AFLW: North Melbourne closes in on AFL/AFLW record of 23 consecutive wins

It was a much-anticipated test for the Blues, but they were dismantled by North Melbourne in every major metric in what coach Matthew Buck called a “test of resilience and character.”

Their lack of composure was stark in contrast with the reigning premier, who moved the ball consideredly whilst the Blues continued to live and die by the chaos ball.

The Kangaroos’ sheer force and experience was typified by the first goal of the day, which saw Ash Riddell burst from the contest unopposed to split the middle.

She went on to record 43 disposals in a dominant display.

Carlton stayed in touch early but the Kangaroos were clinical as their ruthless efficiency with ball in hand saw them keep the Blues at bay for the sixth time in AFLW history.

Youngster Poppy Scholz successfully switched forward in the second term, but her aerial presence was missed in the backline.

North Melbourne controlled the game from this point forward, recording 15 inside 50s to three in the third term alone.

Carlton has made uncontested possession its own this season, but they were demolished in this metric 229 to 140 whilst also finishing with 12 less clearances and 34 less inside 50s.

Moving the ball laterally to open up opportunities forward of the ball and utilise their overlap runners, the Kangaroos gave the Blues a masterclass in mixing class with chaos.

Jasmine Garner (29 disposals, two goals) continues to dominate the competition, while Dayna Finn was once again best afield for Carlton.

RECORD THERE FOR THE TAKING

The Kangaroos have now won eighteen consecutive games and find themselves on the brink of Geelong’s all-time VFL/AFL/AFLW record of 23-straight wins.

If they beat Essendon, Sydney, Richmond, Adelaide and St Kilda to close out the season, they will have the chance to break the record in the first week of finals.

RIDDELL’S HOT START

The first goal of the game wasn’t enough for Ash Riddell.

She sat on 11 disposals at 100 per cent efficiency with four minutes to play in the first term.

With seconds to spare, Riddell broke the previous AFLW disposal record — which she held with Ally Anderson — when she recorded her 44th possession.

MOVING THE MAGNETS

Carlton Coach Matthew Buck moved the magnets after a goalless first term, shifting youngster Poppy Scholz forward in second term.

It worked, as she scored Carlton’s first goal of the day.

BEST OF SEVEN

Seven Irishwomen took to the field across both teams this afternoon, but it was Finn who came out on top.

With 24 disposals and six marks on the wing, it would be hard to argue against her All-Australian credentials at this point of the season.

STRANGE STAT CEASES

Coming into the contest, Carlton has not lost a game this year in which it had blooded a debutant.

Unfortunately for the Blues, Lou-Lou Field’s first game marked the end of this success.

PIES’ FOURTH-QUARTER SURGE FALLS SHORT

It’s an important day for the Collingwood Football Club, but the Women’s side was unable to provide a fairytale start following a nine-point loss to Hawthorn.

A fourth-quarter flurry saved the Magpies from their first goalless result in the AFLW.

Despite recording twelve more inside 50s, the Magpies will rue the inefficiency which saw them unable to impact the scoreboard for most of the afternoon.

In a ladder-shaping contest, Hawthorn’s defence was always going to challenge Collingwood’s forward line - but an early injury to key forward Kalinda Howarth made it all the more difficult.

The Hawks had the luck of the Irish with the return of All-Australian Aileen Gilroy improving their dynamism going forward, while Aine McDonagh (15 disposals, two goals) was integral to the 3.12 (30) to 5.9 (39) win.

Their ball movement was much improved, shifting the ball along the outer wing with pace to open up uncontested opportunities inside 50.

Tilly-Lucas Rodd (23 disposals) was instrumental to this, providing run and carry and dictating play with ball in hand.

It saw them take 44 marks after only recording 19 last

week - but this does remain an area of concern as they work towards finals.

The win was only soured by a lower leg injury to Bridie Hipwell, who was stretched off the field to the applause of the crowd.

Rising Star Ash Centra spent more time on the ball for Collingwood, assisting Ruby Schleicher (19 disposals, 10 tackles) and Britt Bonnici (five clearances).

CONVINCING CELE

Aine McDonagh was too busy celebrating the first goal of the day to realise it was actually ruled a behind.

She must have been convincing enough, though, with Score Assist overturning the initial ruling. Let the celebrations roll on!

GILROY’S IMMEDIATE IMPACT

Returning star Aileen Gilroy made her presence known early, involving herself in Hawthorn’s first chain to goal.

The Hawks had been missing her creativity and class.

Gilroy-to-McDonagh was a popular phrase as the Irish duo linked up on multiple occasions, with Gilroy assisting in both of McDonagh’s major scores.

BIG BLOW FOR PIES

After securing the second three-goal haul of her career last week, Magpies forward Kalinda Howarth was ruled out of the contest in the first quarter following an injury to her right knee.

“All we know at this stage is it’s a knee, we don’t know to what extent,” Head Coach Sam Wright told Fox Footy at the first break.

Howarth will be sent for scans during the week.

It shapes as a big blow for a much improved Magpies outfit who remain on the outer of the top eight.

RISING STAR BACKS IT UP

Continuing to work her way into the AFLW way of life, Ash Centra was once more ever present for the Magpies.

Spending more time in the midfield, her sharp decision making and clean hands were on full display, finishing with a career high 23 disposals to accompany six marks and a goal.

FINAL FLURRY

A goal to skipper Schleicher in the fourth term was Collingwood’s first of the day - but it wasn’t it’s last.

In the minutes that followed, two quick strikes from Alana Porter and Centra put the game within reach - but it wasn’t to be after a late goal to Jess Vukic sealed a Hawthorn victory.

MATCH DETAILS

COLLINGWOOD: 0.2 (2), 0.6 (6), 0.9 (9), 3.12 (30)

HAWTHORN: 2.4 (16), 3.5 (23), 3.7 (25), 5.9 (39)

GOALS:

Magpies: Schleicher, Porter, Centra

Hawks: McDonagh (2), Bodey, Coyne, Vukic

BEST:

Magpies: Centra, White, Schleicher, Bonnici, Barnett

Hawks: McDonagh, Wales, Lucas-Rodd, West, Fleming

INJURIES:

Magpies: Kalinda Howarth (right knee)

Hawks: Bridie Hipwell (lower left leg)

Heartbreaking injury halts former Port skipper’s AFLW return

- Matt Turner

Former Port Adelaide captain Janelle Cuthbertson’s comeback has been cut short in devastating fashion, rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament for the second time in 12 months.

Cuthbertson hurt her left knee during training on Thursday evening.

The 35-year-old had only recently returned to full drills after missing most of last season with the same injury last September.

Port Adelaide head of AFLW Shane Grimm said the news was heartbreaking for Cuthbertson and the whole club.

“She has approached her recent knee injury rehabilitation with her trademark diligence and professionalism, driven by her goal to return to the game she loves,” Grimm said.

“She came very close to achieving that goal and we’re devastated for her.

“Janelle is a very resilient person and she will continue to have the full support of the football club.”

The Power defender stepped aside as captain in June, paving the way for Justine Mules-Robinson to succeed her.

Cuthbertson has played eight games for Port Adelaide since arriving from Fremantle ahead of the 2023 campaign.