SMALL margins were the theme of the round in the VFLW, but not everyone followed that script.

Geelong Cats (1.2.8) lost to Western Bulldogs (12.7.79)

The Western Bulldogs have moved into the top two on the ladder after a big win over Geelong.

A four goal lead to the Bulldogs at the opening change was a sign of things to come as the Cats ultimately failed to score until the last term.

Jaimi Tabb, Mali McLeod and Mia-Rae Clifford all scored three majors each for the victorious Bulldogs, while Hannah Burchell was the lone Cat to kick a goal and Lily Jordan had a really strong clearance game.

Carlton (5.2.32) lost to Casey (6.6.42)

Casey picked up a crucial win in the context of its season after defeating Carlton.

It was tight for much of the match as the lead changed several times, but ultimately the Dees restricted the Blues enough in the last quarter to take the win.

Niamh O’Neill was the only one to score multiple goals in the game, while Meg Macdonald had a really strong clearance game.

Meanwhile for Carlton Eliza Wood and Hannah Scott both had really strong tackle games.

Essendon (6.3.39) defeated Box Hill (4.5.29)

Box Hill has slipped out of the top two after going doing to the Bombers.

The Hawks were the ones that got the better of the starts, but Essendon really stifled their momentum in the second and third terms so that by the time the Hawks did manage to fight back it was too little too late.

Olivia Manfre was the only one to score multiple goals in the game, while Christina Bernardi was a tackle machine.

Meanwhile for the Hawks Caitlin Thorne had a really impressive game, as did debutant Stasia Stevenson.

North Melbourne (5.7.37) defeated Darebin (5.1.31)

North Melbourne moved into the top six after defeating Darebin.

Momentum kept switching throughout the match, and although the Roos could have buried the game early, they were wasteful early.

Emily Paterno and Nyakoat Dojiok both kicked two majors each for the Roos, while Ange Gogos had a strong game in the clearance department and Alyssa Mifsud did in the tackle department.

Collingwood (3.8.26) lost to Southern Saints (4.5.29)

The Southern Saints jumped off the bottom of the ladder with a narrow win over Collingwood.

The Saints led all afternoon, but at times the match was really tight.

Gabriella De Angelis had a strong game for the Saints in the clearance department, while Tessa Boyd saw plenty of the ball.

Meanwhile Jordan Ivey had a role change and went on to be the only one to kick multiple goals all game, while Maya Ellin was a tackle machine.  

Port Melbourne (5.4.34) lost to Williamstown (4.12.36)

Williamstown has moved to the top of the VFLW ladder after a narrow win over Port Melbourne.

Port Melbourne actually raced ahead to a four goal lead at quarter time, but only kicked one more goal after that as the Seagulls fought there way back into the game and take the win.

Sharnie Whiting kicked two majors for the Seagulls, including a monster from over 50m out, while Emily Eaves also had a really strong game.

Kaitlyn O’Keefe also kicked two majors for Port, while Elizabeth Wilson laid plenty of tackles in the ruck.