Dockers edge Eagles to claim AFLW Derby win

A Kiara Bowers tackling masterclass and a star display from Hayley Miller has helped Fremantle maintain its perfect AFLW Western Derby record with a three-point win over West Coast.

Bowers tallied 18 tackles to go with 17 disposals at Perth Stadium, while Miller was awarded the best-on-ground medal for her 26-disposal, eight-clearance display in the 3.8 (26) to 3.5 (23) victory.

A goal to rising Eagles star Isabella Lewis closed the margin to just one point with four minutes to go, but Fremantle held firm at the death to improve its Western Derby record to 5-0 and also notch its first victory of the season.

Lewis finished with a team-high 25 disposals for West Coast, while captain Emma Swanson collected 20 disposals and had five clearances.

Eagles ruck Sarah Lakay tallied 42 hit-outs, but Fremantle’s Mim Strom (17 hit-outs, 17 disposals) was able to do damage around the ground.

Fremantle won the tackle count 87-47, with Bowers now boasting a league-record 10 matches in which she has tallied 15 tackles or more.

West Coast dominated the territory battle in the opening half, spending 65 per cent of match time in its forward half to win the inside 50-metre count 20-11.

The Dockers’ efficiency when they did go forward ensured they stayed within striking distance.

A clever snap from Amy Franklin got the Dockers on the board in the first quarter and Aine Tighe shot Fremanle into the lead when she nailed a 40-metre goal on the run in the second.

Eagles debutant Abbygail Bushby ensured West Coast entered half-time with a three-point lead when she kicked truly following a 50-metre penalty.

Tighe scored the only goal of the third quarter after being awarded a juggling mark that she actually ended up dropping.

Nevertheless, her 40-metre set-shot gave the Dockers a five-point lead at the final change and Fremantle’s four behinds in the final term proved enough to clinch the win.

AAP

Source: AFL NEWS ABC