AFLW: Blues edge out Dockers, Kangaroos too strong for Bombers, Dees smash Suns

These two sides have a history of close battles, and this evening’s contest was no different.

The scores were level heading into the final term, but Carlton father-daughter Meg Robertson’s first goal sealed the deal to claim the 5.2 (32) to 3.5 (23) win.

Dominant in the territory battle early - assisted by a favourable breeze - Carlton had ten inside 50s before Fremantle had one.

It was visiting captain Ange Stannett who kicked the first goal of the night though, capitalising her side’s only first-term entry.

The Blues’ star power soon came to the fore, as Mimi Hill and Sophie McKay finally got the scoreboard ticking over.

The Dockers then capitalised when it was their turn with the wind, scoring two quick goals before the rain decided to join the party.

This favoured Fremantle, who are the best clearance team in the competition, whilst Carlton have struggled in the coal face.

Keeley Sherar was ever present for Carlton with 24 disposals and 10 tackles, but so were Kiara Bowers and Gabby Newton as the visitors led clearance 36-21.

Fremantle dominated in most metrics after the first term, including both contested and uncontested possession, but Carlton was able to transition with greater ease.

Matthew Buck called for his side to be “brave with the way [they] attack the game”, and the Blues continued to do just this, eventually cashing in off the back of their relentless run.

ANOTHER CLOSE CALL

The last two contests between these sides have seen a four-point win to Carlton and a draw.

This evening was no different, heading into the final quarter completely square at 3.2 (20) a piece.

UNHERALDED HEROES

Plenty of stars have won their plaudits for Carlton this year, but Harriet Cordner is one who continues to fly under the radar.

The seasoned defender was immense for Carlton, particularly in the final term, recording nine marks across the evening.

Lily Goss (13 disposals, 10 tackles) also played a key role, sticking close to Aisling McCarthy while impacting in her own right.

RUNNING RONNY

The Blues’ transition game was on full display as they sliced the ball through the middle, finding Erone Fitzpatrick as she streamed towards goal.

We’ve seen it many a time so far in 2025, but it was a moment which showed exactly why she is one of the Blues’ best, sealing her impressive run with an accurate kick.

BRISBANE’S CHEERSQUAD

I’m not talking about the Lions fans travelling for tomorrow’s AFL Grand Final.

Hailing from the Eastern Ranges, Melbourne’s weather was a familiar homecoming for Fremantle’s Georgie Brisbane.

You could hear the noise following all six of the 2024 draftee’s possessions as a contingent of family and friends flocked to IKON Park to show their support.

SOPHIE’S SNAP

Carlton had one goal from 11 inside 50s - that was until Sophie McKay stamped herself on the game.

She ran inside 50 like a steam train, adamant to find the ball, and find it she did.

McKay snapped a goal to lift her side on the eve of quarter time.

Already receiving a Rising Star nomination alongside fellow first year Poppy Scholz, it may be early in her career but her star power is evident.

COLLINGWOOD HANDED BELTING

The Western Bulldogs have smashed a wounded Collingwood by 57 points to register their second win of the AFLW season.

The Magpies’ heavy defeat was made worse by their captain Ruby Schleicher’s corked thigh injury which forced her from the ground.

No. 1 draft pick Ash Centra also came from the field during the third term after her right hand was stood on, but she played out the game.

The Bulldogs were comprehensively superior to Collingwood in all the key facets of the match, dominating clearance 35-18 and inside-50s 35-17.

Ellie Blackburn starred with four goals and 25 disposals while Isabelle Pritchard racked up 33 touches and 11 clearances.

Centra kicked Collingwood’s only goal in their 1.2 (8) to 10.5 (65) defeat.

ROOS SURVIVE EARLY SCARE

- Lucy Watkin

North Melbourne have extended its unbeaten streak to 19 games with a 30-point win over Essendon at Windy Hill.

The Roos had to recover from a slow start to keep the streak intact, the Bombers kicking the first three goals of the game with the wind advantage in the first quarter.

Amy Gaylor, Sophie Alexander and Steph Cain hit the scoreboard while the Bombers’ pressure reached heights not seen so far this season. North’s winning streak looked seriously under threat going in to the first break scoreless and 20 points down.

North couldn’t be denied and with the wind at their backs in the second they piled on five unanswered goals of their own to get the game back on their terms.

Kate Shierlaw got Roos rolling with the first of the day for North while back-to-back Goal of the Year contenders from Emma King and Blaithin Bogue got the Roos back within a goal.

It was then down to North’s dynamic duo of Jasmine Garner and Ash Ridell who put North 14 points going into half time.

The Bombers couldn’t capitalise on the wind advantage in the third kicking and a goal to North’s Tess Craven right on the three quarter siren made an upset win by the Bombers very unlikely.

A strong final term from the Roos put the result beyond doubt and continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 10.11 (71) to 6.5 (41) victory.

BOMBER BLITZ

The Bombers came out firing at Windy Hill scoring the highest first quarter score the Roos had conceded all season. The Bombers pressure rating in the first quarter was the highest all season and had North looking uncharacteristically fumbly. Even North coach Darren Crocker told Channel 7’s Mel Hickey that his side “didn’t handle the first quarter”. Despite the loss Essendon coach Natalie Wood would be pleased with the way her side was able to not only restrict the reigning Premiers but capitalise on the scoreboard as well.

BOGUE BRINGS THE MAGIC

There may have to be an investigation into North Melbourne’s Irish recruit Blaithin Bogue’s past. The first year player, only seven games into her career, is showing up seasoned players week in week out. She’s scored 14 goals from her seven games and against the Bombers was pulling out tricks that not many experienced forwards can pull off. First it was her Goal of the Year contender where she curled a banana from the boundary at full speed and in the last she bent the ball beautifully around the corner from a set shot. Bogue is now equal second on the league goal kickers list with 14 majors alongside Kate Hore only behind Chloe Molloy on 15.

RIDDELL RULES THE MIDFIELD

Ash Riddell was long labelled the most underrated player in all of the AFLW but this season she has shown that she has shed that label and become one of the competitions outright best players. She broke the disposal record last week against Carlton and against the Bombers again led the way with 28 disposals, five clearances and a goal. AFLW fans have long wanted to see Jasmine Garner take out the league’s best and fairest medal but her own teammate in Riddell is the biggest hurdle standing in her way right now.

KANGAROOS PERFECT RUN CONTINUES

North Melbourne continue to get closer to breaking the 72-year record held by the Geelong Cats team of 1952 and 1953. After their defeat of the Bombers, the Roos now sit on 19 straight wins just four away from that Cat sides record of 23. The Roos also are on the cusp of surpassing Essendon’s 20 game streak in 2000. With five games to play and finals as well it’s hard to see any team stopping them.

DEES CRUSH SUNS IN SHAW’S MILESTONE MATCH

- Chloe Williams

Melbourne has claimed an 87-point victory over a reactive Gold Coast side, marking the second largest winning margin in its history.

The wind swirled, but it was no match for an efficient Demons outfit that maximised every disposal, putting the pedal to the metal with six final term goals contributing to the 13.15 (93) to 0.6 (6) win.

One of the better clearance sides in the competition - and the best contested possession side - Melbourne proved exactly what makes it so ruthless within the first minute of play.

Two centre clearances, two Lauren Pearce-to-Kate Hore chains and two inside 50s.

The first of these moments resulted in a goal off the boot of Megan Fitsimon after only 18 seconds of play.

Three dropped marks from Gold Coast inside 50 in the first term showed the difference in composure between the two sides, and granted the Demons a 17-point lead at the first break.

Claudia Whitfort exited the contest from this point with hamstring strain, after a similar injury delayed her start to the season.

It shapes as a huge blow if she is to be sidelined long term, with difficult match ups Brisbane and Hawthorn to come for Gold Coast, but it also changed the trajectory of today’s contest as Melbourne began to dominate at stoppage.

Gold Coast Head Coach Rhyce Shaw told his side at quarter time that if they’ve “got the footy, [they] control the game,” and whilst they weren’t embarrassed in the disposal count, they were unable to distribute the ball effectively when it mattered.

It was an unfortunate reply for the Suns, who took it up to Adelaide last week, as they failed to register a major score.

The damaging Dees were on full display as they conversely made the most of their opportunities, with an efficiency of 58 per cent inside 50.

Maeve Chaplin (25 disposals, seven tackles) was once again a key contributor, but it was their team effort and defensive pressure that shone through.

Melbourne’s home stretch against Sydney, Brisbane and Geelong will provide a strong indication of its Premiership credentials.

TEAM EFFORT

After Eden Zanker took home a five-goal haul last week, sitting third in the competition’s leading goalkicker rankings, you may be forgiven for thinking that if you stop Zanker you stand a chance.

But Melbourne’s multifaceted forward line was once again on full display at Casey Fields, with ten individual goal kickers across the afternoon.

Its final tally of 93 points came without a major contribution from Zanker, and two goals (Harris, Hore, Bannan) being the highest individual tally.

ONE MISS, ONE MAJOR

Annabel Kievet had an opportunity from point blank range to fire the Suns’ first major of the day, but an errant kick saw the chance go begging.

Only moments later following a strong Demons transition, Alyssa Pisano found herself in a similar situation. The difference? She was able to convert.

This typified the difference in composure between the two outfits across the afternoon.

SHAW’S MILESTONE

Rhyce Shaw has gained AFL Life Membership after notching up a combined 300 games of service as a player, AFL Coach and now AFLW Coach.

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CARNAGE FOR SUNS

While Taya Oliver was cleared of concussion, Gold Coast will be licking its wounds with a hamstring injury to key mid Whitfort.

Clara Fitzpatrick (wrist) and Jacqueline Dupuy also exited the contest late in the final term.