Fremantle’s record 11-match AFLW winning streak is over following an upset loss to the Brisbane Lions.
Key points:
- The Lions triumphed 3.7 (25) to 1.8 (14) over the Dockers in Fremantle
- It is the Dockers’ first defeat since their 2019 preliminary final loss to Carlton
- The Bulldogs beat the Giants by 25 points for their fourth straight win of the season
The Dockers’ first goal of Saturday’s match did not come until deep in the final quarter, when Roxy Roux’s 45-metre set shot reduced the Lions’ lead to five points with 90 seconds remaining.
But the Lions powered the ball forward from the next centre bounce and Ally Anderson kicked the sealer to silence the 3,423-strong crowd at Fremantle Oval.
The 3.7 (25) to 1.8 (14) defeat was the Dockers’ first loss since the 2019 preliminary final when they went down to Carlton.
The result saw Brisbane leapfrog Fremantle into top spot on the ladder.
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Emily Bates starred for Brisbane with 26 possessions and three clearances, while Anderson was also important with 15 disposals and a goal.
Standout Fremantle midfielder Kiara Bowers overcame a quiet start to tally 24 disposals, five clearances and seven tackles, but the Dockers’ star-studded forward line failed to fire.
Just one goal was booted in the first half. Brisbane’s Courtney Hodder unleashed a spectacular banana kick from the pocket to send her teammates wild.
The Dockers dominated play during the second quarter, but their wayward kicking let the Lions off the hook time and again.
The home side went to half-time with 0.7 (7) to their name and a one-point deficit despite dominating the inside 50s count 17-10.
The tide turned in the third quarter as the Lions threatened to run away with the contest.
Orla O’Dwyer’s early goal got the ball rolling and the Lions thought they had another midway through the term, only for it to be deemed touched off the boot.
The Lions won the inside 50s count 14-4 for the term, and they entered the final change with a handy 12-point lead.
Roux’s late goal added a curve ball, but the Lions immediately replied to seal the win.
Bulldogs shape as premiership threat
The Western Bulldogs recorded their fourth-straight victory after downing Greater Western Sydney by 25 points in a commanding display.
Led superbly by forwards Bonnie Toogood and Isabel Huntington, the Bulldogs were too classy for the Giants and ran out winners 7.5 (47) to 3.4 (22) at Whitten Oval.
It is the first time the Bulldogs have won four consecutive matches during an AFLW season.
Huntington, who was an All-Australian defender last season, booted three goals to take her to top of the league goal kicking list.
Toogood was just as impressive in snaring three majors, including a stunning goal-of-the-year contender during a match-winning second quarter.
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The Bulldogs entered this season with a disappointing 3-10 win-loss record since their 2018 premiership win but have become one of the league’s in-form teams under coach Nathan Burke.
The day ended on a flat note for the home side, however, with Deanna Berry going down with a suspected anterior cruciate injury in the final quarter.
The Giants were best served by Rebecca Beeson and Alyce Parker, while recruit Katherine Smith played her first match since suffering a serious injury in December 2019 when at training for former club Melbourne.
AAP
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