ROUND 7 of the 2021 AFL Women’s season saw games played across a four-day stretch, with a number of fresh faces continuing to make a mark on the competition having established 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 selected from the most recent draft crop.

Gold Coast vs. Richmond

Richmond traveled up to Queensland on Friday night and flew home with its second-ever AFLW win, defeating Gold Coast and keeping the Suns winless in 2021. As has been the case all season, number one pick Ellie McKenzie was among Richmond’s best with a career-high 20 disposals. She also hit the scoreboard in an impactful display donning the yellow and black.

Gold Coast forward Maddison Levi provided good presence inside 50 and proved that when it rains, it pours as she booted her first two senior goals. Her maiden major was the first of the match, and her second came within 30 seconds of the third term restart. Lucy Single was again promising with 11 touches, while Wallis Randell had it five times in her third-straight outing.

St Kilda vs. Greater Western Sydney

Prized Greater Western Sydney (GWS) draftee Tarni Evans returned to the Giants’ lineup on Saturday as her side knocked off St Kilda, gathering 11 disposals and covering decent ground in the win. Alice Burke finally got the opportunity to add to her Round 1 debut for St Kilda, slotting back into the team to finish with 10 disposals and 10 tackles, showing her enormous work rate. After an ultra consistent first five rounds, Tyanna Smith was kept to under 10 touches for the second week running.

North Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs

North Melbourne was able to hold off a fast finishing Western Bulldogs outfit on Saturday, though Bella Eddey was the sole 2020 Roos draftee afield. The Bulldogs continue to blood their youth, with number two pick Jess Fitzgerald remaining a mainstay and notching nine disposals and four tackles. Sarah Hartwig managed the same disposal feat, while Isabelle Pritchard again showed her versatility in red, white and blue.

Melbourne vs. Adelaide

Melbourne’s statement-making win over Adelaide was one of the best in club history, and saw a couple of first year players continue their promising campaigns. Tough midfielder Eliza McNamara collected 16 disposals (15 kicks), five tackles, and a combined five breaches of either arc, while Alyssa Bannan managed seven touches and three tackles with a behind her only score. Meanwhile, Teah Charlton was kept relatively quiet in the Crows’ forwardline as her side could only scrounge two goals.

Carlton vs. Fremantle

Carlton and Fremantle fielded just one under 21 draftee from last year on Sunday, with both playing their roles in the thrilling contest at Princes Park. The Blues brought Sandringham Dragons graduate Daisy Walker back into the side for her fourth game, as she put five disposals and three tackles next to her name from defence. Sarah Verrier has long been established in the Fremantle lineup, and also had five touches in the Dockers’ remarkable come-from-behind win.

Brisbane vs. Collingwood

Brisbane managed to hold off Collingwood’s late charge on Sunday to pick up a three-point win, serving as the Magpies’ first loss for the season. Lions rookie Courtney Hodder booted her side’s first goal of the game and laid six tackles in an important role forward of centre, as Indy Tahau clunked four marks among her eight disposals. Joanna Lin bounced home a nice goal for Collingwood and had a career-high nine touches, while Tarni Brown managed seven handballs and Abbi Moloney suited up for her second senior appearance.

West Coast vs. Geelong

West Coast won big over 2021 cellar dweller, Geelong on Monday to cap off Round 7, with both sides showcasing promising young talent. The Eagles’ Bella Lewis had just eight disposals but got her hands dirty with six tackles, while Shanae Davison returned to make it three draftees afield alongside Amber Ward. For Geelong, Darcy Moloney notched a career-high 10 disposals and two rebound 50s, while promising tall Olivia Barber took three marks among her eight touches.

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Image Credit: Chris Hyde/Getty Images via AFL Photos