WILLIAMSTOWN has sent a resounding message in the VFL Women’s top-of-the-table clash, overpowering reigning back-to-back premiers North Melbourne Werribee by 37 points after building a match-defining lead across the opening three quarters.

Williamstown 9.4 (58) def. North Melbourne Werribee 3.3 (21)

The Seagulls seized control from the opening bounce and never loosened their grip. They kicked 3.1 to 1.0 in the first term, then added 2.3 to nothing in the second to take a 28-point advantage into half-time. There was no let-up after the main break either, with Williamstown piling on 4.0 to 1.1 in the third term to stretch the margin to 45 points at the final change.

North Melbourne Werribee did at least hold the Seagulls scoreless in the last quarter and added 1.2 of its own, but the damage had long been done. Williamstown’s nine goals to two spanning the opening 60 minutes had created the decisive separation.

It was a bruising, contested affair in which marking opportunities were almost non-existent. Just 54 marks were taken for the entire match, well below the respective sides’ usual averages of 46 (Williamstown) and 55 (North Melbourne). The Seagulls still found a way to win the territory battle, generating 32 inside 50s to 23 and dominating the ruck with 53 hitouts to 32.

The Roos actually edged the clearances, 35-32, and laid more tackles, but could not convert their stoppage work into sustainable field position or scoreboard pressure. Williamstown’s ruck advantage and nine extra forward entries proved the sharper weapons, with the Seagulls turning 32 inside 50s into 13 scoring shots and nine goals. North Melbourne Werribee had six scoring shots from its 23 entries.

Emily Eaves was outstanding for the Seagulls, compiling 25 disposals – 14 contested – eight tackles, eight clearances, four inside 50s and 2.1 in a complete midfield performance. Western Jets’ top-ager and debutant Addison West was equally important around the ball with 23 disposals – 15 contested – and six clearances, while Naomi Ferres had 19 disposals – 11 contested – eight tackles and four inside 50s.

Krystal Russell gave Williamstown first use at the source with 27 hitouts, while Georgia Howes provided strong support with 21 hitouts, three clearances and two inside 50s. Eliza Straford set the pressure standard with a game-high 12 tackles from eight disposals.

Up forward, Lilu Hung kicked two goals to go with 14 disposals and eight tackles, while Mia Zielinski and Teagan Brett each booted two majors. Laura Blue and Ellie McLinden supplied six rebound 50s apiece as the Seagulls consistently repelled the Roos’ attacks.

Alana Barba fought hard for North Melbourne Werribee with 24 disposals, nine tackles, five clearances and five inside 50s. Renee Tierney was similarly industrious, recording 23 disposals – 14 contested – 10 tackles and five clearances, while Ava Seton amassed 16 disposals – 14 contested – a remarkable 19 tackles and six clearances.

Charlotte Ryan also worked hard at the contest with 14 disposals – 11 contested – and six clearances. Maddison Torpey led the Roos’ ruck division with 18 hitouts, four clearances, two inside 50s and a goal, while Nyakoat Dojiok kicked the other major.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Collingwood kept its hopes of a double chance alive with a hard-fought two-point win over Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium. The Borough got the jump with three goals to one in the first term before the third placed Magpies hit back with the next four majors of the contest. In a nail-biting final term, the Magpies survived thanks to one straight kick compared to the Borough’s 2.2 to get up, 6.1 (37) to 5.5 (35).

It was an even team performance from the Magpies as Tahlia Sanger (21 disposals, 12 tackles, three clearances and four rebound 50s) and Abbey McDonald (20 disposals, four marks and five rebound 50s) worked hard defensively, while Amelia Peck booted three goals from a limited five touches and four marks up forward. Mia Caffry was best on ground in a loss, racking up 32 disposals, seven tackles, 12 clearances and three inside 50s, while Eloise Ashley-Cooper was also busy around the ball.

Carlton cemented its VFL Women’s finals place with a 13-point victory over the Western Bulldogs, putting the Daughters of the West own finals chances under threat. The Blues won 7.5 (47) to 5.4 (34) at Whitten Oval on Sunday with Hannah Scott (27 disposals, three marks, seven tackles, six clearances and five rebound 50s) and Octavia Di Donato (25 disposals, six marks, seven tackles, three clearances, six inside 50s, three rebound 50s and a goal) impressing. AFLW-listed recruit Brooke Boileau was ernormous around the clearances, while Dogs Eleanor Bishop (27 disposals, seven clearances and four inside 50s) stood up in defeat.

Geelong edged closer to a potential finals berth win a comprehensive seven-goal victory over Tasmania Devils at Deakin University. The Cats are just four points and percentage off the Bulldogs heading into the last fortnight so will need luck, but the 8.12 (60) to 3.0 (18) win was a great start. Isabella Davies lead the way with 26 disposals – 14 contested – four clearances, five inside 50s and a goal, while Mekah Morrissy and Lucy Marescuk were also among the best as a number of AFLW-listed players featured. Perri King and Sarah Skinner were the standouts for the Devils.

In the other matches, four of the bottom five teams faced off against one another, with the Box Hill Hawks and Essendon picking up wins over Casey Demons and Sandringham Zebras respectively. The Hawks won 12.6 (78) to 2.5 (17) as Hannah Stuart and Kayley Kavanagh ran rampant, combining for 53 disposals and 17 clearances. The Bombers had a tougher contest, overcoming the Zebras, 7.7 (49) to 5.6 (36) with Jacqui Vogt and Ashlea Melnikas both impressed around the ball, while AFLW-listed Saints Kyla Forbes and Maya Louvel-Finn stood out in the Zebras’ defensive half.