DESPITE there being only two AFL Women’s games on Saturday, there was plenty to like from both matches, with Collingwood too good for St Kilda whilst Carlton won the ‘Prespakis Cup’ over Geelong.

By: Elly Kirlis

In a masterclass performance from start to finish, Collingwood continued it’s In a dominant start to the season with a 27 point win over the Saints at Victoria Park. Dominating in all areas of the ground, the Saints couldn’t keep up with the dominance, with Collingwood scoring 21 points at quarter time to set up the win, 6.5 (41) to St Kilda 2.2 (14).

TALKING POINTS

Pies taking size advantage

Collingwood was dominant in all areas of the ground with size being a factor in this match. With the Saints struggling to find options and kick goals, the Pies did well to share the ball around and add the tight defensive pressure.

Britt Bonnici is going to be dangerous

After a great game last week against the Blues, Brittany Bonnici stepped up this week with 26 disposals, 23 kicks, seven marks and three handballs, showing why she is a key player in the Collingwood lineup. Whenever a spark was needed, Bonnici could not be stopped once she had possession of the footy.

Sheridan stands out up forward

With the Pies looking to fill the gaps up forward, with Chloe Molloy not playing, Aishling Sheridan stepped up in the forward line and could be a players teams need to watch out for. Sheridan finished the game with 11 disposals, seven handballs, three tackles, and four kicks.

Saints desperate to find spark

After a tough Round 1 loss to Richmond, the game against the Pies will certainly be a game the Saints will look to regroup. It was been a tough two games for the Saints and with easy mistakes hurting them, the Saints will be looking to have a hard week on the training track and address the opening first quarter.

Collingwood handling injures well

After a battle match last week, the Pies certainly put four consistent quarter together, showing their class and the debuts that have played have made the most of their opportunities. Once those key pieces come back, they will certainly be a team to watch out for.

Next week

Next week sees Collingwood travel to GMHBA to face Geelong, whilst the Saints will make the trip to Casey, to face Melbourne.

[ … STATISTICS … ]

By: Peter Williams

TALKING POINTS

• Maddy wins Prespakis Cup
• Harrington dominates from defence
• Cats rue not taking early momentum
• Blues win uncontested possession count by 75
• Featherston contains Vescio in memorable debut

It was dubbed the ‘Prespakis Cup’ coming into the contest, and it was Madison Prespakis who emerged victorious over sister Georgie Prespakis from both a team and individual perspective. The older sibling collected 29 disposals, four marks, four clearances, three tackles and three rebound 50s in the win, whilst Georgie had the 15 disposals, four clearances, two tackles, three inside 50s and two rebound 50s. Both sides struggled with accuracy, but in the end the Blues did enough to win, 4.7 (31) to 2.5 (17). Geelong closed the gap to seven points early in the fourth, but the visitors managed to steady the ship and solidify the victory by 14 points.

The Blues won the game through a dominant outside performance, winning the uncontested possession count by 75 (165-90) and marks by 30 (59-29). The Cats took control on the inside (107-89), but were beaten around the stoppages with Carlton racking up 34 hitouts to nine, and winning 23-14 clearances. The Blues’ Prespakis won four clearances, only bested by Abbie McKay (16 disposals, three marks, four tackles and six clearances), whilst inclusion Maddy Guerin managed 11 disposals, four tackles, three clearances and three inside 50s. Breann Moody dominated the ruck with 22 hitouts from 12 disposals, four marks and five inside 50s.

For the Cats’ Prespakis managed a team-high four clearances to match her sister, whilst Rebecca Webster (21 disposals, five inside 50s, two tackles, two clearances and two rebound 50s) and Amy McDonald (21 disposals, six tackles and three clearances) were the top ball-winners. Inclusion Darcy Moloney helped herself to 14 disposals and three tackles, whilst Madeline Keryk was steadfast in defence with 12 disposals and seven rebound 50s.

Geelong hosts its second consecutive game on Friday night when they come up against the rampaging Collingwood side, whilst Carlton heads to Whitten Oval on Sunday where the Blues will play a Western Bulldogs side coming off a bye after their Round 2 game cancellation.

[ … STATISTICS … ]