THE VFLW returned for season 2024 over the weekend, with plenty of action and telling results across the competition.

Southern Saints (4.1.25) defeated Collingwood (2.5.17)

The Southern Saints were the first winners of the season on Friday night, accounting for an inaccurate Collingwood. In a match that started out scrappy, it was ultimately a clash of who could make the most of their chances, which in the end was the Saints.

Chloe Hunt had a debut to remember kicking two majors for the Saints, while Georgia Ricardo was really influential against her old side. Meanwhile for Collingwood, skipper Megan Ryan tried to rally her troops but it was not enough.

Essendon (0.7.7) lost to Port Melbourne (9.0.54)

Port Melbourne got their premiership defence off to a positive start with a big win over Essendon. The Borough got off to a surprisingly slow start, but eventually did get going and went on to keep the Bombers goalless.

The Borough spread around the goal kickers, with debutants Ava Seton and Madeleine Patterson both impressing. Meanwhile for the Bombers fellow debutants Ruby Mahony and Marnie Robinson were impressive in the tough first up clash.

Geelong (4.4.28) lost to Carlton (9.5.59)

Carlton also got a big win, defeating Geelong by five goals. Geelong took a narrow lead early, before Carlton came back and ultimately kicked away from the Cats and restricting them to one goal for the second half.

A couple of Carlton’s leaders in Eliza Wood and Sophia McCarthy really stood up in the win, while despite the loss, Abbey McDonald and Abby Favell were both ball magnets for the Cats, picking up 35 and 26 touches respectively.

Western Bulldogs (6.7.43) lost to North Melbourne (10.5.65)

North ran out comfortable winners over the Bulldogs, winning to the tune of 22 points. In a high scoring affair, a slow start really cost the Bulldogs in the end, who were unable to make up the deficit.

Jennifer Guy and Madeleine Di Cosmo were both strong drivers out of the middle for the Roos, while for the Bulldogs Renee Saulitis saw plenty of the ball and made quite an influence with it on the scoreboard.

Darebin Falcons (0.2.2) lost to Williamstown (11.12.78)

Williamstown was the second biggest winner of the round, defeating Darebin by 76 points. It was a pretty even start from both sides, but the Seagulls kicked away in the second term and ultimately never looked back.

Molly Simpson was a star in front of goal for the Seagulls, while her skipper Eliza Straford also had plenty of influence in front of goal. Meanwhile for the Falcons it was their leaders – including the likes of Angelica Gogos and Caitlin Bunker – who again really stood up.

Casey Demons (2.2.14) lost to Box Hill (19.8.122)

Box Hill was the biggest winner of the round though, accounting for Casey to the tune of 108 points.

Benefitting from a host of AFLW listed players – including ball magnets Jasmine Fleming and Emily Bates – the Hawks ran rings around the Dees, who, despite the best efforts of the likes of Melanie Hogg and Lauren Jatczak were no match for their visitors.

VFLW Round 1 Leading Goal Kickers

Mietta Kendall (Box Hill) – five goals

Molly Simpson (Williamstown) – four goals

Tamara Luke (Box Hill) – three goals

16 Players – 2 goals