ESSENDON’s young contingent of selections from last year’s AFL Women’s Draft were in action for the Bombers’ VFLW side over the weekend as they starred in a big 40-point win over title contenders Collingwood. We recap how Round 2 of the VFLW went down.

ROUND 2 RESULTS

North Melbourne Werribee 6.8 (44) defeated Williamstown 4.1 (25)
Western Bulldogs 6.6 (42) defeated Darebin Falcons 3.3 (21)
Essendon 10.4 (64) defeated Collingwood 3.6 (24)
Geelong 4.5 (29) defeated by Carlton 7.6 (48)
Sandringham Zebras 4.2 (26) defeated Casey Demons 3.6 (24)
Box Hill Hawks 5.10 (40) defeated Port Melbourne 5.4 (34)

SUMMARY

Just three teams remained undefeated after two rounds with reigning premiers North Melbourne joined on 2-0 by Box Hill Hawks and Sandringham Zebras who make up the top three. At the other end of the ladder, 2024 wooden spooners Geelong remain in the same spot, while Casey Demons and Darebin Falcons are also winless after the first fortnight. The top teams all had more challenging clashes though with two games decided by a kick or less and the largest margin being 40 points.

2024 AFLW DRAFTEES

Carlton: Lou-Lou Field (18 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s)
Casey Demons (Melbourne): Amelia Dethridge (15 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 2 rebound 50s)
Essendon: Grace Belloni (15 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals), Taya Chambers (14 disposals, 8 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s), Holly Ridewood (7 disposals, 2 marks), Sophie Strong (13 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s)
Geelong: Caitie Tipping (5 hitouts)
Sandringham Zebras (St Kilda): Zoe Besanko (9 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 7 hitouts, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s), Kyla Forbes (15 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 reboudn 50s)

AFLW DRAFT WATCH

Former Calder captain Amy Trindade was one who caught attention late in her AFLW Draft year back in 2023, and if her Round 2 performance for Carlton is anything to go by, could be hitting her straps. She racked up 30 disposals, eight marks, five inside 50s and laid four tackles in an eye-catching performance for the Navy Blues. In the same match, over-age Geelong Falcons midfielder Chloe Bryant had 17 disposals, three clearances, two inside 50s and four inside 50s.

Young Hawk Isla Baldwin was strong around the stoppages again for Box Hill against Port Melbourne, colelcting 16 disposals, three marks, three clearances, two inside 50s and laying six tackles. Her teammate and dangerous forward Olivia Fogarty kicked a goal from 12 disposals, five marks and four inside 50s.

Tall defender Tegan Williams is another who attracted draft interest in her top-age season, with the Casey Demons talent holding her own at state league level with 14 disposals, two tackles a nd four rebound 50s. Talented Zebra Emily Shepherd and fellow former Stingray Abbey Tregellis were among the better players in the match.

Ex-Blue Lulu Beatty has thrown her hand up for a lifeline at AFLW level with the current Darebin Falcons player racking up 27 disposals and 14 marks in a stat-stuffing performance. She provided plenty of run on the outside, also accumulating three inside 50s and four rebound 50s.

Williamstown onballer Emily Eaves was up against it in midfield, accumulating 21 touches and nine clearances while laying six tackles for the Gulls. She impressed the most for her side, while Jemmika Douglas (17 disposals, three marks and two rebound 50s) played her first game coming in from the All Stars clash against the National Academy. Her Roos teammates Maddie Di Cosmo and Caitlin Fletcher were both very good as well.

ROUND 3 FIXTURE

Saturday, May 3:

Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs @ Victoria Park, 10:05am
Darebin Falcons vs. Port Melbourne @ Genis Steel Oval, 10:35am
Essendon vs. North Melbourne Werribee @ Windy Hill, 11:05am
Box Hill Hawks vs. Casey Demons @ Box Hill City Oval, 11:35am
Carlton vs. Sandringham Zebras @ Ikon Park, 1:05pm
Williamstown vs. Geelong @ DSV Stadium, 6:15pm