COLLINGWOOD remains on top of the Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s ladder without a loss, after scoring six straight goals and no behinds to defeat Melbourne Uni. NT Thunder and Hawthorn also recorded wins and remain in contention to take top spot, sitting comfortably in the top four.

Carlton 7.10 (52) defeated Richmond 1.5 (11)

After nearly upsetting Collingwood at RAMS Arena last week, Carlton recorded an emphatic win over Richmond this week. The Blues opened up the game by kicking four first-quarter goals, and kept the Tigers goalless for the first half.

Captain, Kristi Harvey and AFLW forward, Darcy Vescio each kicked two goals on the day and were complemented by single goal kickers, Sarah Hosking, Georgia Fisher and Bailey Schultz. Hosking in particular played a wonderful game, adding 21 disposals, five marks and 10 tackles to her major. In terms of disposals, it was AFLW defender, Gabriella Pound who led the way with 27. Katelyn Cox also touched the ball a lot, racking up 18 disposals, four marks and also laying five tackles.

Richmond’s only goal came from star midfielder, Phoebe Monahan, who also led the way for her side in disposals. Monahan recorded 20 touches, took three marks and laid nine tackles. She was complemented by Jacqueline Graham, who also recorded 20 disposals as well as taking seven marks. Graham led the way for marks on the day, while Kate Dixon wasn’t far behind with five.

Southern Saints 4.5 (29) defeated by Hawthorn 5.8 (38)

After a tight tussle throughout the match, Hawthorn escaped with a nine-point win. At half-time, the Hawks had only scored seven behinds while the Saints had kicked three straight majors. Then after the main break, Hawthorn straightened up and got the upper hand, kicking 5.1 to the Saints’ 1.5.

It was an even performance in terms of goals for the Hawks, with no multiple goal-kickers on the day. Instead, Rebecca Beeson, Emily Mcilvena, Sarah Perkins, Emily Gilder and Lou Wotton all kicked a major each. As usual, the experienced Jayde Van Dyk was as impressive as ever in defence, and earned best on ground honours from her coaches for her efforts in the back half. She was complemented by great games from Clare O’Donnell, Kim Ebb, Julia Crockett-Grills and Ebony Nixon.

The Saints too also shared the goals around with Danielle Lawrence, Tara Bohanna, Kayla Ripari and Ashleigh Allsopp all getting majors on the board. Rhiannon Watt dominated in the ruck and was consequently named the Saints’ best player on the day. Samantha Johnson, AFLW Academy member, Courtney Jones, Leah Olsen and star midfielder, Alison Drennan also performed well on Saturday.

NT Thunder 8.9 (57) defeated Casey Demons 7.3 (45)

With a 42-point lead at half-time, it looked like the Thunder was going to come away with a thumping win. But a late fightback from the Demons reduced the final margin to 12 points, after they kicked five goals to none in the second half.

Jordann Hickey and South Australia Under 18 representative, Katelyn Rosenzweig led the way in goals, each kicking two majors for the Thunder on Saturday. Rosenzweig also led the way in marks, taking five for the day to go along with her 14 disposals. Fellow forwards, Jenna McCormick and Emma Swanson also had stunning performances on the day, despite not getting on the scoreboard. McCormick racked up 26 disposals, two marks and five tackles while Swanson touched the ball 24 times, took four marks and laid four tackles.

Casey also had two multiple goalkickers, with Melbourne AFLW duo, Eden Zanker and Shelley Scott each kicking two majors. Bianca Jakobsson was one of the most impressive Demons on the day, racking up 20 disposals and taking five marks. Katherine Smith wasn’t too far off, as she recorded 19 disposals, laid five tackles and kicked a goal. Kaila Bentvelzen also did well with almost identical stats, kicking a goal to go along with her 18 disposals and eight tackles.

Melbourne Uni 2.7 (19) defeated by Collingwood 6.0 (36)

By: Taylah Melki

The Pies have made a name for themselves this season, sitting pretty at the top of the ladder, and this game was no different. Melbourne University set the tone early with plenty of forward 50 entries but was unable to capitalise on its scoring opportunities. The Mugars had some good glimpses of play but were unable to keep up with the relentless pressure of the Magpies who ended up coming away with a 17-point win. It took a while for the Magpies to get into the game but they showcased their dash across the ground and fierce intensity to win the footy.

For the Pies, the likes of young gun Chloe Molloy impressed once again with her silky skills and ability to read the play, taking some strong intercept marks across the back half. In the midfield, stars such as Steph Chiocci and Brittany Bonnici took control, showcasing their footy smarts with clever kicks. Grace Buchan starred for the black and white with her quick release handballs to teammates and work around the stoppages. Sophie Alexander was also important for Collingwood, scoring two majors and looking ominous up forward.

Melbourne University has plenty to look forward to, with the likes of youngsters Madison Prespakis and Caitlin Greiser showing great promise with their composure with ball in hand and ability to win the footy. Prespakis was in everything once again, imposing herself on the contest. Meanwhile, the likes of Emma Kearney and Kaitlyn Ashmore were impressive, showcasing their experience with ball in hand.  Kearney starred with her dash across the ground and long penetrating kick into the forward 50.