AFTER a dominant Round 3 performance by Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne in our Draft Central AFL Women’s Team of the Week, it was a more even spread in Round 4 with those three sides still contributing 10 of the 24 players named in the side. The Crows had the most after their huge win over Fremantle with four, while the other two sides had three players, as did fellow winners, Geelong and North Melbourne. GWS GIANTS had the two players nominated in what was an even team performance by the GIANTS, while losing sides Carlton and Fremantle also had two, and disappointing performances by Collingwood and Western Bulldogs saw just the one player named each.

Erin Phillips was the standout performer across the round with another 20-plus disposals and two goals to be the first picked in the team, in a forward line with plenty of power. She is joined in the side by teammates, Anne Hatchard and Ebony Marinoff who once again make the squad, as well as Jess Foley who was named as the starting ruck. She got the nod over Emma King who did her best work at full-forward for North Melbourne and was subsequently named there, while Team of the Week regular, Jess Duffin was terrific in defence, and Jamie Stanton also named after a standout game in the midfield.

Geelong’s low-scoring win over Carlton still saw them earn three players in the Team of the Week with Maddy McMahon holding down the full-back spot, while key forward, Phoebe McWilliams and the exciting Richelle Cranston sit beside each other in the forward line. Brisbane’s Ally Anderson racked up another Team of the Week nomination, while forwards, Nat Exon and Kate McCarthy caused headaches inside 50 for the Lions’ opposition. Melbourne might have lost in a heartbreaking defeat, but it did not stop unbelievable individual performances from Dees midfielders, Lily Mithen and Karen Paxman, while Kate Hore also played one of her best games.

GWS GIANTS had plenty of even contributors in their win, with Alicia Eva again tearing up her former side Collingwood, while Amanda Farrugia was a rock in defence. Collingwood had just the one nominee in Jaimee Lambert, as did the Western Bulldogs with pocket rocket, Monique Conti constantly busy through midfield. Carlton captain Brianna Davey was named on the bench, as key defender Kerryn Harrington slotted into the backline. Fremantle’s Evangeline Gooch joined her back there, while Team of the Week regular Kiara Bowers again found her way into the team after another strong tackling display.