HAWTHORN has regained top spot on the Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s league after an important victory in round 10. Meanwhile, former ladder-leaders, Geelong regained some form after defeating the Southern Saints in a compelling round of football.

Darebin Falcons 1.4 (10) def. by NT Thunder 7.8 (50)

By: Taylah Melki

The NT Thunder set the pace early in this game, scoring three goals in the opening term and keeping the Falcons goalless to three quarter time. The Thunder applied plenty of physical pressure, tackling hard and getting numbers around the contest to win the ball at the coal face. Darebin seemed to struggle with the ferocity and intent of the Thunder, unable to move the ball into its attacking 50 throughout the game and failing to convert opportunities in front of goal.

The Thunder had a number of major contributors with the likes of Angela Foley dominating across the ground with her ability to win the footy in the contest and dispose of the ball cleverly and efficiently. Meanwhile, Abbey Holmes dominated on the scoreboard once again with her accuracy in front of goal proving to be deadly. Holmes slotted four goals and looked ominous up forward with her clean hands and ability to read the play. Fellow teammates, Ebony Marinoff and Georgia Bevan also showed their composure while under pressure, showcasing their ability to take the game on with clever kicks and good bursts of speed. Katie Streader also impressed with her fierce tackling and clean hands around the contest.

For the Falcons, the likes of Nat Exon stood up, especially in the third quarter, where she put her body on the line and competed for everything. She worked tirelessly all game and demonstrated her strength to be able to shake off a strong tackle and then deliver a clever ball inside 50. Though Hannah Mouncey did not impact the scoreboard, she did provide a strong option inside 50, taking some big strong grabs. Down back for the Falcons, Meghan McDonald was really solid and more importantly showed great composure with the ball in hand, using her long penetrating kick to clear the footy. The likes of Esther Honybun and Annalyse Lister were also solid throughout the match for the Falcons.

Geelong Cats 8.7 (55) defeated Southern Saints 2.5 (17)

Geelong got back on the winners list with a comprehensive 38-point win over the Southern Saints. After gathering momentum in recent rounds, the Saints have failed to register a victory after the bye, succumbing to their second loss in a row.

As usual, Kate Darby was solid up forward for the Cats with two goals and 14 disposals. She was complemented by Jordan Ivey who booted the first goal of the day with an amazing kick which brought the house down, as she played her first game in 14 months after she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament. In the midfield, it was Richelle Cranston who wreaked havoc once again, racking up 29 disposals, four marks and five tackles. Hayley Trevean also racked up numbers in the 20s, recording 21 disposals, as well as a goal and six marks.

Alison Drennan starred for the Saints yet again, recording 27 disposals, four marks and six tackles. She got a heap of the ball on the day, as she almost doubled the second best amount of disposals accumulated by a Saint on the day. Leah Olsen recorded 15 disposals and laid three tackles, trying hard throughout the match for the Saints. Courtney Munn and Tara Bohanna were the goal kickers on the day.

Carlton 8.4 (52) defeated Williamstown 3.5 (23)

Carlton recorded its first win since round two, beating Williamstown by 29 points at the home of female football. The Blues controlled the game from start to finish, making it difficult for the Seagulls to wrestle back the lead.

AFLW star, Darcy Vescio returned to the Blues’ lineup this week and proved extremely valuable, kicking four of her side’s eight goals. Katelyn Cox also chipped in with two majors ad created great run and carry across the field. Captain, Kristi Harvey used her strong hands to advantage while Chloe Dalton showed her tackling prowess.

For the Seagulls, Western Jets tall, Sharnie Whiting starred with two goals on the day. In the midfield, Jess Duffin stood up once again, using the ball well to get it forward for her side. Fellow North Melbourne recruit, Jenna Bruton returned to the lineup against the Blues and contributed well on the day with a goal and an intent to win the footy at all costs.

Western Bulldogs 5.5 (35) defeated Essendon 4.5 (29)

The Western Bulldogs were given an almighty scare by Essendon. The Bombers looked to back up their first win of the year with a huge upset and did so by keeping the Dogs scoreless in the third quarter. The experienced side fought right back though, kicking 1.3 to 0.1 in the last quartet to seal the win.

Mickayla Ward was crucial on the day for the Dogs, kicking two of her side’s five goals. She was complemented by fantastic performances by Ellie Blackburn and Naomi Ferres in the midfield. Annabel Scott also contributed well on the day, kicking a goal and showing intent to win the ball all day.

Canadian forward, Valerie Moreau scored half her side’s goals on the day with another memorable performance inside 50. Up the other end, it was the dangerous duo of Rebecca Neaves and Courtney Ugle who battled hard for the Bombers all day. Usual defender, Lauren Morecroft even streamed up forward to kick a goal, proving her versatility.

Melbourne Uni 3.4 (22) defeated by Hawthorn 3.10 (28)

Inaccuracy hurt the Hawks on Sunday, as their victory came solely from a superior amount of behinds. However, they managed to sneak over the line to record their eighth win of the season and snatch top spot fromf Collingwood on the ladder.

Up forward, it was Nicky Cormack, Rebecca Beeson and Emily Gilder who booted through crucial goals on the day. Olivia Flanagan also stood tall inside 50 and contested well, despite not scoring a goal. In the back line, Jayde Van Dyk starred once again for Hawthorn and she was complemented by a great game from midfielder, Julia Crockett-Grills, who continues to rack up the disposals this season.

For the Mugars, their three goals came from Caitlin Greiser, Katie Angelis and Elizabeth Keaney. In defence, new Kangaroos recruits, Kate Gillespie-Jones and Danielle Hardiman teamed up to trouble the Hawks forward, which proved effective, as they kept the opposition to three goals.

Richmond 2.9 (21) defeated by Casey Demons 5.9 (39)

Both sides travelled over to Bendigo in a game that went down to the wire. Richmond led at the first and third changes but a three-goal to none fourth quarter undid all the hard work for the Tigers, as they succumbed to their third consecutive loss.

Young guns, Kasey Guttridge and Eden Zanker starred up forward, kicking two goals a piece for their side. They were complemented by new Melbourne AFLW recruit, Shae Sloane, who was able to get a major on the board and contribute well in a solid win. As usual, Katherine Smith tore it up in the midfield and continues to have a good season for the Demons.

Richmond’s goals came from Collingwood AFLW player, Lauren Tesoriero and Murray Bushrangers tall, Sophie Damon. In the midfield, captain, Jessica Kennedy has continued to back up her solid form, competing hard in the middle of the ground. Courtney Wakefield, Bethany Lynch and Emma Gunn also contributed well in the side’s loss.