Lift-off for new-look Bombers in win over Giants
Unveiling five new faces at Manuka Oval on Saturday, the Bombers slammed through seven straight goals to set up a 13.7 (85) to 3.11 (29) victory - their highest ever score in the AFLW.
A two-goal haul by Bombers co-captain Bonnie Toogood was matched by draftee Holly Ridewood and ex-Port forward Maggie MacLachlan.
Last year's No.9 pick Grace Belloni and former GWS player Courtney Murphy kicked a goal apiece, while fellow draftee Taya Chambers made her debut in defence.
Maddy Prespakis (one goal, 26 disposals, seven clearances) was also busy for Essendon in the engine room, taking advantage of GWS stalwart Alyce Parker's absence.
Parker was leading the Giants with 15 disposals and five clearances before an ankle injury forced her out at halftime.
Tarni Evans was on-song early for the home side and could have finished with more than the opening goal after taking three inside-50 marks in the first quarter.
But the Giants lost the lead through their wastefulness, trailing by two points at quarter-time.
GWS young gun Zarlie Goldsworthy had uncharacteristically sprayed her set shot from the top of the goal square, before Courtney Murphy returned serve to launch Essendon ahead.
The Bombers then broke out to a lead of 26 points when Ridewood, pick No.12 in last year's draft, kicked two straight goals.
Evans again flaunted her aerial prowess just before the main break, but could not shake the yips, netting just two points from two set shots.
Irish sensation Eilish O'Dowd almost gave away a goal to the Bombers after sprinting towards the wrong end of the corridor.
O'Dowd had only just landed back in Australia last Friday after winning the 2025 All-Ireland title with Dublin.
After Toogood opened the third quarter with her second major, Giants forward Georgia Garnett responded to end the home side's goalscoring drought.
Evans finally got reward for effort and slotted her second goal before the final change, but GWS could not lift for a fourth-quarter comeback.
In the end, Tarni finished with 2.3, while Giants skipper Bec Beeson had 19 disposals and seven clearances.
Essendon's new AFLW era has started, with a quartet of debutants firing the Bombers to a 56-point win over GWS.
Unveiling five new faces at Manuka Oval on Saturday, the Bombers slammed through seven straight goals to set up a 13.7 (85) to 3.11 (29) victory - their highest ever score in the AFLW.
A two-goal haul by Bombers co-captain Bonnie Toogood was matched by draftee Holly Ridewood and ex-Port forward Maggie MacLachlan.
Last year's No.9 pick Grace Belloni and former GWS player Courtney Murphy kicked a goal apiece, while fellow draftee Taya Chambers made her debut in defence.
Maddy Prespakis (one goal, 26 disposals, seven clearances) was also busy for Essendon in the engine room, taking advantage of GWS stalwart Alyce Parker's absence.
Parker was leading the Giants with 15 disposals and five clearances before an ankle injury forced her out at halftime.
Tarni Evans was on-song early for the home side and could have finished with more than the opening goal after taking three inside-50 marks in the first quarter.
But the Giants lost the lead through their wastefulness, trailing by two points at quarter-time.
GWS young gun Zarlie Goldsworthy had uncharacteristically sprayed her set shot from the top of the goal square, before Courtney Murphy returned serve to launch Essendon ahead.
The Bombers then broke out to a lead of 26 points when Ridewood, pick No.12 in last year's draft, kicked two straight goals.
Evans again flaunted her aerial prowess just before the main break, but could not shake the yips, netting just two points from two set shots.
Irish sensation Eilish O'Dowd almost gave away a goal to the Bombers after sprinting towards the wrong end of the corridor.
O'Dowd had only just landed back in Australia last Friday after winning the 2025 All-Ireland title with Dublin.
After Toogood opened the third quarter with her second major, Giants forward Georgia Garnett responded to end the home side's goalscoring drought.
Evans finally got reward for effort and slotted her second goal before the final change, but GWS could not lift for a fourth-quarter comeback.
In the end, Tarni finished with 2.3, while Giants skipper Bec Beeson had 19 disposals and seven clearances.
Essendon's new AFLW era has started, with a quartet of debutants firing the Bombers to a 56-point win over GWS.
Unveiling five new faces at Manuka Oval on Saturday, the Bombers slammed through seven straight goals to set up a 13.7 (85) to 3.11 (29) victory - their highest ever score in the AFLW.
A two-goal haul by Bombers co-captain Bonnie Toogood was matched by draftee Holly Ridewood and ex-Port forward Maggie MacLachlan.
Last year's No.9 pick Grace Belloni and former GWS player Courtney Murphy kicked a goal apiece, while fellow draftee Taya Chambers made her debut in defence.
Maddy Prespakis (one goal, 26 disposals, seven clearances) was also busy for Essendon in the engine room, taking advantage of GWS stalwart Alyce Parker's absence.
Parker was leading the Giants with 15 disposals and five clearances before an ankle injury forced her out at halftime.
Tarni Evans was on-song early for the home side and could have finished with more than the opening goal after taking three inside-50 marks in the first quarter.
But the Giants lost the lead through their wastefulness, trailing by two points at quarter-time.
GWS young gun Zarlie Goldsworthy had uncharacteristically sprayed her set shot from the top of the goal square, before Courtney Murphy returned serve to launch Essendon ahead.
The Bombers then broke out to a lead of 26 points when Ridewood, pick No.12 in last year's draft, kicked two straight goals.
Evans again flaunted her aerial prowess just before the main break, but could not shake the yips, netting just two points from two set shots.
Irish sensation Eilish O'Dowd almost gave away a goal to the Bombers after sprinting towards the wrong end of the corridor.
O'Dowd had only just landed back in Australia last Friday after winning the 2025 All-Ireland title with Dublin.
After Toogood opened the third quarter with her second major, Giants forward Georgia Garnett responded to end the home side's goalscoring drought.
Evans finally got reward for effort and slotted her second goal before the final change, but GWS could not lift for a fourth-quarter comeback.
In the end, Tarni finished with 2.3, while Giants skipper Bec Beeson had 19 disposals and seven clearances.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Bowers, Miller shine as Dockers power away from Port
Tackling machine Kiara Bowers made a stunning AFLW return and Hayley Miller kicked three goals as Fremantle posted a hard-fought 22-point win over Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval. The margin was just five points in favour of Fremantle early in the final quarter after Port forward Katelyn Pope shook off two tacklers to kick truly. Whether Fremantle could hold on against the breeze was a huge question, but they needn't have worried. Miller caught Shineah Goody holding the ball close to goal to extend the margin back out to 11, before Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster tumble-turned her way free of a tackler before popping up to kick another. Sunday's 7.4 (46) to 3.6 (24) win was sealed when Miller kicked her third goal late in the match, sparking celebrations among the Dockers. Bowers missed all of last season due to pregnancy, but it was like she never left as she compiled 22 disposals, six clearances and 14 tackles as she celebrated her 50-game milestone in style. Gabby Newton (22 disposals) was also huge in what was also her 50th game, while captain Angelique Stannett kicked two goals in her return from a knee reconstruction. Stannett's leadership was on full display in the third quarter when she pulled off three consecutive smothers. "That is the reason she's the skipper. She's amazing," Bowers told Fox Footy. "I love these girls, and I loved watching them win last year, but it's definitely nice to be out here with them. "This group is special, and hopefully I keep winning with them." Port ruck Matilda Scholz (25 hitouts, seven clearances, 12 disposals) won her tap duel against All-Australian Mim Strom (16 hitouts, two clearances, 17 disposals). Justine Mules-Robinson kicked two goals for the Power. Port were dealt a blow late in the first quarter when Amelie Borg suffered a game-ending injury to her left ankle, with the defender seen on crutches a short time later. Fremantle forward Tunisha Kikoak was concussed in the second quarter after copping a heavy hit in a marking contest. The Dockers made a flying start to the match courtesy of goals to former skipper Miller and current captain Stannett. The second quarter lit up when Port's Goody delivered a huge bump on Sarah Verrier. Verrier popped straight back up to gain her revenge, and a heated wrestle soon followed. Fremantle opened up a 17-point lead early in the third term when Megan Kauffman snapped truly. But with Scholz giving Port's midfielders silver-spoon service, the home side closed to within a kick early in the final quarter, before Miller and company brutally slammed the door shut. Tackling machine Kiara Bowers made a stunning AFLW return and Hayley Miller kicked three goals as Fremantle posted a hard-fought 22-point win over Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval. The margin was just five points in favour of Fremantle early in the final quarter after Port forward Katelyn Pope shook off two tacklers to kick truly. Whether Fremantle could hold on against the breeze was a huge question, but they needn't have worried. Miller caught Shineah Goody holding the ball close to goal to extend the margin back out to 11, before Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster tumble-turned her way free of a tackler before popping up to kick another. Sunday's 7.4 (46) to 3.6 (24) win was sealed when Miller kicked her third goal late in the match, sparking celebrations among the Dockers. Bowers missed all of last season due to pregnancy, but it was like she never left as she compiled 22 disposals, six clearances and 14 tackles as she celebrated her 50-game milestone in style. Gabby Newton (22 disposals) was also huge in what was also her 50th game, while captain Angelique Stannett kicked two goals in her return from a knee reconstruction. Stannett's leadership was on full display in the third quarter when she pulled off three consecutive smothers. "That is the reason she's the skipper. She's amazing," Bowers told Fox Footy. "I love these girls, and I loved watching them win last year, but it's definitely nice to be out here with them. "This group is special, and hopefully I keep winning with them." Port ruck Matilda Scholz (25 hitouts, seven clearances, 12 disposals) won her tap duel against All-Australian Mim Strom (16 hitouts, two clearances, 17 disposals). Justine Mules-Robinson kicked two goals for the Power. Port were dealt a blow late in the first quarter when Amelie Borg suffered a game-ending injury to her left ankle, with the defender seen on crutches a short time later. Fremantle forward Tunisha Kikoak was concussed in the second quarter after copping a heavy hit in a marking contest. The Dockers made a flying start to the match courtesy of goals to former skipper Miller and current captain Stannett. The second quarter lit up when Port's Goody delivered a huge bump on Sarah Verrier. Verrier popped straight back up to gain her revenge, and a heated wrestle soon followed. Fremantle opened up a 17-point lead early in the third term when Megan Kauffman snapped truly. But with Scholz giving Port's midfielders silver-spoon service, the home side closed to within a kick early in the final quarter, before Miller and company brutally slammed the door shut. Tackling machine Kiara Bowers made a stunning AFLW return and Hayley Miller kicked three goals as Fremantle posted a hard-fought 22-point win over Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval. The margin was just five points in favour of Fremantle early in the final quarter after Port forward Katelyn Pope shook off two tacklers to kick truly. Whether Fremantle could hold on against the breeze was a huge question, but they needn't have worried. Miller caught Shineah Goody holding the ball close to goal to extend the margin back out to 11, before Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster tumble-turned her way free of a tackler before popping up to kick another. Sunday's 7.4 (46) to 3.6 (24) win was sealed when Miller kicked her third goal late in the match, sparking celebrations among the Dockers. Bowers missed all of last season due to pregnancy, but it was like she never left as she compiled 22 disposals, six clearances and 14 tackles as she celebrated her 50-game milestone in style. Gabby Newton (22 disposals) was also huge in what was also her 50th game, while captain Angelique Stannett kicked two goals in her return from a knee reconstruction. Stannett's leadership was on full display in the third quarter when she pulled off three consecutive smothers. "That is the reason she's the skipper. She's amazing," Bowers told Fox Footy. "I love these girls, and I loved watching them win last year, but it's definitely nice to be out here with them. "This group is special, and hopefully I keep winning with them." Port ruck Matilda Scholz (25 hitouts, seven clearances, 12 disposals) won her tap duel against All-Australian Mim Strom (16 hitouts, two clearances, 17 disposals). Justine Mules-Robinson kicked two goals for the Power. Port were dealt a blow late in the first quarter when Amelie Borg suffered a game-ending injury to her left ankle, with the defender seen on crutches a short time later. Fremantle forward Tunisha Kikoak was concussed in the second quarter after copping a heavy hit in a marking contest. The Dockers made a flying start to the match courtesy of goals to former skipper Miller and current captain Stannett. The second quarter lit up when Port's Goody delivered a huge bump on Sarah Verrier. Verrier popped straight back up to gain her revenge, and a heated wrestle soon followed. Fremantle opened up a 17-point lead early in the third term when Megan Kauffman snapped truly. But with Scholz giving Port's midfielders silver-spoon service, the home side closed to within a kick early in the final quarter, before Miller and company brutally slammed the door shut.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Power veteran, Suns midfielder cop bump bans
Port Adelaide veteran Ollie Wines will miss coach Ken Hinkley's send-off match and the first two games of next season through a three-match ban for rough conduct. Wines was charged by the AFL's match review officer for a high bump on Carlton's Cooper Lord in the second quarter of the Power's 54-point loss at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. The bump on Lord, who had just kicked the ball, was considered high contact, severe impact and careless conduct, drawing a three-week suspension. Lord was later substituted out of the game with concussion. It rules Wines out of Friday night's match with finals-chasing Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval, when the Power will farewell Hinkley and the retiring Travis Boak. Incoming coach Josh Carr will also be without the Brownlow Medal winner for the first two games of next season. Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies is also due to miss Friday's match, when the Suns can seal their first finals berth with a win, through a one-game ban for rough conduct on GWS's Ryan Angwin. In the fourth quarter of the Suns' 35-point loss to GWS on Saturday, Davies appeared to be trying to lay a shepherd for a teammate, but gave away a free kick for his high contact on Angwin. The incident was considered high contact, medium impact and careless conduct. Several fines were handed out, with Adelaide star Izak Rankine slugged for staging and also careless contact with an umpire. Port Adelaide veteran Ollie Wines will miss coach Ken Hinkley's send-off match and the first two games of next season through a three-match ban for rough conduct. Wines was charged by the AFL's match review officer for a high bump on Carlton's Cooper Lord in the second quarter of the Power's 54-point loss at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. The bump on Lord, who had just kicked the ball, was considered high contact, severe impact and careless conduct, drawing a three-week suspension. Lord was later substituted out of the game with concussion. It rules Wines out of Friday night's match with finals-chasing Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval, when the Power will farewell Hinkley and the retiring Travis Boak. Incoming coach Josh Carr will also be without the Brownlow Medal winner for the first two games of next season. Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies is also due to miss Friday's match, when the Suns can seal their first finals berth with a win, through a one-game ban for rough conduct on GWS's Ryan Angwin. In the fourth quarter of the Suns' 35-point loss to GWS on Saturday, Davies appeared to be trying to lay a shepherd for a teammate, but gave away a free kick for his high contact on Angwin. The incident was considered high contact, medium impact and careless conduct. Several fines were handed out, with Adelaide star Izak Rankine slugged for staging and also careless contact with an umpire. Port Adelaide veteran Ollie Wines will miss coach Ken Hinkley's send-off match and the first two games of next season through a three-match ban for rough conduct. Wines was charged by the AFL's match review officer for a high bump on Carlton's Cooper Lord in the second quarter of the Power's 54-point loss at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. The bump on Lord, who had just kicked the ball, was considered high contact, severe impact and careless conduct, drawing a three-week suspension. Lord was later substituted out of the game with concussion. It rules Wines out of Friday night's match with finals-chasing Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval, when the Power will farewell Hinkley and the retiring Travis Boak. Incoming coach Josh Carr will also be without the Brownlow Medal winner for the first two games of next season. Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies is also due to miss Friday's match, when the Suns can seal their first finals berth with a win, through a one-game ban for rough conduct on GWS's Ryan Angwin. In the fourth quarter of the Suns' 35-point loss to GWS on Saturday, Davies appeared to be trying to lay a shepherd for a teammate, but gave away a free kick for his high contact on Angwin. The incident was considered high contact, medium impact and careless conduct. Several fines were handed out, with Adelaide star Izak Rankine slugged for staging and also careless contact with an umpire.
West Australian
8 hours ago
- West Australian
West Coast victim of Western Bulldogs' massacre in hefty defeat at Marvel Stadium
It was the massacre at Marvel Stadium that everyone predicted. A star-studded Western Bulldogs desperate for a victory to keep their finals hopes alive against an injury-ravaged West Coast nearing the end of a season that is likely to finish with a club-low one win. The Eagles were going to need mercy if they were to be any chance of getting close. The Bulldogs showed none as they tore the wooden spooners to shreds, claiming a 94-point victory. The thumping 19.12 (126) to 4.8 (32) victory on Sunday also sent a message to the Eagles' cross-town rivals Fremantle ahead of their do-or-die clash in seven days. And scarily, at times it felt as if the Bulldogs didn't get out of third gear but they kept the Eagles to their lowest score of the season. It was a family affair for the home side, who had four sons of champion players turn out and have an immense impact. Debutant Jordan Croft combined with Sam Darcy, Aaron Naughton and Sam Davidson to be part of a monster forward line that combined for 11 goals in a devastating performance against an undersized and undermanned Eagles defence. Fresh off re-signing, enigmatic midfielder Tom Liberatore proved dominant at the clearances with nine to go with 22 disposals and eight tackles And crafty forward Rhylee West booted three goals as well as having a hand in several others. And then there were the other usual suspects. Captain Marcus Bontempelli (31 disposals, two goals and 10 clearances) burnt off West Coast players like he was a Year 12 playing against the lower grade kids at school. Bailey Dale rebounded off half-back with ferocity and frequency, racking up 34 disposals in another typical performance of the likely soon to be two-time All-Australian. For the Eagles, there was just too much of a class difference across the board for them to be competitive. Stand-in skipper Liam Baker (24 disposals) threw his body with reckless intent at half-back, while ruckman Matt Flynn (40 hit-outs and 11 disposals) got the better of Tim English (20 disposals and 32 hit-outs) in the air but was beaten around the ground by his counterpart. Ryan Maric racked up 26 touches out of defence but turned it over frequently either through poor decision making or poor execution. Even when the Eagles did manage to get some territory dominance, their injury depleted forward line was unable to find a way to hit the scoreboard. First-year forward Jobe Shanahan was the No.1 target, but Bulldogs defender James O'Donnell worked him under the ball well to ensure he couldn't use his strong marking ability to have a major impact. The Eagles looked as if they'd come to play once again, having taken it up to minor premiers Adelaide seven days ago. After giving up the first three inside 50s, the sleeping Bulldogs awoke in a big way and began to slice up the Eagles through slick ball movement. It started with a pair of goals from Darcy, who loomed ominous over the match before the first bounce before Davidson and Naughton piled on the pain in a seven-minute burst. While they dominated the contest, the Bulldogs were wasteful in front of goal to let the Eagles off the hook, leading by only 28 points at the first break. West Coast finally broke through for their first goal of the game in the fourth minute of the second term when Flynn marked strongly and converted the set shot. The Bulldogs responded emphatically with three goals in four minutes as the tall targets forward of centre continued to cause havoc. West Coast managed to get some territory dominance for nearly 10 minutes but kicked only the one goal and there was a feeling that once the Bulldogs regained ascendency it was going to get ugly. This turned out to be correct as the Bulldogs put the foot on the throat with four more goals before the main break to ensure there would be no upset as there was two years earlier. West Coast tried to apply pressure in the third term, but the Dogs weren't panicked and almost played with their food rather than feasting on the Eagles with relentless scoreboard pressure. The Eagles stemmed the flow in the final term but the Bulldogs never really pushed too hard to blow them out of the water, seemingly preserving their relentless intent for a date with the Dockers next week. WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.5 11.7 15.7 19.12 (126) WEST COAST 0.1 2.5 3.8 4.8 (32) Goals – WESTERN BULLDOGS: S Davidson 3 S Darcy 3 A Naughton 3 R West 3 M Bontempelli 2 J Croft 2 E Richards 2 J Freijah. WEST COAST: J Cripps M Flynn N Long M Owies. Best – WESTERN BULLDOGS: M Bontempelli B Dale E Richards T Liberatore T English S Davidson. WEST COAST: L Baker T McCarthy M Flynn R Maric C Chesser. Injuries – WESTERN BULLDOGS: L McNeil (leg). Umpires: N Brown J Howard C Dore A Heffernan. Crowd: 21,207 at Marvel Stadium.
