DEFENSIVE efforts headlined a massive round four, where players were pushed to their limits by the unusual weather conditions. Melbourne’s Daisy Pearce was kept quiet by young gun, Brittany Bonnici, while GWS’ Pepa Randall nullified Erin Phillips’ impact at Blacktown. But all the talk surrounded Friday night’s Pride Match, where Brooke Lochland lit up the forward line, while Hannah Scott held down the back line, in a bid to prove that the Bulldogs are the real deal this year. 

Western Bulldogs vs. Carlton

#1: Brooke Lochland- Western Bulldogs

SEVEN GOALS! The most goals ever scored by an AFLW player in one game! Need I say more? Lochland was everywhere. Her reading of the footy was exquisite, and she always got into the perfect position in front of goal.

#2: Emma Kearney- Western Bulldogs

Acceleration was second-to-none.  Was able to consistently burst through the pack with the footy. Gets and goes.

#3: Hannah Scott- Western Bulldogs

Everybody wanted to see her play well and she did. What a great game for an inspiration like her to be a part of. Stalwart in defence. Great spoiling and great composure throughout the night.

#4: Bonnie Toogood- Western Bulldogs

Played deep in the forward line and was able to get herself into good scoring positions throughout the night. Her and Lochland were such a dangerous duo inside 50.

#5: Monique Conti- Western Bulldogs

Her start was electric, you just knew she was going to play a ripper of  a game. She was zipping around the footy all night. Great ball-handling, but would have been spewing that she didn’t get on the scoreboard. Deserved reward for all her hard work.

#6: Libby Birch- Western Bulldogs

Very reliable when matching up on small, dangerous forwards. Kept Vescio quiet, whilst working up the ground as well. Always attacked the footy, and came to the ball rather than waited for it.  

#7: Ellie Blackburn- Western Bulldogs

Self-confidence is growing. Got right in Arnell’s face when her turnover resulted in Blackburn kicking a goal. Racked up plenty of the footy. Got a lot of it in the forward line, compared to getting more in the heart of the contest in the midfield in recent weeks. Able to mop up deep in defence.

#8: Sarah Hosking- Carlton

Got a lot of the footy as usual. Perfect replacement for Brianna Davey – went in extremely hard at the footy. Ran through players of all sizes.

#9: Kirsty Lamb- Western Bulldogs

Stood up for her team as usual. Got plenty of touches again in a stellar performance.

#10: Madeline Keryk- Carlton

Put in the hard yards for the Blues. Was able to stream through the corridor at multiple times, and has a long, booming kick.

#11: Lauren Arnell – Carlton

Desperately tried hard for the Blues. Made two crucial errors in a matter of seconds, which resulted in a Blackburn goal. Finally converted late in the third quarter, with two deserving goals in quick succession.

#12: Aisling Utri- Western Bulldogs

Went in hard at the footy. Was able to get it in the heart of the contest, and use her quick hands to dish it off to her teammates.

#13: Breann Moody- Carlton

Tried really hard in the ruck contest throughout the night. Got some of the footy as well. Was troubled by calf soreness in the second half. Hopefully it is not anything serious.

#14: Angelica Gogos- Western Bulldogs

Tackling was on display again. Laid 10 tackles, and was able to do the little things all night.

#15: Jenna Bruton- Western Bulldogs

Solid game in the middle, including a long, booming kick that floated through the goals!

#16: Aasta O’Connor- Western Bulldogs

Long, penetrating kick was vital throughout the night. Made a solid contribution in the ruck as usual. Such an important on-field leader for the Dogs.

#17: Tilly Lucas-Rodd- Carlton

Was able to move the footy quickly throughout the game. Fell away at times though.

#18: Kate Shierlaw- Carlton

Great agility. Started one-out in the forward line in the third quarter, and did her best. Would’ve liked to see her snag a major.

#19: Alison Downie- Carlton

Put in the hard yards for her side, particularly in the second half. Stepped up where she could.

#20: Shae Audley- Carlton

Played another solid game in navy blue. Becoming a very reliable player that always performs.

Brisbane vs. Fremantle 

By Taylah Melki

#1: Kate Lutkins- Brisbane

Once again dominated across the ground. Got plenty of touches and used the ball cleanly and efficiently. Fought hard to win contested ball and tried hard to set up scoring opportunities, pressing hard into the forward 50.

#2: Jess Wuetschner- Brisbane

Continued her excellent form. Slotted another impressive two goals and showed her skill, class and general football know-how to get herself into damaging scoring positions. Dominated possession and got plenty of touches in the forward line.

#3: Kara Donnellan- Fremantle

The captain stood tall once again for the Dockers. Had clean hands and used the footy well, racking up plenty of touches. The majority of them were kicks that helped send Fremantle forward.

#4: Nicole Hilderbrand- Brisbane

Proved her fitness showing no sign of her injury concern. Showed plenty of courage going back with the flight of the ball on many occasions.

#5: Lara Filocamo- Fremantle

Was the leading ball-winner for the Dockers and used the footy well. Great on-field leader.

#6: Nat Exon- Brisbane

She was her ever-reliable self and laid an impressive nine tackles. Hit the packs hard and imposed her physical presence while scrapping for the footy.

#7: Ally Anderson- Brisbane

Imposed herself on the contest and racked up plenty of touches. Long penetrating kick.

#8: Emily Bates- Brisbane

She was efficient with the footy, hit targets and used the ball cleanly. Had plenty of touches and was busy across the ground.

#9: Jamie Stanton- Brisbane

Racked up 16 touches with 15 of those being kicks. Set up play for the Lions and hit her targets. Tackled hard and applied plenty of pressure

#10: Brittany Gibson- Brisbane

In difficult weather conditions, she used the footy well and looked lively with ball in hand. Stood up well throughout the game.

#11: Gabby O’Sullivan- Fremantle

Fought hard in the first quarter. Took plenty of contested marks and applied heaps of forward pressure.

#12: Tahlia Randall- Brisbane

Took plenty of contested and intercept marks for the Lions. Dominated in the ruck, getting plenty of hit-outs to advantage for Brisbane. Good elevation in ruck contests.

#13: Ashlee Atkins- Fremantle

 Started well in the first quarter, was in everything. Good tackling pressure. Bagged an important goal to keep her team in the game.

#14: Dana Hooker- Fremantle

Long penetrating kick. Was in every contest and scrummed well. Was not afraid to get down and dirty to try and win the footy to propel her team forward.

#15: Lisa Webb- Fremantle

Stood up under pressure and had good tackling pressure. Imposed herself on the contest and wasn’t afraid to scrap for the footy.  

#16: Sabrina Frederick-Traub- Brisbane

She was influential up forward though she didn’t hit the scoreboard. Created plenty of scoring opportunities for teammates and applied plenty of forward pressure to help trap the ball in Brisbane’s forward 50.

#17: Emma Zielke- Brisbane

She was in everything in the first quarter, scrumming hard to win the contested footy. Showed good on-field leadership for the Lions.

#18: Hayley Miller- Fremantle

Went down with a suspected finger injury but came back out firing. Contested hard for the footy, racking up 14 touches. Applied physical pressure with five tackles.  

#19: Jordan Zanchetta- Brisbane

Racked up 11 touches for the match in difficult conditions. Played her role well and did not over-complicate things.

#20: Leah Mascall- Fremantle

Played well and fulfilled her role to the best of her ability. Laid plenty of tackles and hit the pack hard.

Melbourne vs. Collingwood

By Connor Ferris 

#1: Christina Bernardi- Collingwood

Continues to be a force in the forward line. Great ability to find space. Gathered several uncontested marks and converted them into scores.

#2: Stephanie Chiocci- Collingwood

Reliable as usual through the midfield. Tallied up 17 possessions with good ball use, setting up several scoring chances. Scored a goal herself which took the game out of Melbourne’s reach in the last quarter. 

#3: Karen Paxman- Melbourne

Played a great game. Reliable with ball in hand and threw her body around in the contest well. A standout in an otherwise disappointing game for the Dees.

#4: Jaimee Lambert- Collingwood

Leading possession-getter on the ground with 19. Provided great run and carry for the Pies all day, and laid four tackles to polish off her efforts.

#5: Elise O’Dea- Melbourne

Early goal to really establish control of the game. One of Melbourne’s best, ended up being the leading possession-getter on the ground amongst both teams.

#6: Amelia Barden- Collingwood 

Most of her possessions came as a result of hard work and determination, with a majority of them being contested. Kicked a well-deserved goal in the last quarter.

#7: Jasmine Garner- Collingwood

Moved down back in the second quarter and was instrumental in holding the Dees scoreless for the quarter. Could be a permanent position for her.

#8: Emma King- Collingwood

Once again moved well around the ground getting plenty of the ball. Outplayed Melbourne’s Erin Hoare in the ruck contest

#9: Caitlyn Edwards- Collingwood

Kicked back-to-back goals in the third quarter to help Collingwood extend the lead, and remained threatening inside 50 throughout the match.

#10: Brittany Bonnici- Collingwood

Ran with Daisy Pearce to nullify her impact and did a terrific job. Held Pearce to nine possessions, while registering 13 herself.

#11: Harriet Cordner- Melbourne

Spent a bit of the game in the ruck, but was beaten by King when she was. However, she did display high levels of pressure throughout the match, laying six tackles.

#12: Moana Hope- Collingwood

The Melbourne defence applied great pressure on Hope, making her earn every possession. Two holding the ball decisions went against her early because she simply tried to do too much. But bounced back well, kicking two goals in the second quarter.

#13: Daisy Pearce- Melbourne

Struggled to break away from Bonnici, who battled her hard all day. Had a quiet day with just the nine possessions, but applied great pressure with six tackles.

#14: Richelle Cranston- Melbourne

Great pair of hands, and was able to read the ball really well in the air. Used her physicality to her advantage.

#15: Emma Grant- Collingwood

Very good game. Read the ball incredibly well down in defence, and showed great composure.  Has become an intercept-mark specialist.

#16: Meg Downie- Melbourne

Good defensive work on Moana Hope early. Tried hard all game despite Melbourne’s defence being under constant pressure.

#17: Iilish Ross- Collingwood

Ross’ impact was not defined by numbers. She displayed great efforts in defence, really shutting down the Melbourne forward line. Laid a team-high five tackles.

#18: Bianca Jakobsson- Melbourne

Good effort down in defence. Took a number of marks and stood up well under the Collingwood pressure. 

#19: Kate Hore- Melbourne

Kicked the first goal of the day for the Dees, but was kept quiet after that. This was mainly due to the limited scoring opportunities that Melbourne had.

#20: Shelley Scott- Melbourne

Had some early opportunities in front of goal but was unable to convert. However, she was involved in a great unselfish play to set up O’Dea’s first-quarter goal.

GWS vs. Adelaide

By James Halley 

#1: Alicia Eva- GWS

Despite the conditions she still managed to keep her skills pristine on most occasions. She was the best midfielder on the ground throughout the day, finishing with 23 possessions.

#2: Ebony Marinoff- Adelaide 

She set an all-time record in tackles, laying 21 of them. A tackling machine that was in-and-under all day. Used her size to her advantage at times- good to see some physicality from the youngster.

#3: Chelsea Randall- Adelaide

Her courage was immense when she took a mark running back with the flight, even though McWilliams was coming full of steam in the opposite direction. She kept a cool head at countless times, and her composure was paramount throughout the match. She was able to steady the flow and take plenty of important intercept marks.

#4: Jessica Dal Pos- GWS

Controlled her kicking really well in the heavy rain. Her desperation was pinnacle in saving many goals throughout the day.

#5: Angela Foley- Adelaide

Managed to have an impact on the game across half-back. She had sticky hands on a day where marks weren’t easy to come by, which was a positive for the Crows in the tough conditions. She is an integral cog in the Adelaide back-line.

#6: Amanda Farrugia- GWS

Her captaincy was on show throughout the day. Her ferocious tackling was a highlight, and her courage to constantly be in and around the contest was remarkable.

#7: Cora Staunton- GWS

Executed a snap from straight in front, which was a little bit strange. But she made it work despite the higher level of difficulty on the kick that she chose. It amounted in the Giants’ second goal of the game in the second quarter. Her Gaelic skills were evident, as it was easy for her to kick the ball to advantage in the wet. Managed to keep her feet all day, which showed her strong core.

#8: Courtney Cramey- Adelaide

After being awarded a free kick in the first quarter, she kicked the Crows’ first major of the day in hard goal-kicking conditions, which was impressive for a defender. But she couldn’t capitalise on a late shot at goal after a 50 metre penalty, which could have won Adelaide the game.

#9: Emma Swanson- GWS

The vice-captain showed great courage with a huge mark late in the third quarter, going back with the flight of the ball. Played her most impressive game of the year. 

#10: Rebecca Beeson- GWS

She capitalised on a set shot early in the first quarter to kick the Giants’ first goal of the game. It was impressive that her technique kept intact in the trying conditions.

#11: Pepa Randall- GWS

Played a great game, nullifying the impact of Erin Phillips. Played her role for the Giants.

#12: Justine Mules- Adelaide

Eight huge tackles to complement Ebony Marinoff’s immense pressure. Consistent throughout the afternoon. 

#13: Nicola Barr- GWS

Didn’t stop trying throughout the game. Twelve disposals is impressive enough, but her one percenters were what caught the eye of the fans. Did some wonderful things with the ball in hand. 

#14: Erin Phillips- Adelaide

Although the conditions were not ideal, she still managed to show why she is a major force in the AFLW with her vital leads in the forward line. She managed to take marks out in front with her hands, which most players were afraid to do.

#15: Eloise Jones- Adelaide

She was one of the better players for the Crows throughout the day. Looked proactive in the forward line, and is cementing her spot up there. 

#16: Deni Vernhagen- Adelaide

She played her role for the team. She also took some influential intercept possessions late in the game.

#17: Britt Tully- GWS

Was able to slow the play down in the conditions and apply pressure on the Adelaide forward line. Laid seven tackles for the game. 

#18: Ruth Wallace- Adelaide

Her pace was evident and got her into trouble sometimes, not knowing how much time she had and consequently, losing her feet. Halfway through the third quarter she was able to take an impressive mark in the wet, but couldn’t finish the job with an accurate shot for goal. However, she kicked an unbelievable banana-goal early in the last quarter, and was exciting all day with her evasive skills on show.

#19: Elle Bennetts- GWS

Hit the post with a shot on goal in the second quarter, which could’ve been avoided if she didn’t rush. However, she did manage 10 disposals and laid some fierce tackles. 

#20: Rhiannon Metcalfe- Adelaide  

She was off the field for a small amount of time in the second quarter with an eye injury, but came back on and seemed fine afterwards. She laid a great tackle on Erin McKinnon in the third quarter, which awarded her a free kick for holding the ball.