WESTERN Bulldogs secured a thrilling two-point victory over Port Melbourne in a tense VFL Women’s Sunday clash at ETU Stadium, holding on in a frantic final term to win 5.6 (36) to 5.4 (34).

In a highly contested battle where the margin was never more than a single kick at any break, the lead changed hands throughout the afternoon. Port Melbourne started strongly to hold a narrow two-point advantage at quarter time, before the Bulldogs hit back in the second term to take a four-point lead into the main break. The visitors extended their buffer slightly to five points heading into the final stanza, setting up a grandstand finish.

The final quarter was a desperate scramble as both sides fought for territory. Port Melbourne booted the only major of the term to pile the pressure on, but the Bulldogs managed to scramble three crucial behinds to keep their noses in front, ultimately hanging on for a gutsy two-point triumph on the road.

The victory was built on the back of an immense midfield effort from Jorja Livingstone, who was everywhere for the Bulldogs. She amassed a game-high 25 disposals, 13 uncontested possessions, 10 contested possessions, five marks, and a goal to be the most influential player on the ground. Ellie Bishop was equally important in the engine room, racking up 23 disposals, 15 contested possessions, and an enormous eight clearances, while Jemima Wrigley provided crucial drive with 22 disposals and eight tackles.

For Port Melbourne, Courtney Jones was the standout performer, compiling 20 disposals, nine tackles, and six clearances. She was a constant threat around the stoppages, brilliantly supported by Mia Caffry who collected 20 disposals, 12 tackles, and five clearances. Eloise Ashley-Cooper was also tireless in defeat, laying a staggering 14 tackles to go with her 16 touches.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Collingwood 6.11 (47) def. Tasmania Devils 3.2 (20)

Collingwood continued its unbeaten form with a comfortable 27-point victory over the Tasmania Devils. Tahlia Sanger put on an absolute clinic through the midfield, racking up a massive 31 disposals, four clearances, and four inside 50s to be the dominant player on the ground. She was well supported by Dominique Carbone (23 disposals, five tackles, one goal) and Stella Huxtable (22 disposals, six tackles). Up forward, Tahlia Fellows and Amelia Peck both booted two goals. For the Devils, Ellie Hall fought valiantly with 19 disposals and eight tackles, while Libby Haines applied immense pressure with 16 disposals and 13 tackles.

Williamstown 5.7 (37) def. Darebin Falcons 3.1 (19)

Williamstown ground out a crucial 18-point victory over the Darebin Falcons in a defensive struggle. The Seagulls’ ability to win the contested ball and control territory secured the four points, led by Bella Smith who collected 16 disposals, five clearances, and six inside 50s. Emily Eaves was also influential with 15 disposals and four clearances, while Megan Williamson laid 12 tackles to go with her 12 touches and a goal. For the Falcons, Caitlin Bunker was absolutely immense in a losing side, racking up 25 disposals, 10 tackles, and eight clearances, while Alyssa Mifsud battled hard with 15 disposals and seven clearances.

North Melbourne Werribee 11.8 (74) def. Essendon 7.2 (44)

North Melbourne Werribee produced a potent offensive display to account for Essendon by 30 points. Zoe Savarirayan booted three goals and Tahlia Meier added two, while through the midfield, Ava Seton was outstanding with 23 disposals, five clearances, and a goal. Charlotte Ryan (20 disposals, four clearances, one goal) and Alana Barba (19 disposals, 10 tackles, four clearances) were equally dominant. For Essendon, Ava Jordan was the standout with 20 disposals and four clearances, while Jessica Owen competed strongly in the ruck with 21 hitouts and six clearances from 15 disposals.

Sandringham Zebras 6.10 (46) def. Box Hill 5.2 (32)

Sandringham Zebras secured a 14-point victory over Box Hill, with Zoe Barbakos exceptional for the winners, accumulating 24 disposals, six marks, and two goals. Isobel Hartog provided great support with 20 disposals and three clearances, while Chloe Saultry also hit the scoreboard with two majors. For the Hawks, Kayley Kavanagh was outstanding with 24 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances, and two goals, while Annabelle Embelton fought hard to finish with 23 disposals, six marks, and a goal.

Carlton 14.12 (96) def. Casey Demons 2.1 (13)

Carlton delivered a ruthless 83-point thrashing of the Casey Demons to make a massive statement. Sophia McCarthy was unstoppable up forward, booting four goals from 19 disposals and nine marks. Making her return after more than a year out, Asha Turner-Funk ran riot through the midfield with 25 disposals, eight inside 50s, and two goals, while Ellie Sbeghen completely controlled the airways with 36 hitouts to go with 20 disposals. Hannah Scott (21 disposals) and Nell Morris-Dalton (21 disposals, one goal) were also prolific. For the outclassed Demons, Kasey Phillips battled bravely for 19 disposals, while Lillian Snow collected 17 disposals, seven tackles, and seven clearances.