Fremantle has recorded the lowest AFLW score in the competition’s history, registering just one point as it was held goalless in a dire 26-point upset loss to Geelong.
Key points:
- The Dockers did not get on the scoreboard until the final quarter
- It is the first time the Dockers have been held goalless
- Adelaide and Western Bulldogs both scored wins
Meanwhile, Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs registered round-two wins over Richmond and Port Adelaide respectively.
In a low-scoring affair in wet and windy conditions at Fremantle Oval, the Dockers’ forwards barely got a look-in as the wasteful Cats prevailed 3.9 (27) to 0.1 (1) to start their season with two consecutive wins.
It is the first time the Dockers have been kept goalless in the AFLW.
Nina Morrison’s goal in the second quarter proved the difference for much of the match as the Cats peppered the goals without reward, until they added two more majors in the final term.
Mim Strom’s final-quarter point — rushed through by the Geelong defence — was the Dockers’ only score in a deeply disappointing follow-up to their thumping opening-round loss to Brisbane.
The previous low mark in the AFLW was 0.2 (2), which St Kilda scored against Carlton in February and Gold Coast recorded against Brisbane in 2021.
Geelong’s Amy McDonald racked up the ball at will, seemingly able to do as she pleased with 29 disposals, five clearances and 19 contested possessions off half-back.
She was well supported by young gun Georgie Prespakis (nine clearances and 20 disposals) and Rebecca Webster (23 disposals).
Midfield gun Kiara Bowers was Fremantle’s best, collecting 18 touches, 12 tackles and seven clearances, while skipper Hayley Miller had 14 touches and five clearances.
Fremantle did not score until just under six minutes left in the match.
Strom tried her luck and put a shot on target, but the Cats’ defence were able to knock it over for a point.
Crows fight back to beat Tigers
Abbie Ballard was Adelaide’s unlikely hero as the Crows claimed a nine-point comeback victory over Richmond to get their premiership defence back on track.
The Tigers led by eight points at three-quarter time and appeared set for a stunning boilover, which would have condemned Adelaide to a 0-2 start.
But two costly final-quarter kick-outs from Richmond defender Rebecca Miller resulted in Ballard kicking her first and second AFLW goals to snatch a 5.6 (36) to 4.3 (27) victory from the jaws of defeat.
It was a welcome response after the Crows were well beaten by Melbourne in their opening-round grand final rematch.
Adelaide midfield dynamos Ebony Marinoff (22 disposals, 487 metres gained, 11 tackles) and Anne Hatchard (26 disposals, six clearances) were brilliant, while skipper Chelsea Randall stepped up massively when thrown forward in the final term.
Richmond star Monique Conti finished with 26 disposals, five clearances, seven tackles and 423 metres gained and was well supported by Tessa Lavey.
Courtney Wakefield booted two goals and provided a presence all day amid skipper Katie Brennan’s ongoing injury-enforced absence.
AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
