COLLINGWOOD’S dream start to the 2026 VFLW campaign continued on Saturday, but the Magpies had to survive an almighty scare from Carlton to keep their unbeaten record intact at Highgate Recreation Reserve. In a low-scoring, defensive struggle, the Magpies held on for a four-point victory over the Blues.

Collingwood 4.6 (30) def. Carlton 3.8 (26)

Collingwood managed to keep its undefeated streak alive with a nail-biting four-point win over Carlton. The Magpies started strongly to take an early lead but were challenged heavily by a determined Blues outfit.

The Magpies’ midfield was dominant, led by Tahlia Sanger who amassed 30 disposals, 11 tackles, and five clearances. Dominique Carbone was also instrumental with 28 disposals and a crucial goal, while Stella Huxtable collected a game-high 33 disposals and eight clearances.

Carlton fought valiantly, keeping the game tight until the final siren. Octavia Di Donato was a standout for the Blues, recording 22 disposals, 13 tackles, and a goal. Steph Demeo and Emma Horne also fought hard in the midfield for the visitors. Despite a late push that saw Carlton kick two goals in the final term, Collingwood’s defence held firm to secure their seventh straight win.

Tasmania Devils 6.4 (40) def. Box HIll Hawks 5.1 (31)

Tasmania secured its second win of the season with a hard-fought nine-point victory over the Box Hill Hawks at Dial Park on Friday night. The Devils trailed early as the Hawks jumped out to an 11-point quarter-time lead, but Tasmania steadily worked their way back into the contest. A dominant three-goal final term sealed the victory for the home side.

Grace White was the star up forward for Tasmania, booting three crucial goals from her 13 disposals and eight marks. Perri King was a tackling machine, laying an incredible 16 tackles to go with her 16 disposals and a goal.

For the Hawks, Kayley Kavanagh battled hard with 21 disposals, seven tackles, and a goal, while Ruby Ford dominated the ruck with 21 hitouts and 18 disposals.

Williamstown 6.6 (42) def. Western Bulldogs 4.1 (25)

Williamstown moved to the top of the ladder with a composed 17-point win over the Western Bulldogs at DSV Stadium on Saturday morning, keeping the pressure on the unbeaten Collingwood and North Melbourne Werribee sides above them.

The teams were level at quarter time after both sides kicked a goal apiece, but the Seagulls exploded in the second term, piling on three goals to one to lead by 14 points at the main break. From there, Williamstown’s superior structure and work rate proved too much for the Bulldogs, who were unable to close the gap in the second half.

Megan Williamson was the engine room for the Seagulls, finishing with 17 disposals, 12 tackles, and five clearances to go with two crucial behinds. Mia Zielinski was the match-winner up forward, booting three goals from 11 disposals and seven marks, while Naomi Ferres added grunt in the midfield with 15 disposals and eight tackles.

For the Bulldogs, Jorja Livingstone was brilliant despite the loss, racking up a game-high 30 disposals, two goals, and eight rebound 50s in a tireless display. Ellie Bishop (26 disposals) and Jaimi Tabb (23 disposals, five clearances) also worked hard through the midfield, but the Bulldogs’ inability to convert their opportunities inside 50 ultimately cost them.

North Melbourne Werribee 14.11 (95) def. Geelong 3.3 (21)

North Melbourne Werribee made a massive statement, thrashing the Geelong Cats by 74 points at Avalon Airport Oval to remain undefeated. The Kangaroos were ruthless from the opening bounce, slamming on five unanswered goals in the first quarter to put the result beyond doubt early.

Nyakoat Dojiok was unstoppable up forward, kicking four goals. In the midfield, Alana Barba (26 disposals, nine tackles, eight clearances, one goal) and Ava Seton (24 disposals, nine tackles) ran riot. Madeleine Di Cosmo was also excellent with 22 disposals and 11 tackles.

Geelong fought hard but were outclassed. Annie Lee was a shining light for the Cats, gathering a game-high 30 disposals, while Charlotte Blair laid eight tackles.

Casey Demons 1.1 (7) def. by Port Melbourne 7.6 (48)

Port Melbourne continued its push towards the top four with a comprehensive 41-point victory over the Casey Demons at Casey Fields. The Borough held the Demons scoreless for the first three quarters, dominating possession and territory. Emily Harley was the main beneficiary up forward, kicking three goals for Port Melbourne.

Mackenzie Bourne was dominant in the ruck with 40 hitouts and 14 disposals, giving first use to midfielders Mia Caffry (24 disposals, 14 tackles, 10 clearances) and Eloise Ashley-Cooper (26 disposals).

For the Demons, Tylah Burn fought a lone hand in the midfield with 18 disposals and a massive 16 tackles, while Kaitlyn O’Keefe gathered 26 disposals.