” said Stinear.
“I know she loves Libba at the Bulldogs.
“She’s very creative with her hands, she helps us go from the inside to the outside.”
In-game, Stinear thought his group handled her absence well.
“‘Megan Fitzsimon and Eliza McNamara came through,’’ he said.
“The next player just stepped up.”
Demons flex muscles in 74-point win | 00:21
Tyla Hanks held her own without her counterpart – recording a game-high 29 disposals and twelve tackles – while captain Kate Hore was a welcome addition back into the midfield mix after spending time resting forward last week.
She finished the game with a team-high five clearances.
While he’s hoping that the issue won’t keep her out for long, he expects the group to maintain this next-man-up mentality if required.
“We’ll just wait on that result and then we’ll make a plan from there.
“The next person will be able to step up and take their opportunity.”
The Demons surely have the cattle if covering Purcell is required – but it would be a serious blow in a season which they’ve started in premiership-like form.
Tayla’s bright start
Exiting last week’s contest with an eye injury, Tayla Harris recorded the first two major scores of the afternoon – and Melbourne’s first three.
The Demons had the contest on their terms early, and her strong contested marking ability was on full display.
She was, however, the beneficiary of the slick ball movement and well-executed kicks we’ve come to expect from Mick Stinear’s side.
Four goals is a personal best for the competition’s stalwart forward.
Spark for Saints
Georgia Patrikios – who returned to the Saints’ lineup last week for her first AFLW game in 651 days – provided a third-quarter spark after winning a free kick and subsequently scoring her side’s second major.
She backed up last week’s dominant display with an impressive 19-disposal outing in tough conditions.
Both Patrikios and Anderson were able to score off the back of pressure acts, which will surely be a highlight in a dour day for Head Coach Nick Dal Santo.
Play of the day
Kate Hore has well and truly shaken off her pre-season knee concern, setting up the play of the day after shaking off her defender to set up Tayla Harris for her fourth major score.
Spending more time back in the midfield, the Demons skipper guided her side to victory with a dominant 26-disposal, one-goal display.
The right call
Melbourne Head Coach Mick Stinear’s decision to play a taller forward line – including the returning Georgia Gall – paid dividends as his side controlled the air with 10 contested marks to two.
His side’s impressive mid-forward connection ensured the ball was delivered quickly to the advantage of the forward brigade, while the athleticism of Eden Zanker, Alyssa Bannan, Harris and Gall kept their dynamism in check.
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