North Melbourne continued to showcase their prowess in the AFLW by achieving a remarkable 17th consecutive victory, defeating Brisbane by 29 points in a grand final rematch. The match, held at Springfield Central Stadium, saw the Kangaroos assert their dominance with a final score of 10.5 (65) to 5.6 (36).
The game began with both teams exchanging blows, but it was North Melbourne that seized control with a flurry of five consecutive goals early in the match. This offensive surge allowed the reigning premiers to take a commanding lead that the Lions struggled to overcome. North Melbourne’s intensity and pressure proved too much for Brisbane, who fell behind as the match progressed.
Midfielder Mia King expressed the team’s satisfaction with their performance, stating, “We knew it would be a good fight and they brought it… so the girls are really happy with the win.” North Melbourne remains undefeated this season, currently standing at 5-0.
Key players for the Kangaroos included Blaithin Bogue, who scored three goals and assisted another, bringing her tally to 11 goals in her first five AFLW games. Kate Shierlaw and Tahlia Randall contributed significantly, while captain Jasmine Garner, returning from an ankle injury, recorded 24 disposals and a goal.
Brisbane’s efforts were highlighted by Courtney Hodder, who had 19 disposals. Ally Anderson and Orla O’Dwyer were also active contributors, with Anderson scoring a goal and amassing 25 disposals.
Geelong Secures Second Straight Victory Against Richmond
In another match, the Geelong Cats achieved a convincing 30-point win over the Richmond Tigers, marking their second consecutive victory. The game took place at Ikon Park, where Richmond remained winless at 0-5 for the season.
Geelong’s defense was particularly impressive, holding Richmond scoreless in the first half. Although the Cats struggled with accuracy early on, they eventually found their rhythm, finishing with a score of 8.11 (59) to 4.5 (29). This victory improves Geelong’s standing to 2-3, revitalizing their hopes for a finals appearance.
Key performances came from Jackie Parry, who excelled with two goals and nine marks from 17 disposals. Midfielder Georgie Prespakis highlighted Parry’s impact, saying, “She doesn’t seem to drop a mark, to be honest. Hopefully that doesn’t jinx her.” Other standout players included Nina Morrison, Mikayla Bowen, and Julia Crockett-Grills, each contributing significantly to the Cats’ success.
Richmond’s Ellie McKenzie and Monique Conti were notable for their efforts, with McKenzie recording 27 disposals.
St Kilda’s Jesse Wardlaw Shines in Victory Over Essendon
In a decisive match on March 3, 2024, St Kilda’s Jesse Wardlaw celebrated a milestone with three goals, leading her team to a resounding 52-point victory over the Essendon Bombers. The game, played at Windy Hill, concluded with a score of 9.6 (60) to 1.2 (8), ending St Kilda’s three-match losing streak and improving their record to 2-3.
Wardlaw’s performance was exceptional, as she accumulated 21 disposals and eight score involvements, marking her 75th match in the league. She noted the special atmosphere of the game, stating, “It was so much fun to be out there today… we wanted to win it even more.”
Despite a scare when Wardlaw injured her knee late in the match, she reported that the injury was not serious. Her teammates, including Jaimee Lambert and Georgia Patrikios, also delivered strong performances, helping to ensure the victory.
Essendon, who started the season with promise, now faces challenges after slipping to 3-2. Their efforts were led by Madison Prespakis and Stephanie Wales, both of whom fought hard in a losing effort.
As the AFLW season progresses, the performances of these teams and players will be closely watched, with North Melbourne, Geelong, and St Kilda all making significant statements in their respective matches.
