A SIX-POINT gap has appeared in the VFL Women’s ladder after 11 rounds with the finals-bound sides gaining some breathing space on the rest of the competition. Aside from Collingwood’s heartbreaking loss to Carlton after the siren, the other five sides inside the top six got up.At the other end of the ladder, Casey Demons’ stacked side rolled on with a second straight victory to leapfrog Geelong, while the Blues managed to stay four points clear of Casey.

ROUND 11 SCORES

Western Bulldogs 0.2 (2) def. by North Melbourne Werribee 9.10 (64)
Collingwood 5.7 (37) def. by Carlton 6.5 (41)
Port Melbourne 9.4 (58) def. Williamstown 4.3 (27)
Casey Demons 8.7 (55) def. Geelong 4.5 (29)
Essendon 3.2 (20) def. by Darebin Falcons 4.4 (28)
Box Hill Hawks 11.8 (74) def. Sandringham Zebras 1.7 (13)

DRAFT PROSPECTS

Box Hill’s plethora of potential draft prospects stood up in a big win over Sandringham Zebras with ex-Gippsland Power tall Matilda Van Berkel starring thanks to 23 disposals, eight marks and six rebound 50s. She worked well in tandem with athletic overager Amelie Prosser-Shaw (20 disposals, four marks and six rebound 50s) as the likes of Stasia Stevenson and Amy Cariss-Brett provided the run.

Another over-ager in ex-Geelong Falcons skipper Mekah Morrissy continued her fine recent form with another 20 touches, seven clearances and 10 tackles in the loss to the Demons, standing up alongside Abby Favell (28 disposals, four marks, six clearances and six inside 50s). Ex-Rebels Elise Cook and Lily Jordan also worked hard, while Olivia Morris is one who stood up with interest from clubs in the past.

Collingwood midfielder Tahlia Sanger‘s dream VFLW season rolled on with 25 touches, six clearances and four inside 50s as she and fellow youngster Amy Trindade (18 disposals, nine clearances) had a great battle around the clinches. Trindade looked at home amongst an AFLW-stacked squad with the second most touches for the Blues.

Ava Seton (20 disposals, 12 tackles, eight clearances, three inside 50s, three rebound 50s and a goal was superb for the Borough as she searches for a second chance on an AFLW list, with her performance only bested by teammate Courteney Bromage‘s five goals. Emily Eaves and Laura Blue were reliable as ever for the Seagulls.

Not in draft contention, but veteran Angelica Gogos‘ performance against Essendon was worth a mention, racking up 20 contested possessions among 35 disposals, 11 tackles and eight clearances to be a standout in the win over Essendon.

Ex-Giant Zara Hamilton (30 disposals, seven marks, four clearances, three inside 50s and four rebound 50s) was great for Western Bulldogs against North Melbourne, while ex-Pie Charlotte Blair and ex-Blue Taylor Ortlepp stood out for the Roos. Ex-Bomber Renee Tierney was also terrific, picking up 27 disposals, four marks, three clearances, six inside 50s, laying seven tackles and kicking a goal for the visitors, while Madeline Di Cosmo was her consistent self.

ROUND 12 FIXTURE

Saturday, July 12:

Collingwood vs. Casey Demons @ Victoria Park, 10:05am
Box Hill Hawks vs. Essendon @ Box Hill City Oval, 11:35am
Carlton vs. Western Bulldogs @ Ikon Park, 12:35pm
North Melbourne Werribee vs. Port Melbourne @ Arden Street Oval, 1:00pm
Sandringham Zebras vs. Geelong @ Trevor Barker Oval, 2:05pm

Sunday, July 13:

Darebin Falcons vs. Williamstown @ Genis Steel Oval, 10:35am