IN Round 2 of the AFL Women’s season, some familiar faces and other new young stars stood tall as teams backed up their first matches of the summer with commanding performances from Conference A teams, while Conference B sides all suffered losses.

Adelaide: Hannah Martin

Drafted at pick 53, Adelaide’s recruit breaks lines off the wing with her elite speed. Martin did exactly that with a great second appearance for Adelaide, picking up 13 disposals, three marks and three tackles for the day. Bringing clean hands to every contest, Martin was treated to her first AFLW win in a stellar effort against Carlton. She adds a lot of polish to Adelaide, boasting a 71 per cent disposal efficiency and great break away speed out of stoppages.

Brisbane: Lauren Bella

As with a lot of last week’s debutants, Bella greatly improved and showed why she’s an integral part of the side. Dominating in the ruck with 23 hit-outs, the Brisbane tall topped the combined total (20 hit-outs) of her opponents alone. In Round 1 she had some trouble competing with GWS ruckman, Erin McKinnon, but has since corrected, recording 11 disposals and two tackles for the game.

Carlton: Madison Prespakis

As with Round 1, Prespakis was Carlton’s greatest utility come gameday, leading her team for disposals (20) and putting through a goal. This performance followed her 13 disposals from last week, keeping hopes high for greater numbers in future rounds. Despite the loss, Prespakis kept Carlton in contention and showed the rest of the competition that the Blues are here to compete.  

Collingwood: Mikala Cann

Round 2 was underwhelming for Collingwood, but that didn’t slow Cann down. She recorded seven disposals and a game-high 11 tackles, continuing to apply pressure despite the odds. In the end, Melbourne controlled the ball better, but Collingwood still fought where they could.

Fremantle: Sabreena Duffy

In Fremantle’s first ever win over Brisbane’s AFLW side, Duffy starred. She recorded 11 disposals, one mark and two tackles, and showed great goal sense under pressure, adding two more to her season total. She was among the best on ground for Fremantle, along with four others who kicked multiple goals.

Geelong: Olivia Purcell

With Star, Nina Morrison, out with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), it seemed time for some other debutants to pick up the slack. Purcell stood up in Geelong’s loss with 17 disposals, 10 kicks, three marks and four tackles, making her the fifth best accumulator for the day, and second for Geelong. Denby Taylor (10 disposals and four tackles) and Sophie Van De Heuvel were also impressive.

GWS Giants: Alyce Parker

Despite the Round 2 loss, the GIANTS recruit continues to catch eyes with her abilities. Parker recorded 14 disposals, one mark, seven tackles, five inside 50s and two clearances, but continues to have trouble with her disposal efficiency (42 per cent). Regardless of that, Parker remains a contested ball winner and an exciting prospect for GWS.

Melbourne: Tyla Hanks

After narrowly missing out on her first win in Round 1, Hanks tasted victory following a comfortable victory over Collingwood at Victoria Park. Despite the low scoring affair, the young forward slotted through one of Melbourne’s three goals, had a direct score involvement and amassed 11 disposals and three tackles in a strong second appearance.

North Melbourne: Daisy Bateman

Despite low disposal numbers, Bateman still had a huge impact. North Melbourne’s recruit kicked two goals with only four disposals, improving greatly from her two disposals the week prior. She also applied great forward pressure with three tackles, maintaining her Round 1 average.

Western Bulldog: Celine Moody

The reigning premiers drafted well in Moody. In their second win the Bulldogs’ tall amassed 11 hitouts, five disposals, two contested possessions, two marks and two tackles. Bulldogs fans picked up a great prospect in Moody. She’s shown her talents in multiple roles and is incredibly strong overhead.