HISTORY was made at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, with the Tasmania Devils securing their first-ever VFLW win in a 25-point triumph over Sandringham in the round’s standalone Sunday fixture.The Devils booted five unanswered goals until part way through the fourth term, and finished well clear of the Zebras, 6.7 (43) to 2.6 (18).

Keeping the home side to just one behind in the first half and booting four goals to nil across the first three quarters, the Devils always looked in control. They had 28 more disposals, 10 more clearances and 13 more inside 50s which showed their ability to win the ball around the coalface and get it forward to apply scoreboard pressure.

The Devils took control through the middle of the ground and never let go, with Claire Ransom the standout performer on the day. The former AFLW player racked up 23 disposals, adding three clearances and five tackles to control the contest from start to finish. Ava Read continued her strong account of the season, finishing with 15 disposals, eight tackles and a goal to go with two inside 50s.

Brieanna Barwick was prolific going forward, gathering 17 disposals and six inside 50s to go with a major of her own, while Dearne Krushka was the most damaging player in front of goal, booting two majors. Kelsie Hill and Matilda Elbourne also found the scoreboard, while Libby Haines and Perri King provided support through the midfield with 15 and 14 disposals respectively.

Sandringham could not match the Devils’ intensity but found two passages of relief through Sophie Locke and Courtney Aughtie, who each kicked a goal in the final term. Georgia Zuchowski and Erin Woodford were the Zebras’ best, both finishing with 18 disposals, with Woodford adding four inside 50s in a losing side.

The result not only saw the Devils pick up their first win, but also leap into 12th spot to overtake Casey Demons, while the Zebras slumped out of the top six, having now lost four of their past five.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Collingwood 10.7 (67) def Essendon 2.2 (14)

Collingwood ran riot at Windy Hill, with Dominique Carbone the dominant figure through the middle. Carbone amassed 25 disposals, six clearances and three inside 50s, adding two goals for good measure. Amelia Peck made the most of the supply forward of centre, booting four goals, while Tahlia Sanger was relentless at the contest with 12 tackles to go with 22 disposals. Macy Watkins also had an impact across half-back, racking up 19 disposals and 12 tackles of her own.

For Essendon, Sophie Molan and Eloise Chaston were the standouts in defeat, with Molan gathering 21 disposals and seven tackles and Chaston adding 20 disposals and three rebound 50s as the Bombers tried to stem the tide.

Port Melbourne 6.6 (42) def Carlton 3.5 (23)

Hannah Scott was prolific for Carlton in a losing side, piling up 36 disposals, six clearances and five rebound 50s, with Mia Fuller also influential at the coalface, recording 24 disposals, 11 tackles and nine clearances. Octavia Di Donato added 21 disposals, but the Blues could not convert their territory into scoreboard pressure.

Port Melbourne made the most of their opportunities through Georgia Foran, who booted two goals among six marks. Eloise Ashley-Cooper drove the Borough forward with 21 disposals and five clearances, while Mia Caffry was tireless at ground level, finishing with 12 tackles and four clearances to go with 18 disposals.

Western Bulldogs 6.8 (44) def Box Hill Hawks 4.4 (28)

Jemima Wrigley was outstanding for the Western Bulldogs, gathering 26 disposals and pushing forward of the ball with seven inside 50s. Jorja Livingstone provided strong support, contributing 24 disposals and eight marks across the ground.

Box Hill fought hard despite the result, with Kayley Kavanagh and Hannah Stuart dominant through the middle — Kavanagh finishing with 28 disposals and eight clearances, Stuart adding 26 disposals and seven clearances of her own. Rosie Dillon was the Hawks’ multiplier forward of centre, kicking two goals to go with five clearances, while Annabelle Embelton provided drive off half-back with 16 disposals and four rebound 50s.

Geelong 4.1 (25) def Darebin Falcons 1.1 (7)

Geelong were too strong at Deakin University, with Annie Lee influential across half-back, recording 24 disposals, nine marks and six rebound 50s. Melanie Staunton was everywhere at the contest, racking up 16 tackles and seven clearances to go with 22 disposals, while Nikita Harris added 20 disposals and 10 tackles. Stephanie O’Kane made the most of limited touches forward of centre, kicking three goals from just 10 disposals.

Darebin could not match the Cats’ pressure, though Isabella Daddo and Caitlin Bunker were relentless at ground level, with Daddo recording 16 tackles to go with 24 disposals and Bunker adding 14 tackles. Alyssa Mifsud was also prominent, finishing with 22 disposals and nine clearances.

Williamstown 7.8 (50) def Casey Demons 1.2 (8)

Williamstown were dominant at DSV Stadium, with the scoring spread across the ground. Georgia Howes had an impact in the ruck and around the ground, kicking two goals and adding 26 hitouts, while Emily Eaves and Megan Williamson both chipped in with a goal apiece. Eaves finished with 18 disposals and five clearances, and Williamson was prolific at the contest with 10 tackles to go with her four clearances. Bella Smith also stood out through the midfield, gathering 17 disposals and seven clearances.

Casey’s best in defeat came through Lillian Snow and Meg Macdonald, with Snow finishing with 23 disposals and four rebound 50s and Macdonald adding 22 disposals and four clearances. Kasey Phillips also provided drive off half-back with 19 disposals and five rebound 50s.