Southern Saints 5.5.35 defeated by Geelong 6.10.46 

Geelong came from behind to get its ninth win of the season in blustery conditions at Trevor Barker Oval. The lead changed at every break with the Southern Saints holding on to an 11-point lead at three-quarter time. Claudia Gunjaca got the Cats off to the perfect start in the final term and they were able to kick four more goals in five minutes to take the win. The Cats are now a game clear in second but the race for the top six is wide open with the Saints no longer a game clear in sixth.

Geelong’s young stars were again the main attraction in the win, with Rebecca Webster, Sophie van de Heuvel and Tamara Smith making good decisions with the footy in hand to give the Cats the ascendency. Richelle Cranston’s two goals were crucial in the win, as was Olivia Barber’s work inside forward 50 and in the ruck.

Molly McDonald was named in the best for her 18 disposals and seven tackles. Tara Bohanna and Gabby De Angelis looked dangerous in the forward line, with both hitting the scoreboard.

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Casey Demons 3.7.25 defeated by Carlton 8.3.51

Carlton has snapped a four-game losing streak with victory against the highly-fancied Casey Demons. The Demons shot out of the blocks kicking three goals to none in the first quarter, but the Blues bounced back and kicked eight unanswered goals to close out the game. The win keeps Carlton in finals contention and has the Demons still comfortably sitting in fourth place.

Carlton AFLW-listed players Lucy McEvoy, Natalie Plane, Brooke Walker and Maddy Guerin's experience shone, with each having a hand in the win. Walker had three goals while McEvoy and Guerin racked up the disposals and Plane applied plenty of pressure with 10 tackles. Jorja Borg dominated in the ruck and gave her mids first use, and Steph Lawrence was good in the forward line.

Eliza McNamara returned for her first game since a nasty collision with Chelsea Randall that left them both with concussion in the AFLW Preliminary Final, leading the disposals for the Dees. Casey Sherriff kicked two goals and Libby Birch was again solid in her role. Shree Fairchild and Meg MacDonald fought hard for Casey but couldn’t get their side over the line.

Port Melbourne 1.4.10 defeated by Collingwood 8.4.52

Collingwood has kept its unbeaten streak alive with a dominant win in the highly anticipated clash with Port Melbourne. The Borough stayed with the Magpies for a half, trailing by only one point at quarter-time and by 14 at half-time. It was after the long break that Collingwood really hit its stride, kicking six goals to Port’s one to remain unbeaten in season 2021.

Pies midfield duo of Jaimee Lambert and Mikala Cann were the best for their side, collecting 26 and 25 disposals respectively. Imogen Barnett found her goalkicking form from earlier this season, putting four past the Port Melbourne defence. Matilda Zander was also lively with two goals and captain Caitlin Bunker was in the best for her work all over the ground.

Sophie Molan led the disposals for Port with 18, closely followed by fellow midfielders Claire Dyett and Kodi Jaques with 16 each. Jade Anthony featured again in her second game of VFLW and Courtney Bromage’s characteristic pressure around the football was on display.

Williamstown 1.10.16 drew with Darebin 2.4.16

Williamstown and Darebin have played a memorable draw with both sides splitting the points for the first time this season. The game was played in windy conditions at Downer Oval with scoring favouring one end of the ground. The Seagulls will rue plenty of missed opportunities to put the game beyond of the Falcons’ reach, but they failed to capitalise inside 50. The result leaves the Falcons on the bottom of the ladder with Williamstown not far away in 12th.

GWS Giant Lisa Steane had a day out in tricky conditions, finishing with 30 disposals and 13 tackles in a strong performance. Erin Todd was another strong performer as was Ruby Tripodi, who slotted the Seagulls’ only goal of the day.

Jess Dal Pos and Annalyse Lister combined for 28 tackles, the pair also leading disposals with 19 and 16 respectively. Stephanie Simpson and Trinity Mills were the Falcons’ goal scorers, with Samara David and Kathleen Roe also doing their best.  

Essendon 1.4.10 defeated by Western Bulldogs 4.4.28

The Western Bulldogs made it two from two with a strong showing against the fancied Essendon side at Windy Hill. The Dogs were able to make the best of the conditions, keeping the Bombers to just one goal for the game while kicking four of their own. The win leaves the Dogs just outside the top six, equal with the Southern Saints on six wins while the Bombers hold onto fifth place.

It was the young guns who stood up for the Bulldogs in the win with 2020 top draft pick Jess Fitzgerald leading the way for a second week. GWV Rebels graduates Ella Friend and Nyakoat Dojiok also starred in their first VFLW games, with Friend kicking two goals and looking at ease at the level. Amanda Tesseri and Simone Rueben’s tag team in the ruck worked wonders for the Dogs to give their midfield first use.

Georgia Nanscawen tried her best to get the Bombers over the line with 20 disposals and 10 tackles. Eloise Ashley-Cooper and Alana Barber were solid around the ground, applying plenty of pressure on the Dogs midfield.

Hawthorn 4.2.26 defeated by North Melbourne 4.10.34

Hawthorn’s slim finals chances slipped away with its loss to North Melbourne on Sunday. The Kangaroos trailed for all of the first half before kicking two goals and holding the Hawks goalless in the third to breakaway. Hawthorn was unable to reel back the deficit which had the Roos come out eight-point winners. The victory was North’s fourth of the season and a good run of form could have them make an unlikely finals appearance.

The Roos were again led to victory by Meagan Kiely and Molly Eastman, with the two leading the disposals and laying six tackles each. Alexia Hamilton had a goal and was influential around the ground alongside Daria Bannister, who was also in the best for her efforts.

Tamara Luke won a massive 43 hitouts for the Hawks to go with 18 disposals and seven marks in a dominant display. Phoebe McWIlliams had two goals, while Katelyn Cox, Grace McRae and Meg Hutchins were also commended for their efforts in a tough loss.