ROUND 5 of the 2021 AFL Women’s season boasted a couple of blockbuster fixtures and results, with a number of fresh faces continuing to make their mark on the competition and establish their roles in each team. We run you through how Generation W’s generation next fared across the latest weekend, focusing on players in every match under 21 years of age and from the most recent draft crop.

Geelong vs. Richmond

A historic Friday night clash saw Richmond claim its first ever AFLW victory, easily accounting for the winless Geelong at Kardinia Park. Number one pick Ellie McKenzie continued her stellar maiden season with another fine performance, showcasing her trademark run-and-carry en route to collecting 16 disposals, five marks, four inside 50s and a goal. She earned a Rising Star nomination for her efforts. Geelong forward Stephanie Williams was the other under-21 draftee afield, but managed just three touches and two inside 50s as her Cats were trounced.

Western Bulldogs vs. GWS

The Western Bulldogs made it four wins on the trot with another strong showing, this time overcoming Greater Western Sydney (GWS) on Saturday afternoon. Number two pick Jess Fitzgerald was the pick of the draftees, notching 12 disposals and four inside 50s while also laying three tackles as she rotated forward through midfield.

Teammate Sarah Hartwig, who has also played every game in 2021, worked to put the ball into advanced areas with her five touches, penetrating the attacking arc thrice from the outer. Prize GWS draftee Tarni Evans managed five disposals of her own, also laying a tackle and taking a mark.

Fremantle vs. Brisbane

Brisbane snapped Fremantle’s 11-game winning run on Saturday, putting the Lions firmly into premiership calculations – if they were not already. In a game where defensive structure shone, Lions rookie Courtney Hodder worked well to break the lines and kicked 1.2 from her seven disposals. She also stepped up to the finals-like atmosphere, registering seven tackles. Indy Tahau clunked three marks in her second senior outing, while classy Freo youngster Sarah Verrier spread her six touches evenly by hand and foot.

North Melbourne vs. Carlton

Carlton may have fallen short of the desired result against North Melbourne on Saturday night, but it was not for a lack of trying from first year star Mimi Hill. The Oakleigh Chargers graduate was one of the Blues’ best and very nearly dragged them back into the contest with two final quarter goals. She finished with 13 disposals, three marks and three inside 50s from the wing.

Daisy Walker enjoyed her third-straight outing since debuting, notching a career-high eight touches from defence. North Melbourne’s Bella Eddey has not missed a game this season and again featured in spurts for the Roos, ending on seven disposals, one mark, one tackle, and one inside 50 as her side ran home strongly.

Adelaide vs. St Kilda

Adelaide flexed its muscle with a comprehensive win over St Kilda, meaning their flag tilt is well and truly back on track with two-straight wins. Teah Charlton has shown glimpses of brilliance in her five games thus far, and again came through with a patch of quality form. She snared her first two career goals within five minutes during term two, accelerating the Crows’ lead with a couple more highlights for her reel.

Tyanna Smith maintained her consistent form for the Saints with another 13 disposals, also showcasing her two-way effort with nine tackles. Renee Saulitis made her return to the senior lineup and was steady with six touches and a couple of marks as the Saints were overpowered by a fearsome side.

Collingwood vs. Melbourne

Collingwood soared to the top of the ladder and dumped Melbourne out of the top six in one fell swoop on Sunday, sending a huge statement to the rest of the competition. Tarni Brown was the pick of the young draftees afield, gathering 14 disposals, four marks and three tackles as she continues to establish herself as a bonafide senior footballer. Joanna Lin (four disposals) also featured once again up forward for the Pies.

Alyssa Bannan and Eliza McNamara continued their streaks in the Melbourne side, but could not quite turn the Dees’ fortunes around. Bannan booted two behinds from her haul of four disposals, while McNamara dug in for nine touches, three marks, and two tackles as she continues to impress in red and blue.

West Coast vs. Gold Coast

West Coast finally got on the board in 2021 after holding on to beat Gold Coast by a single point in the round’s final fixture. This game had the most under 21 draftees afield by far with a total of seven, headlined by Eagles midfielder Bella Lewis. The gun ball winner had 14 disposals and seven tackles, while teammate Amber Ward (10 disposals, three rebound 50s) also performed well and Demi Liddle came back into the side.

Maddison Levi was prominent early for Gold Coast but could only manage to make three behinds of her form. She finished with seven disposals and six tackles. Daisy D’Arcy had a career-high disposal haul of 11 and also laid eight tackles, while Lucy Single managed eight touches and Wallis Randell had seven on debut.

—

Image Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images via AFL Photos