FOR the third night in a row we witnessed a thriller in the AFLW. This time it wasn’t at Metricon Stadium, but it was just as dramatic.
After a late 50m penalty, Greater Western Sydney (GWS) kicked a goal after the siren to snatch a two-point win over St Kilda, denying the Saints their first win of the season.
TALKING POINTS
The mystery 50m penalty
As previously mentioned, it was a 50m penalty and subsequent goal that ultimately decided the match, but the call was quite contentious. Just about no one saw what the 50m penalty was for. Not the commentators nor the fans, which left many people scratching their head as to what it was for – even with a replay after the fact.
Narrow losses are becoming a habit for the Saints
Narrow losses are frustrating at the best of times for any side, but last night’s loss must be even more frustrating for the Saints because it’s not the first time it has happened this season. This is at least the third time this season that the Saints have blown a golden opportunity to claim victory, with their winless ways seemingly shifting from bad luck to a mentality, or lack of experience in the crunch moments.
GWS end a retched fortnight at get back on track
It would be an understatement to say that GWS’ last fortnight has been less than stellar, kicking only one goal in two matches and being comprehensively outplayed by both Melbourne and Adelaide.
That is all in the past now, and this kind of win will give the GIANTS a lot of confidence as they head towards the end of the season, looking ahead to 2022.
Nicola Xenos the shining light for the Saints
In what has otherwise been quite the frustrating season for St Kilda, one shining light for the Saints has been Nicola Xenos in her return from an ACL injury.
She was a star again last night, booting two goals and keeping the Saints in the game, despite her side ultimately going down.
Cora Staunton back to her goalkicking best
The past few weeks have been unusually quiet for Cora Staunton by her standards. She had not kicked a goal for several weeks and overall had just been quelled very well by her opponents.
Things changed last night, as she got back on the scoreboard, kicking three majors, and was also among GWS’ best in the win.
This will give GWS fans a lot to smile about and gain confidence from heading into the last few weeks of the season. When Staunton is at her best, the GIANTS are at their best, so the fact that she was able to get back to that in such a way will be music to the ears of GWS fans.
NEXT WEEK
Both teams are playing at home this coming Sunday. The Saints host Gold Coast at RSEA Park, while the GIANTS host Carlton.
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