GEELONG has secured a thrilling one-point victory over the Western Bulldogs under Friday night lights at Whitten Oval, with the Cats holding off a fast-finishing home side in a tense final term to claim their second win of the season, 4.6 (30) to 4.5 (29).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a highly contested battle where momentum ebbed and flowed, the Bulldogs controlled the early territory and led for much of the first half, taking a narrow one-point advantage into the main break. However, it was the Cats who seized the ascendancy in the premiership quarter, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless while booting a crucial major to take a two-point lead heading into the final stanza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Western Bulldogs forward Emmy Nekrep<\/a> slotted a goal just 90 seconds into the last quarter, the home side looked poised to snatch the four points. Yet the Cats responded with relentless forward pressure, locking the ball in their attacking half. While they could not find the decisive goal, Geelong registered five behinds in a frantic seven-minute passage, which proved just enough to secure the gritty 4.6 (30) to 4.5 (29) triumph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The victory was built on the back of an immense midfield effort from Isabella Davies<\/a> and Melanie Staunton<\/a>, who were everywhere for the Cats. The pair each amassed 22 disposals and combined for an incredible 20 tackles, setting the tone for Geelong’s defensive pressure. Annie Lee<\/a> was equally important, racking up 20 disposals and taking eight marks to provide crucial drive out of the defensive half, while Simone Nalder<\/a> dominated the airways with 20 hitouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the Western Bulldogs, Kiera Leare<\/a> was the standout performer on the ground, compiling a game-high 24 disposals and six clearances. She was a constant threat going forward and could have had an even bigger night, finishing with three behinds. Eleanor Bishop<\/a> was also tireless in defeat, collecting 21 disposals and laying nine tackles, while Jorja Livingstone<\/a> continued her solid form with 19 touches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Box Hill Hawks 2.6 (18) def. by North Melbourne Werribee 11.10 (76)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reigning premiers North Melbourne Werribee maintained their perfect start to the season and jumped to the top of the ladder with a dominant 58-point victory over the Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill City Oval. The Kangaroos kept the Hawks goalless in the first half while gradually building their lead, before jumping into cruise control with a seven-goal to two second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It marked the fifth consecutive game that North Melbourne Werribee has scored 60 points or more. Midfield duo Madeleine Di Cosmo<\/a> (30 disposals, seven clearances, one goal) and Alana Barba<\/a> (28 disposals, seven clearances, one goal) were utterly dominant around the stoppages, while Zoe Savarirayan<\/a> booted three goals. For the Hawks, Matilda Van Berkel<\/a> fought valiantly with 22 disposals, while Kayley Kavanagh<\/a> applied immense pressure with 19 disposals and 11 tackles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tasmania Devils 2.2 (14) def. by Darebin Falcons 7.5 (47)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Darebin claimed its first victory of the 2026 campaign, breaking away from the Tasmania Devils for a 33-point win in pouring rain and heavy winds at UTAS Stadium. After both sides managed early goals in the difficult conditions, the Falcons made their move with two second-term majors from Chloe Kodagoda<\/a> to establish a 14-point half-time lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visitors continued their momentum in the second half, restricting the hosts to just two further scoring shots. Kodagoda finished as the most dangerous forward on the ground with three goals, while Lulu Beatty<\/a> was excellent with 21 disposals and a goal. For the winless Devils, Libby Haines<\/a> stood tall with 22 disposals and 12 tackles, and Perri King<\/a> laid a staggering 16 tackles to go with her 13 touches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williamstown 5.9 (39) def. Sandringham Zebras 1.0 (6)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Williamstown made it three strong wins on the trot, moving to equal second on the ladder after comfortably accounting for Sandringham by 33 points at DSV Stadium. The Seagulls’ defensive structures were brilliant, keeping the Zebras to just a single scoring shot for the entire match \u2014 a first-quarter goal to Grace Hodder<\/a>. Despite both sides finishing with equal possession, Williamstown was far more efficient going inside 50, kicking at least one goal in every quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reigning Coaches MVP Emily Eaves<\/a> was again the star of the show, racking up 24 disposals, seven clearances, and two goals. Megan Williamson<\/a> was also influential with 17 disposals and 10 tackles. For the Zebras, Hodder was heroic in defeat, matching Eaves’ 24 disposals while laying an incredible 18 tackles to go with her side’s only goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Casey Demons 4.2 (26) def. by Essendon 10.2 (62)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Essendon overcame a slow start to produce back-to-back wins and move inside the top four, defeating the Casey Demons by 36 points at Casey Fields. The Demons started strongly, kicking all three of their first-quarter scoring shots in a five-minute burst to lead by 13 points at the first break. However, the Bombers responded emphatically, booting three goals in 10 minutes in the second term to hit the front. After trailing by a point at half-time, Essendon took complete control, kicking seven of the last eight goals of the match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skipper Eloise Chaston<\/a> led from the front with a massive 34 disposals, eight marks, and five clearances. Christina Bernardi<\/a> and Tia Davidge<\/a> \u2014 celebrating her 50th game \u2014 were lethal up forward, booting three goals apiece. For the Demons, Lillian Snow<\/a> battled hard with 25 disposals and seven clearances, while Meg Macdonald<\/a> collected 13 disposals and laid 10 tackles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nAROUND THE GROUNDS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n