AFLW round 9: Kangaroos extend streak to 21, Cats, Hawks and Lions win again

It started with a scare, but the Kangaroos held strong to record their 21st consecutive win in the 2.2 (14) to 7.8 (50) affair.

Katie Brennan said pre-game that she was hoping Richmond could “just continue (its) momentum” following last week’s drought-breaking win, and it did just that in the first term.

Sending shockwaves through the Kangaroos camp, the undermanned Tigers recorded the first three inside 50s of the night and finished the term +10 in contested possession as Monique Conti recorded nine disposals in seven minutes.

But some stern words from Darren Crocker at the first break restored the order, with the Kangaroos taking a 21-point lead into half time.

It started at the source as they began to dominate clearance, but the real change came as North Melbourne activated its outside game, leading uncontested possession +32 at the main change.

While Richmond fought hard to claw its way back, doubling its first-half output in the second half, North Melbourne’s ascendency was unable to be stopped.

Emma Kearney was pivotal to re-establishing the Kangaroos’ ball movement, directing traffic and finding superior options.

This shift saw them control the game by foot, and despite the rain, record 70 marks to the Tigers’ 37.

Alice O’Loughlin battled through some big hits on return from a lacerated liver, but finished as one of North Melbourne’s best with 20 disposals.

Stalwart Tahlia Randall and young gun Blaithin Bogue combined to challenge Richmond’s defence, while Jas Garner was as potent in front of goal as she was at stoppage.

All three players currently sit in the top five in the Leading Goalkicker Award standings.

Richmond’s Ellie Mckenzie starred once more with 25 disposals and four clearances.

The victory was only soured for North Melbourne by a knee injury to gun midfielder Mia King.

STALWART BREAKS THE TON

Only hours after Bre Koenen celebrated the milestone, Libby Birch played her 100th AFLW game.

The two-time All-Australian, three-time premiership player has played in every possible game since the AFLW started.

“We are so lucky to have you at our club,” said Randall - the next player with 100 games in her sight - during the week.

Birch released the first official AFLW children’s book, ‘Libby’s Footy Adventures’, earlier this year.

RANDALL’S RUN

North Melbourne was facing a rare situation early: it was struggling.

It was Tahlia Randall who stood up when her side needed her most, though - kicking the first two goals of the game against the grain.

She could’ve had one more off the back of an impressive contested mark, but failed to convert.

Demanding the attention of Richmond’s defensive brigade, she opened up opportunities for Kate Shierlaw and Blaithin Bogue.

BACKING IT UP

She was the catalyst for Richmond’s shock victory last week, and Mon Conti picked up where she left off

Recording nine disposals in seven minutes, and sitting on 13 at quarter time, Conti was a big reason as to why Richmond were able to begin the game on the front foot.

She finished the night with 30 disposals and six tackles.

SCOREBOARD

RICHMOND 0.2 (2), 0.2 (2), 2.2 (14), 2.2 (14)

NORTH MELBOURNE 1.2 (8), 3.5 (23), 4.7 (31), 7.8 (50)

GOALS:

Tigers: Greiser, Yassir

Kangaroos: Randall (2), Garner (2), Bogue (2), Shierlaw

BEST:

Tigers: Conti, McKenzie, Lynch, Yassir, Dempsey

Kangaroos: Garner, Riddell, Randall, Kearney, O’Loughlin

Injuries:

Tigers: Nil

Kangaroos: Mia King (knee)

LIONS STAY IN TOUCH WITH TOP FOUR

The Brisbane Lions have celebrated captain Breanna Koenen’s 100th AFLW game with an impressive 29-point win over Port Adelaide in hot conditions in Springfield on Saturday evening to provisionally enter the top four.

The match was a hard-fought contest for the most part, especially in the first half, which produced five lead changes as temperatures hovered above the 30s.

But the Lions always managed to keep the Power at arm’s length, and finally put them out of their misery with five of the last six goals to win 9.8 (62) to 4.9 (33). Brisbane will finish the weekend in fourth position, with three rounds to go, if Sydney defeat Carlton on Sunday.

LION IN STRIFE?

However, Brisbane’s Cathy Svarc might have a case to answer from the MRO after a head clash with Port Adelaide’s Piper Window in the first quarter left the latter with a nasty facial laceration that required eight stitches.

Window had to be helped from the field by the trainers in considerable distress and was later ruled out with concussion.

POWER BUCKLE

Brisbane dominated play for most of the game, and the weight of numbers eventually overwhelmed the Power as the Lions finished up with huge buffers in disposals (278-200) and marks (53-34) as well as tackles (66-53), despite having so much more of the ball.

The hosts also used their run to cut up the Power, registering massive advantages in handballs (115-51) and handball receives (92-38).

SENSATIONAL HODDER

Brisbane dynamo Courtney Hodder was outstanding with 24 possessions (11 contested), six tackles and a goal that came about from one of the plays of the year in the first quarter.

The pintsized forward belied her modest stature to stray into harm’s way and courageously take an overhead mark in front of her much bigger oncoming teammate Taylor Smith, who came charging towards the ball. Hodder then lined up from 40m out, feigned a set shot, ran around the player on the mark and exhilaratingly rammed it home from 25m out.

Ally Anderson was a key contributor as well, recording 25 disposals (11) and 11 tackles, while Svarc threw her weight around unapologetically and ended with 21 touches.

Ruck Matilda Scholz was the Power’s best with 19 possessions (12), seven marks and 21 hitouts, and she was ably assisted by Ashleigh Woodland who helped herself to 25 touches (16), 11 inside 50s and seven clearances.

SVARC, DAVIDSON COMBINE

Brisbane’s fourth goal was set up by a brilliant piece of play from Svarc that saw the star Lion explode past four Power players on Brisbane’s half-forward line before hitting Dakota Davidson on the chest with an elegant chip pass. Davidson finished the play with a lovely converted set shot from 40m out in front.

INCREDIBLE INDY

Early in the first term, Port Adelaide’s Indy Tahau kicked a magnificent goal as she bustled Jennifer Dunne off the ball, collected the spillage in the pocket and threaded the needle sensationally from a sharp angle.

FINALS DREAM ALIVE FOR CATS

Geelong has kept its finals hopes alive and answered its fourth quarter and home critics in the process with a hardfought 27-point over GWS Giants on Saturday.

In a good old fashioned arm wrestle at GMHBA Stadium, it was the Cats who broke up the game in the fourth term, kicking 5.0 to 1.2 to run out victors 11.6 (72) to 6.9 (45) and register their first win on their home deck this year.

The Cats had lost a handful of games this season late, but they came to life late against the Giants, with young Cat Chantal Mason capping the game with her third major in what was a breakout performance in game six.

A hot first quarter Cats were reeled back in by a burst of Giants’ goals in the second to hit the lead, though the visitors were punished on a defensive 50 turnover by Rachel Kearns who converted to give the Cats a slim two-point half time lead.

A stalemate came early in the third, only minor scores registered by both teams in the opening 10 minutes, before the Cats pounced on another turnover - Mikalya Bowen the beneficiary in the goal square, her major complimenting a pressure-filled performance up the field with 22 touches and eight tackles.

STAR CAT’S STYLISH 50

It was fitting the first goal of the game would come from Cats’ star and 50-gamer Georgie Prespakis.

With older sister and Bomber Maddy and her family in the stands, the 22-year-old Cat was at her blistering best, her ability to break out of the contests on show to finished with 23 touches, eight clearances and 463 metres gained.

After a couple early misses on goal from the Cats, Prespakis made sure there was no worries on her attempt, snapping it through for their first, while she’d get a second with five minutes left in the game to cap a fantastic 50-game performance.

CAT GETS MONKEY OFF BACK

Emerging Cats forward Chantal Mason had her persistence rewarded with her first goal in the AFLW coming in game six and after seven minor scores.

The key tall and homegrown Geelong product presented late in the third, before going back to nail the set shot to put her team a goal up heading into the final break.

It came after Mason - in her second year at the club - kicked 0.7 across her first five games, including a 0.4 outing against Sydney earlier this season.

She’d get her second just a quarter later, Aishling Moloney finding her on the run into an open goal, before she sealed the game with her third in the final minute to truly emerge on the AFLW scene.

GIANTS FALL AT FINAL HURDLE

The Giants will head home with their own finals hopes snuffed out, now 2-7 with three rounds to play.

The young side took it up to the Cats early, their improved contested game in the second term seeing Cam Bernasconi’s side regain some control, though they had little answers late in the game.

Key to the turnaround was the likes of midfielder Zarlie Goldsworthy (27 disposals, seven clearances) and captain Bec Beeson (24 and six), though Beeson caused some concerns when she went down to the rooms after she was caught around the neck by Rachel Kearns.

It appeared a cautious approach considering past concussions, with Beeson soon rejoining her team at the three-quarter time huddle.

HAWKS MARCH ON

Hawthorn has all but confirmed its top four credentials with a 23-point victory over Gold Coast.

It wasn’t without a scare, as the Suns’ late surge stopped the Hawks from recording their highest winning margin of the year.

Hawthorn’s forward half dominance and relentless pressure, laying 28 tackles to 9 inside 50, made it a tough opponent to beat - but Gold Coast’s growth under Reece Shaw was made evident.

The Suns’ midfield dominated contested possession early but was ultimately able to get the ball moving on the outside, struggling to both find and create chains and targets inside fifty.

They parked the bus for much of the first quarter, contributing to these woes.

Contrastingly, the Hawks sliced and diced the footy, using their run and carry to make every possession count and find superior options.

Despite the Suns’ knack for leaking points - and inside 50s - to its opponent, Hawthorn was only able to convert its 11 first term inside 50s into two goals.

Star forward Aine McDonagh coolly converted on the eve of quarter time, also recording the first of the second term to allow Hawthorn to finally capitalise on its forward half dominance.

Gold Coast remained stubborn, but Hawthorn’s lead was too big to chase down.

Shaw labelled the Suns’ lack of composure as “the difference between winning and losing.”

Havana Harris’ third-quarter snap provided a welcome highlight for the Suns, a precursor to their dominant final term.

Rowbottom was Gold Coast’s best with 28 disposals and nine tackles, while Jac Dupuy led the scoring alongside Hawthorn’s McDonagh.

Kaitlyn Ashmore (two goals) and Eliza West (18 disposals) dominated for Hawthorn, while Tilly-Lucas Rodd was strong off half back.

Lucas-Rodd expressed the importance of Pride Round, saying that “sport is a great pillar and vehicle for people to discover who they are.”

MCDONAGH MASTERCLASS

Again? Yes. Aine McDonagh starred for Hawthorn, snapping off one step to make sure her side capitalised on its early dominance.

But it was in the second quarter that she did her best work, kicking a game-changing goal whilst being dragged down by Charlotte Wilson.

In the third term, she aptly slotted her third goal, extending the lead to an insurmountable 31 points.

Her dominance was a big blow for Gold Coast, who lost her likely match-up - Clara Fitzpatrick - late to a calf injury.

UNFAVOURABLE BOUNCE

A first-quarter play down the Bryan Mace Grandstand wing showed us the best of footy’s unpredictability.

As the ball flew towards Gold Coast’s Niamh McLaughlin, it bounced in a manner that only a Sherrin can.

The bounce favoured McLaughlin, allowing the Suns to retain possession.

I hope she said thanks to the trusty Sherrin!

GIRVAN’S MOVE

Gold Coast defender Meara Girvan lined up as a forward for much of the afternoon in a surprise magnet flip.

It proved its worth in Gold Coast’s play of the day, as Nimah McLaughlin streamed down the wing, giving Girvan the one-two before she struck truly on the run.

It marks only her third career goal.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The Suns were struggling to find their first goal, and it couldn’t have been sweeter once they found it.

Jamie Stanton’s soccer kick out of traffic sliced straight through the middle, shocking the Kinetic Stadium crowd.

But it should’ve come as no surprise - Stanton is an ex-junior Matilda, after all.

The strike was reviewed, but ultimately confirmed as a major score.

WARMING UP

After only one disposal in the first term, Jac Dupuy worked her way into the contest nicely, kicking her first goal of the day on the eve of the major break.

She was ever-present in the second half as the Suns fired back, finishing the afternoon with 14 disposals, three goals and five marks.

PRIDE ROUND CELEBRATIONS

Fans at Kinetic Stadium were treated to a host of Pride Round activations, including a pre-game event which saw a screening of the award-winning documentary “Equal the Contest” by Mitch Nivalis.

The infamous food trucks were also out in full force, with pizza, Mr. Whippy ice cream and twisted potatoes amongst the selections.

CROWS BACK IN TOUCH OF AFLW TOP FOUR, MRO ISSUE FOR EAGLE

Adelaide have stayed in touch with the AFLW top four after comprehensively winning their crunch clash against fellow finals hopefuls West Coast by 17 points at Norwood Oval on Saturday.

And the result may be compounded for the Eagles with their superstar Ella Roberts possibly set to come under match review scrutiny for a head-high hit on Adelaide’s Brooke Boileau just before three-quarter time, which earned the Crow a free kick.

West Coast could ill-afford Roberts in the stands in the coming weeks with their finals fate still up in the air.

Adelaide’s Lily Tarlinton could also be in hot water for a similar clash with West Coast’s Jaide Britton in the final term.

The Eagles (sixth) and Crows (seventh) headed into the match separated by only percentage on the ladder, but the seasoned hosts clearly demonstrated to their upstart opponents that they still have work to do if they want to make their finals debut, winning 7.6 (48) to 4.7 (31).

West Coast added some respectability to the scoreboard with the last three goals, but the damage was well and truly done by then as the Crows opened up a game-high 36-point lead early in the final term.

CROWS ON VERGE OF FINALS

The result means Adelaide will probably need just one more win to guarantee themselves a top-eight berth. With Fremantle and Port Adelaide still in their run home, the Crows should have few issues sealing a sixth consecutive finals appearance.

Meanwhile, West Coast are now precariously placed, needing two victories at least from their final three matches to make the top eight. With Sydney and Carlton still to come, they’ll be made to earn it.

MARVELLOUS MARINOFF

The Crows absolutely dominated the inside 50s (43-23) and smashed the Eagles at the stoppages with double the clearances (31-15).

Ebony Marinoff was her usual industrious self, racking up 30 possessions (11 contested), eight inside 50s and seven clearances and Maddi Newman also had a day out with 19 touches and two goals. Teah Charlton was instrumental, too, registering 17 disposals and a major.

Georgie Cleaver was a rock down back for West Coast with 18 possessions (12) and six marks.

MADDI MAGIC

Newman kicked the goal of the day in the final term when she burst through heavy congestion, slammed the ball on her boot from 35m out and fortuitously bounced it over a West Coast defender’s head and through for a goal.

LEWIS OUTRUNS BIDDELL

West Coast’s Isabella Lewis produced a ripper in the second period as well when she collected the loose ball outside 50, took two bounces, ran to the goal square and banged it home after outrunning Crows defender Chelsea Biddell. Boileau also provided a highlight in the third stanza with a superb snap from the pocket after baulking West Coast skipper Emma Swanson.

CRUCIAL CROWS TACKLES

Charlotte Riggs had a golden chance to get the Eagles within a goal late in the second quarter when she ran into an open goal square, but Adelaide’s Zoe Prowse laid an inspirational tackle from behind in the nick of time, forcing Riggs’ kick to go off line.

Only a few minutes later, Newman laid a big tackle of her own down the other end of the ground, pinging Zoe Wakfer holding the ball, and converting a set shot from 35m out in front to put the hosts up by 17 points.

706 DAYS IN THE MAKING: DOGS CROWN DEFENDER’S INSPIRING RETURN

A second quarter Western Bulldogs onslaught proved the catalyst for a 57-point horror night and near historic low for Essendon to kick off Pride Round on Friday night.

A Daria Bannister goal with just seconds left in the game saw the Bombers avoid their worst ever score in the AFLW since joining in 2022.

But it was little consolation in an otherwise troublesome performance at Whitten Oval which saw the Bombers suffer their sixth-straight defeat.

For the now 3-6 Dogs, it was pure elation, with the 10.7 (67) to 1.4 (10) victory their highest score of the season.

GOAL BLITZ BREAKS BOMBERS

While the Dogs had struggled with its forward mix at times this year, they had no such trouble against the Bombers, an early first quarter goal from first-year Bulldog Emma McDonald separating the two teams amid some blustery conditions.

But it was their second quarter where the Dogs truly lit the fuse, a Sarah Hartwig goal in the opening minute of the term starting a run of four goals within seven minutes against the breeze.

A rundown tackle from Elaine Grigg in front of goals late in the term saw the 19-year-old capitalise on a free for a fifth Dogs goal for the quarter to make it 35-points at half time.

A BIG BULLDOGS CALL

Western Bulldogs dropped their captain Deanna Berry heading into the game, with coach Tamara Hyett hoping for Berry to get a feel back for playing on instinct.

The move failed to disrupt a young Dogs side, which started brightly with its pressure and only grew in confidence with every goal scored.

Star midfielder Isabelle Pritchard was influential with 20 touches, seven tackles and six clearances, but it was the likes of Heidi Woodley and Jasmyn Smith early who got the Dogs’ outside game rolling.

While the Bombers tried to lean into its contested strength, with Madison Prespakis their best, the Dogs dominated on the outside, ran in numbers and made the most of its forward entries to continue to pile on scoreboard pressure in the second half.

MRO TROUBLE

Pritchard could come under some MRP scrutiny for a backward swing of an elbow which clipped Prespakis in the head, with the Bomber forced from the ground with blood streaming down her face midway through the fourth term, though she’d later return with her head bandaged tight.

“Pritchard might be in a bit of strife for that one,” Channel 7 commentator Abbey Holmes said.

DOG’S DEBUT WORTH THE WAIT

It was the feel-good story of the night, as defender Mua Laloifi made her long-awaited Dogs’ debut, 706 days after her last game at Carlton following a return from an ACL injury sustained in a practice match.

“The way that she’s just gone through a rehab and been really diligent with that, has enabled her to play some games in the scrimmages, build some confidence, and then finally earn a spot out in the main squad tonight,” Dogs’ stand-in skipper Ellie Blackburn told Channel 7.

“Looking forward to having Mua out there. I know the crowd will love having her there and it’s good to see her back in Bulldogs colours.”

And it was a loud cheer from the crowd which welcomed Laloifi into the game at the eight minute mark, with Laloifi going on to play a solid game in defence, with the Dogs’ back six doing a strong job of stifling the Bombers’ forward structure.