SUNDAY’S AFL Women’s action saw Gold Coast record a confidence boosting win over Port, while Adelaide made a statement against GWS with a record 96-point win and keeping the GIANTS to just one behind.

By Peter Williams

Gold Coast has proven too good for Port Adelaide thanks to a strong start, maintaining the Suns’ unbeaten start at home. The Suns booted three goals to nil in the first half and lead by as much as 32 points at the final break before the Power hit back. Though Port booted four goals in the last term to cut the deficit back to 13 points, it was never going to be enough as the Suns enjoyed a 7.4 (46) to 5.2 (32) victory.

Solar Power engaged early

Gold Coast shut the Power down in the first half, booting three goals to nil and keeping the dangerous Port Adelaide attack to just one behind at the main break. By the final break, the Suns lead by 32 points. It was an impressive display by the Suns, who comfortably took control at the clearances, and also won the contested and uncontested possession counts in the game.

Late Power surge not enough

Port Adelaide coach Lauren Arnell could take some solace from the Power’s late surge in the final term, but booting five of the last seven goals of the match was never going to be enough when down by more than six five goals. Brittany Perry hit the scoreboard twice, with first-year player Sachi Syme kicking the first goal of her AFL Women’s career.

Suns maintain unbeaten record at home

Gold Coast seems to be a different beast at home, moving to a 3-2 record with only losses to North Melbourne (Tasmania) and Brisbane (The Gabba), whilst saluting at their three different “home” venues. The Suns knocked off West Coast at Metricon Stadium, St Kilda up in Mackay and now Port Adelaide at Bond University.

Skipper steadies the ship

With Port Adelaide attacking hard in the last half hour of the match, it was Gold Coast captain Tara Bohanna who stepped up in a big way. Booting her sides last two goals of the match – during the Power’s five of the last seven streak – Bohanna finished with three goals from 14 touches, seven marks and five tackles in a massive performance that will surely earn her votes in the W Medal.

Charlie’s golden ticket

Is there a player in better form the past fortnight than Charlie Rowbottom? It would be take some beating. After a 30-plus disposal game against the Saints, Rowbottom went nuts again, this time against Port Adelaide picking up 10 more disposals than any other Sun, as well as four marks, five tackles and eight clearances. The one player stopping Bohanna from the three votes and you would have to have the teenager in the conversation for the W Medal given she will have six votes from her past two outings.

By Elly Kirlis

The Adelaide Crows have showed why they are the defending champions for a reason, defeating the Giants with a comprehensive 96-point win at Unley Oval.

The Crows got off to a fast start, kicking 5.5, and from the first quarter the Giants could not match Adelaide’s defensive pressure.

TALKING POINTS

Crows are back

After an inconsistent first couple of weeks, the Crows played potentially the best game of the season. They were the better team playing in the wet conditions, winning the contested possessions and applying the hard defensive pressure and making it difficult for the Giants to get the ball inside 50 from the first quarter onwards. With the top four looking tight, a win like this will give the Crows confidence for the second half of the season.

The Crows did so much right

The loss for the Giants will no doubt hurt. While the Giants got on the scoreboard in the third quarter, one thing the Crows did well in this match was limiting the influence of the likes of Cora Staunton and Nicola Barr. The Crows were also able to shut down the Giants midfields and not allow any easy contests around the footy.

Day out for Waterhouse in debut

In a breakout first game in her debut, Jess Waterhouse made an impact in the forward line. Waterhouse was instrumental in the forward line, with the ability to use her craftiness with the ball and use her athleticism. She finished the game with nine disposals, three tackles and one goal.

Crows superstars had leather posioning

Several players stood out for the Crows and certainly found plenty of the ball. Ebony Marinoff had a breakout match, finishing with 36 disposals, five clearances, while Anne Hatchard finished with 28 disposals and five clearances, including five tackles.