Latest news with #KiaraBowers
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- 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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
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. What an effort from Katelyn Pope! 😤#AFLWPowerFreo — AFL Women's (@aflwomens) August 17, 2025 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. Tensions rise between the Power and Dockers.#AFLWPowerFreo — AFL Women's (@aflwomens) August 17, 2025 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.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Way to go! Returning stars shine as Freo start season strong
Fremantle captain Ange Stannett and superstar Kiara Bowers have made stunning returns to AFLW to lift the Dockers to a 22-point victory over Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval. Stannett missed all of last season after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament but that didn't stop her teammates from electing her as captain. Their reasons for that decision were on show against the Power as Fremantle won 7.4 (46) to 3.6 (24) Stannett's first kick as captain was a goal during the first term and she then kicked another major in the second term. But it was a passage of play midway through the second quarter which summed up her impact. Stannett laid three smothers in the same passage of play as she made repeated efforts to stop Port Adelaide from moving the ball freely. Bowers watched from the sidelines last season after giving birth to her son but she made an instant impact upon returning to training and sent a clear reminder about her brilliance with 22 disposals, six clearances and 14 tackles in her 50th game. Kiara Bowers is back. Credit: Mark Brake / Getty Images Hayley Miller kicked three goals in a wonderful performance inside 50 and Emma O'Driscoll was outstanding in defence. The Dockers controlled the start of the match but couldn't find targets forward of centre. They led the inside 50 count 6-13 at quarter-time but managed only two marks inside the arc as Port Adelaide kept repelling attacks. Gabby Newton was starring in defence for Fremantle and that meant they led by six points at quarter-time. That trend continued in the second term as Port Adelaide held firm when Fremantle went forward. The Dockers were under siege in the third quarter as momentum swung Port's way. The Power were harder at the footy and kept winning contests, but O'Driscoll was outstanding whenever the home team went forward. Her relentless attack on the ball, run and long kicking continually repelled Port Adelaide's attacks. Megan Kauffman was also prominent all around the ground and kicked a crucial goal. Megan Kauffman in action. Credit: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos / AFL Photos via Getty Images Justine Mules-Robinson kicked the Power's goal for the third term, giving her both of their majors and Port deserved to be closer than the 11-point deficit they faced with one quarter remaining. Port were relentless but got no reward because O'Driscoll was incredible as Port Adelaide pressed to start the final term. She just kept winning crucial contests as the home team reduced the deficit to only five points. But the Dockers stood up when the pressure was at its highest. Miller produced a brilliant tackle on Shineah Goody and booted her second goal from the subsequent free kick. Then Gabby Biedenweg-Webster shrugged off Tegen Germech to give the Dockers a buffer and then Miller sealed the win. FREMANTLE 2.1 3.2 4.3 7.4 (46) PORT ADELAIDE 1.1 1.3 2.4 3.6 (24) Goals – FREMANTLE: H Miller 3 A Stannett 2 M Kauffman G Biedenweg-Webster. PORT ADELAIDE: J Mules-Robinson 2, K Pope. Best – FREMANTLE: E O'Driscoll, K Bowers, G Newton, H Miller, M Kauffman, A Stannett. PORT ADELAIDE: M Scholz, K Pope, J Mules-Robinson, A Dowrick, P Window, A Woodland. Injuries - PORT ADELAIDE: A Borg (ankle). FREMANTLE: T Kikoak (concussion) Umpires: K Bayre J Orr J Armstrong
West Australian
12-08-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Fremantle Dockers ‘undervalued' in AFLW competition as Victorian teams favoured by bias
The Vic Bias is real. That is, according to leading commentator and former AFLW star Kate McCarthy, who believes Fremantle are 'undervalued' in the competition despite winning a final last year. Just days out from the start of the 2025 season, the Dockers are far from the bookmakers' darling for the premiership, paying $34, according to TABTouch. It comes after not a single club captain predicted Fremantle would win the grand final this season, with reigning premiers and heavy flag favourites North Melbourne receiving 10 votes. WATCH FREMANTLE V PORT ADELAIDE AT 2PM SUNDAY ON SEVEN AND 7PLUS 'I hate it but it exists, the Victorian bias, for sure,' McCarthy told The West Australian. 'Coming from Brisbane myself, it's very evident and I think the only reason we see sort of less of that is because of the powerhouses that Brisbane and Adelaide have been in the women's comp as well. 'And that's no disrespect to North Melbourne, they absolutely deserve to be the premiership favourites, considering what they did last year, and a ball hasn't been bounced yet for 2025. 'But I think Fremantle have been definitely a little bit undervalued from the wider media. 'They did have a number of injuries last year, and I think what Lisa Webb is building at the Fremantle Dockers is something that's very special.' Fremantle's best-ever player Kiara Bowers is set to make her highly-anticipated return against Port Adelaide on Sunday after missing last season due to pregnancy. The four-time club champion, three-time All-Australian and 2021 best and fairest winner will also play her 50th game for the club. Captain Ange Stannett, who did not play a game in her first season as skipper following an ACL injury, is also set to return in another huge boost for the Dockers' flag hopes. 'I'm really looking forward to actually seeing their progression from last year to this year,' McCarthy said of Fremantle. 'Obviously had a number of injuries to their forward line on the run, which is really hard to cover mid season. 'Getting Kiara Bowers back is a huge one, she's pretty irreplaceable. I think they're going to be really competitive. 'And they showed last year that their best is good enough to match it with some of the best teams in the competition.' Star ruck Mim Strom is firming for another huge season following a maiden All-Australian blazer. McCarthy said the reigning club champion, who led the league for hit-outs in 2024, had 'weapons that were pretty hard to stop'. 'No matter how much homework you do into Mim and her ability, either at the rough contest or around the ground, it's going to be pretty hard to stop her,' she said. 'And as we see key position players, they do take a little bit of time to develop and she's still really young, so I only see her game improving year on year from here out.'
