COMING into the match as top four sides, the Sandringham Zebras and Port Melbourne match lived up to all expectations with the final result a draw. The Borough had five more scoring shots but could only manage 3.6 (24) to Sandringham’s incredibly accurate 4.0 (24) with a plus-22 inside 50 differential in favour of the visitors.

ROUND 6 RESULTS

Darebin Falcons 8.10 (58) def. Casey Demons 2.2 (14)
Geelong 3.6 (24) def. by Essendon 9.10 (64)
Box Hill Hawks 8.8 (56) def. Western Bulldogs 3.4 (22)
Collingwood 7.4 (46) def. North Melbourne Werribee 5.3 (33)
Carlton 3.3 (21) def. by Williamstown 5.3 (33)
Sandringham Zebras 4.0 (24) drew Port Melbourne 3.6 (24)

SUMMARY

The draw between Sandringham Zebras and Port Melbourne, as well as North Melbourne Werrribee suffering a second loss – this time at the hands of Collingwood – saw the last remaining 4-1 team heading into the round in Essendon, snatch top spot. The Bombers beat last placed Geelong by 40 points as the Cats still search for their first win.

They are the not the only ones, with Casey Demons going 0-6 after a 44-point defeat at the hands of red-hot Darebin who made it three on the trot. In other results, Box Hill Hawks and Williamstown posted wins over Western Bulldogs and Carlton respectively. After six rounds, just six points separates second from ninth.

AFLW DRAFT WATCH

Darebin Falcons young gun Lulu Beatty continues to put her hand up for a second chance at AFLW level after another strong performance of 20 disposals, three marks and eight inside 50s against Casey Demons. Despite her season having a rough start to the year, unlucky omission from last year’s draft, Mackenzie Williams (16 disposals, two marks and eight rebound 50s) was steadfast in defence, while sisters Olivia Morris and Ella Morris also impressed.

Ex-Cannons talent Maddison Ford (22 disposals, five marks, three tackles and five rebound 50s) was important in defence for the Bombers against the Cats, while the ruck battle between Hayley Peck (19 disposals, 33 hitouts and four clearances) and Layla Prince (20 disposals, 26 hitouts and three clearances) was a fascinating one.

Eastern Ranges’ graduate Stasia Stevenson continues to press her case for an AFLW spot with 22 disposals, four marks, five tackles, three clearances, three inside 50s, two rebound 50s and a goal in the Hawks’ victory over the Bulldogs. Isla Baldwin and defender Annabelle Embelton – who also kicked a goal while rotating into the ruck – were also impressive in the victory. Former Giant Zara Hamilton (19 disposals, six marks, three clearances and five inside 50s) made a promising debut with the Dogs.

Dandenong Stingrays over-ager Tahlia Sanger is having the time of her life at VFLW level with a third best-on performance for the Pies, notching up 26 disposals, six clearances and four inside 50s. Former Bombers – Lily-Rose Williamson and Alana Barba – also impressed for their sides, looking for second and third respective chances at AFLW level.

Ex-Eagle Octavia Di Donato (21 disposals, 12 tackles, seven clearances and six inside 50s) is having a huge year for Carlton, going head-to-head with Williamstown’s strong midfield.. Emily Eaves (20 disposals, nine tackles, five clearances and eight inside 50s) and Ashlee Thorneycroft (27 disposals, 13 tackles and nine clearances) were terrific, while defender Jemima Wrigley had seven rebound 50s from 15 disposals.

In the draw, the likes of Ava Seton (20 disposals, 12 tackle, four clearances, two inside 50s, three rebound 50s and a goal) and Eloise Ashley-Cooper (19 disposals, 11 tackles, four clearances and three inside 50s) were great for Port Melbourne. Grace Hodder (18 disposals, three marks, nine tackles, five clearances and a goal) stood tall for the Zebras.

ROUND 7 FIXTURES:

Saturday, May 31:

Essendon vs. Box Hill Hawks @ Windy Hill, 11:05am
Casey Demons vs. Carlton @ Casey Fields, 12:05pm
Collingwood vs. Sandringham Zebras @ Victoria Park, 12:05pm
Darebin Falcons vs. Geelong @ Genis Steel Oval, 3:05pm

Sunday, June 1:

Williamstown vs. Western Bulldogs @ DSV Stadium, 9:35am
Port Melbourne vs. North Melbourne Werribee @ ETU Stadium, 11:05am