COMING in at number three in Draft Central’s Top 10 AFLW Women’s clashes is the game between St Kilda and Fremantle. The Dockers had been in ripping form, sitting undefeated at the top of the ladder despite a couple of close scares, while the Saints had plenty to prove in their inaugural season. The Round 4 battle was nothing short of impressive with both sides going blow for blow but in the end, it was Fremantle that snuck over the line with an emphatic one point win 3.6 (24) to 3.5 (23).

In what was a low scoring affair in the opening quarter neither side could seem to buy a goal with a collective three points scored. Despite not being on their home turf the Dockers rallied in the second term to apply some strong scoreboard pressure landing the first blow of the quarter. An early goal to Jasmin Stewart seemed to get the ball rolling, before the Saints answered with a major of their own to get back within level pegging. However, inaccuracy continued to plague both sides and with only two points separating the teams at half time the contest was only just about to heat up.

With a renewed belief and intensity for the ball St Kilda did not muck around in the third quarter, peppering away at the goals and trapping the footy inside their forward 50. Fremantle failed to score in the third term such was St Kilda’s defensive pressure and slick ball movement. But the Dockers were not out of the game yet, keen to keep their unbeaten record intact they upped the ante in the final term nailing two goals none bigger than Kate Flood’s. With the clock ticking down, Flood went back and took one of the biggest shots in her career to draw level with the Saints before Gemma Houghton landed the knockout punch to win by a mere point. It was an action-packed game with the lead ebbing and flowing between both sides.

Although the Saints fell agonisingly short after leading in the third they would take plenty out of the contest, proving they have what it takes to match it with the best. Their young brigade of stars once again had an influence with Georgia Patrikios and Nicola Xenos 11 and 12 touches respectively plying their trade. Rosie Dillon amassed a team-high 18 disposals along with seven tackles while Alison Drennan showcased her strength around the contest with 17 touches. Tilly Lucas-Rodd also racked up 16 touches while Rhiannon Watt displayed her strength with four marks and 14 possessions. Inside the forward 50 Caitlin Greiser, Molly McDonald and Olivia Vesely combined for three goals highlighting their options in front of the big sticks.

For Fremantle, their usual suspects in Kiara Bowers and Ebony Antonio led the way. Bowers was electric across the ground for her 13 touches and whopping 12 tackles, clearly displaying her physical intent while also managing to slot a major to cap off yet another impressive performance. Philipa Seth managed to win the pill 17 times with 15 of her disposals kicks while 24-year-old Hayley Miller was also crucial in the win thanks to her 13 touches. To go with her opening goal, Stewart accumulated 12 touches with Katie-Jayne Grieve also picking up 12 touches. Although Houghton could have had a big day out had she converted her three shots, she still managed to deliver the winning point. Leading goal kicker Sabreena Duffy also had a trying day in front of goal with two behinds.

ST KILDA 0.1 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 3.5 (23)
FREMANTLE 0.2 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 3.6 (24)

GOALS:

St Kilda: C. Greiser, M. McDonald, O. Vesley
Fremantle: J. Stewart, K. Flood, K. Bowers

BESTS:

St Kilda: R. Dillon, A. Drennan, C. Greiser, T. Lucas-Rodd
Fremantle: K. Bowers, P. Seth, E. Antonio, J. Stewart