GEELONG and Northern Territory (NT) Thunder continued their dominance in round six, keeping their undefeated streaks alive. The Bulldogs also registered their first win in the Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s competition this year after welcoming back a host of AFL Women’s players.

Carlton 2.3 (15) defeated by NT Thunder 8.3 (51)

By: Taylah Melki

NT dominated from start to finish, keeping the Blues to one goal in the opening half of footy. Carlton struggled to compete with the defensive pressure applied by the Thunder players, who were solid down back and stopped any forward momentum sparked by the Blues. Up the other end, NT hit the scoreboard with ease.

Jessica Sedunary was in ominous form up forward for NT, slotting three goals for the match and competing hard to win the footy. Teammate, Jenna McCormick was also impressive imposing herself on the contest and hitting the packs hard. AFLW star, Chelsea Randall continued her consistent ways while Adelaide teammate, Courtney Cramey starred with 17 disposals showcasing her class around the stoppages on debut for NT.

For the Blues the likes of Sophie Li and Caroline Hardeman stood out in a disappointing outing, gathering plenty of touches and working hard across the ground. Li lead the way for disposals, amassing 19 possessions credit to her ability to find the footy and use it efficiently. Jess Hosking was also influential for Carlton, hitting the packs hard and winning plenty of the footy, gathering 16 possessions for the game.

Western Bulldogs 12.11 (83) defeated Williamstown 4.3 (27)

By: Taylah Melki

The Western Bulldogs put on a masterclass at Henry Turner Memorial Reserve, keeping the Seagulls to four goals for the game and piling on a whopping 12 themselves. Their dominant start held them in good stead for the game, as they applied plenty of physical pressure. Williamstown struggled to control the goal fest, letting the Dogs run rampant in their forward 50.

For the Bulldogs, Alyssa Mifsud was an absolute star up forward, bagging five goals. She looked dangerous all game and found herself in damaging positions, credit to her ability to lead up at the footy and take strong marks. The other goal-scoring machine for the Dogs was Jessica Francke who slotted four goals for the game. Libby Birch and Hayley Wildes also impressed with their ability to win the footy and impact the contest.

Down the other end, Williamstown midfielder, Jess Duffin was one of the best afield, scoring an important goal and gathering plenty of touches. She competed hard all game and was aided by teammate Jenna Bruton who was influential across the ground. Jasmine Garner and Georgia Harris were key players for the Seagulls, scoring a goal apiece and applying good physical pressure on their opponents.

Geelong Cats 4.7 (31) defeated Darebin 2.4 (16)

By: Julia Montesano

The Cats kept their winning streak intact when they defeated the in-form Darebin Falcons. Geelong led for the whole game, but the Falcons won the last quarter as they scored all their goals in that period.

Mia-Rae Clifford scored half her team’s goals in a brilliant display. The Cats star also notched up 20 disposals and seven tackles in a great all-round performance. She was complemented by new Geelong AFLW recruit, Richelle Cranston, who was flawless in her 26-disposal, five-mark performance. Her tackling was also ferocious, as she laid six of them. Former Carlton midfielder, Madeline Keryk impressed in her debut in the blue and white hoops, kicking a goal and notching up 14 disposals.

AFLW duo, Nat Exon and Lily Mithen were the leading disposal-getters for Darebin, with 22 and 21 respectively. But a gallant performance from Stephanie Simpson nearly won the Falcons the game. Simpson kicked all of her team’s goals, booting two last quarter goals. She also laid five tackles in a solid performance.

Hawthorn 6.9 (45) defeated Southern Saints 1.6 (12)

By: Julia Montesano

This match was headlined by a lovely tribute to the passing of Eurydice Dixon, as the players stood arm in arm to pay tribute to the comedian. In terms of the game, the Hawks held the high-flying Saints goalless at half-time, going on to win by 33 points.

Emily Gilder had an impressive day out in the forward line, kicking two majors for the Hawks. She was complemented by former Collingwood AFLW defender, Meg Hutchins and Adelaide AFLW forward, Sarah Perkins, who also got a major on the board. Hutchins’ former AFLW teammate, Melissa Kuys was deemed best-on-ground by her coaches in her return to the Hawthorn line-up.

Despite having their first AFLW signing, Lauren Arnell in the side, the Southern Saints couldn’t get the job done on Sunday. But captain, Georgia Walker led the way for her side in a tough day out at Box Hill. Kate Macqueen was the side’s solitary goal-scorer while Eastern Ranges recruit, Ashleigh Allsopp had an impressive performance in her VFLW debut.

Richmond 6.6 (42) defeated Melbourne University 2.1 (13)

By: Taylah Melki

The Tigers applied plenty of defensive pressure at Queen Elizabeth Oval, keeping Melbourne University to a mere two goals for the whole game. In difficult wet and windy conditions, Richmond continued its winning ways with another four-quarter performance. Meanwhile Melbourne University struggled to compete with the intensity and class of the Tigers who seemed to dominate across the board.

Up forward for the yellow and black, the likes of Jess Gardner and Jenna Colwell stood tall, bagging important goals given the wet weather. New GWS recruit, Christina Bernardi was one of the best for the Tigers, showcasing her ability to win the footy at the coalface and use the footy well no matter the conditions. Teammates, Louise Stephenson and Lisa Davie were also influential across the ground, displaying their ability to create a contest and use the ball effectively.

For Melbourne University, Kaitlyn Ashmore worked tirelessly all game and slotted one of the two goals for her side. The likes of Prudence Cordes and Jasmine Grierson also starred in difficult conditions, using the ball well and hitting targets when it counted. Katherine Gillespie-Jones was another key player for Melbourne Uni, hitting the packs hard and gathering plenty of touches.