WESTERN Bulldogs secured a thrilling three-point victory over the Sandringham Zebras in a tense battle to headline Round 11 of the VFL Women’s competition. Elsewhere, Collingwood maintained its impressive season record with a massive win over Darebin, Carlton ground out a win against Williamstown, Geelong proved too strong for Casey, and Essendon dominated Box Hill.

Western Bulldogs 5.5 (35) def. Sandringham Zebras 5.2 (32)

In a match defined by wild momentum swings, the Western Bulldogs held their nerve to secure a vital 5.5 (35) to 5.2 (32) victory over the Sandringham Zebras at Whitten Oval.

The first term was a see-sawing clash and the sides were all square at quarter time, with the Zebras going out to as much as an 11-point lead late in the third term before cutting it to just four at the final change. A goal to Isobel Hartog made the lead 10 points for the Zebras in the sixth minute of the fourth quarter, before the Dogs kicked two goals to run over the top of them thanks to Ellie Bishop, and in the last 30 seconds, Steph Asciak who kicked the match-winner.

The result puts the Bulldogs eight points clear inside the top six for finals, while the Zebras are left in eighth with just three wins from 10 games and 12 points adrift of the top six.

Lauren Ahrens was exceptional for the Bulldogs, racking up 23 disposals, six tackles and seven rebound 50s. Scarlett O’Donnell (18 disposals, 12 tackles, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s) and Bishop (18 disposals, three tackles, five clearances and a goal) were also dominant across the ground between the outside and inside, while Jaimi Tabb gathered 14 disposals, eight tackles and five clearances.

AFLW-listed Dogs also contributed strongly, with Mizuki Brothwell gathering 16 disposals, two marks, seven tackles, two clearances and three rebound 50s. Amaia Wain (13 disposals, two marks and two tackles), Brooke Barwick (eight disposals and 11 tackles) and Analea McKee (nine disposals, eight tackles, 12 hitouts, three clearances and a goal) were busy for the victors.

For Sandringham, Courtney Aughtie battled hard in the ruck against the tide, finishing with 18 disposals, five tackles, 24 hitouts, five clearances and five inside 50s. Charlotte Taylor was everywhere, finishing with 17 disposals, 15 tackles, three clearances and three inside 50s.

Deanna Jolliffe (16 disposals, three marks and two tackles), Georgia Zuchowski (15 disposals, three marks, four tackles, two clearances and three inside 50s) and Bridget Koczek (15 disposals, three marks and four rebound 50s) fought hard in defeat. Saints AFLW-listed players Chelsea Sutton (nine disposals, four tackles, four clearances, two rebound 50s and a goal) and Darcy Guttridge (nine disposals) also tried hard.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Collingwood 7.11 (53) def. Darebin Falcons 0.0 (0)

Collingwood maintained its impressive 9-1 record at the top of the ladder, dismantling the Darebin Falcons by 53 points at Preston City Oval. The Magpies were far too strong, restricting the Falcons to a scoreless afternoon while piling on seven goals of their own.

Abbey Tregellis put on a masterclass for the victors, accumulating 31 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles and four clearances. Stella Huxtable (28 disposals, two marks, three tackles and five clearances) and Tahlia Sanger (21 disposals, seven tackles, eight clearances, four inside 50s and a goal) were also prolific, while Sabrina Frederick kicked three goals from 17 disposals, five marks and 10 hitouts.

Former Pie Caitlin Bunker (28 disposals, two marks, six tackles and eight clearances) was fantastic, while Olivia McLennan was a shining light for Darebin, gathering 19 disposals, three marks, four tackles and two clearance. Isabella Daddo (16 disposals and 12 tackles) and Sophia De Castella (17 disposals, three marks and three tackles) also tried hard.

Carlton 6.6 (42) def. Williamstown 4.8 (32)

Carlton solidified its spot with a hard-fought 10-point victory over Williamstown at IKON Park. The Blues were challenged but found enough avenues to goal to hold off the Seagulls.

Hannah Scott was exceptional for the Blues, racking up 33 disposals, two marks, 17 tackles and eight clearances. Octavia Di Donato (32 disposals, nine marks, four tackles and four clearances) and Lucy Burke (30 disposals, 10 marks and two tackles) were also dominant. Alessia Acquaro kicked three goals from 13 disposals. Nell Morris-Dalton was everywhere, finishing with 26 disposals, nine marks, five tackles, three hitouts, two clearances and a goal.

For Williamstown, Georgia Howes (21 disposals, seven marks, three tackles, 18 hitouts and four clearances) and Ellen Williams (20 disposals, six marks, three tackles and four rebound 50s) fought hard in defeat.

Casey Demons 2.3 (15) def. by Geelong 7.5 (47)

Geelong cruised to a 32-point victory over the Casey Demons at Casey Fields. The Cats controlled the contest, generating 12 scoring shots to the Demons’ five.

Jasmin Stewart was a driving force for Geelong, finishing with 26 disposals, four marks, five tackles, four clearances and a goal. Isabella Davies (24 disposals, two marks, eight tackles, three clearances and a goal) Lucy Marescuk (22 disposals, four marks and five tackles) applied immense pressure all day. Faith Qoon kicked two goals.

For Casey, Zoe Mitchell (24 disposals, one mark, two tackles and nine clearances) and Tylah Burn (22 disposals, one mark, nine tackles and 10 clearances) worked hard, while Meg Macdonald (18 disposals, three marks, 10 tackles, three clearances and three rebound 50s) lead from the front.

Box Hill Hawks 0.5 (5) def. by Essendon 5.14 (44)

Essendon kept the pressure on with a commanding 39-point win over the Box Hill Hawks at Kennedy Community Centre. The Bombers were relentless, piling on five goals while keeping the Hawks goalless to secure the comfortable victory.

Eloise Chaston was outstanding for the Bombers, amassing 32 disposals, eight marks, four tackles and two clearances, while former Vic Country MVP and Essendon VFLW debutant Georgia Tyrrell (26 disposals, five marks, eight tackles, five clearances and a goal) was sensational. Drew Ryan (24 disposals, seven marks, five inside 50s and a goal) was busy, as Lucy Thompson kicked three goals from 15 disposals, 10 tackles and five inside 50s.

For the Hawks, Ella Stoddart racked up 26 disposals, seven marks and nine rebound 50s out of the back half, while Hannah Stewart (26 disposals, five marks, three tackles, three clearances and six rebound 50s) was gallant across the ground.