North Melbourne is already looming at the team to beat after just two games of the AFLW season. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
North Melbourne’s shrewd recruiting plan ahead of its inaugural AFLW season has been lauded as the Roos make a dominant start to the 2019 campaign, while Melbourne and Adelaide picked up their first match points for the year in round two.
In a weekend featuring all five clashes outside Victoria, two of the three undefeated sides clash under lights in Launceston Friday night as the Western Bulldogs aim to become the side to derail the Roos’ stunning momentum.
Friday, February 15, 7:15pm: North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs, UTAS Stadium
North Melbourne’s tremendous start continued last Friday night, albeit in a stop-start manner as everything from light tower failure to threatening electrical storms in the surrounding area delayed its game with GWS on more than one occasion.
Roos skipper Emma Kearney once again led from the middle with a stellar output of 22 touches, along with eight tackles and five inside-50s, but she will need additional support after injuries struck .
Sophie Abbatangelo and Ash Riddell were both hurt in the win, the latter’s incident resulting in a one-match suspension for the Giants’ Nicola Barr, and will both miss weeks.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs opened their home account with another steel-infused defensive performance in seeing off Geelong, Ellie Blackburn starring with 13 contested possessions, eight tackles, five clearances and her first goal of the season.
The side boasting AFLW’s most imposing backline also receives a morale boost up forward with Emma Mackie set to spearhead the attack on return from a torn ACL.
Tip: North Melbourne by 16 points. The home side has looked far too powerful to be stopped this early despite its injury situation and the Dogs’ resilience.
Saturday, February 16, 4:45pm: GWS vs Carlton, Blacktown International Sportspark
The Giants make four changes from the side defeated last week but only one forced, following the suspension of Nicola Barr, whose influence will be missed after her equal team-high seven tackles.
Otherwise, Jessica Dal Pos produced one of her better efforts through the centre with 17 touches and four rebound 50s and will be one to watch lining up opposite Breann Moody.
Forward Tait Mackrill is primed for her debut and has a chance to make an immediate impression against the leakiest defence in the league.
Carlton fans would have been pleased with an immense improvement in the Blues’ loss to Adelaide at Ikon Park last Sunday despite holding a 17-point lead midway through the third term.
Key defender Kerryn Harrington battled ferociously in defence with 20 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency, running up six marks and five rebound 50s in a busy backline, while Madison Prespakis contributed the spark up forward on her way to a Rising Star nomination.
The positives continue with Tayla Harris recalled to the side following her late withdrawal with concussion last week.
Tip: GWS by 7 points. Carlton produced decent enough quality to appear competitive this week but have work ahead to be stringing regular results together.
Saturday, February 16, 7:15pm: Fremantle vs Collingwood, Fremantle Oval
Dana Hooker was one of the undoubted stars of last week’s action, appearing everywhere for Freo with 24 disposals at 71 per cent (16 contested possessions) along with eight clearances.
While Hooker asserts herself as one of the premier midfielders in the AFLW, the Dockers’ high-scoring start to the season, defying many critics of the women’s code, has caught the eye equally, with seven goalkickers in their percentage-boosting victory over Brisbane.
However, Gabby O’Sullivan was one of three to produce multiple majors, and her suspension leaves a hole filled by debutant Laura Pugh.
Collingwood’s forward issues were underlined again last Saturday against Melbourne when it was held to the equal-lowest score in the short history of AFLW at Victoria Park.
Full-back Ash Brazill was once again able to hold her head high following a standout effort highlighted by 23 disposals, more than twice that of the next closest Magpie.
Sarah Dargan was the sole contributor up front with a goal in the latter stages of the final term, but with star netball import Sharni Layton now omitted, the immediate outlook looks dismal.
Tip: Fremantle by 34 points. Pitting the highest-scoring side against the lowest-scoring, this has all the potential to be one of the more one-sided matches in all of AFLW.
Sunday, February 17, 2:35pm: Adelaide vs Geelong, Norwood Oval
Stevie-Lee Thompson became an instant sensation in the wake of her four-goal haul last week, helping the Crows to a comeback victory over Carlton.
Her 17 touches came with 77 per cent efficiency, and outside of her heroic efforts up forward, captain Erin Phillips produced a well-rounded midfield display including four clearances and four inside-50s, while Anne Hatchard laid seven tackles and racked up 22 disposals out of defence.
Crows fans will also be buoyed by the inclusion of the high-profile Chelsea Randall in their extended side.
Meghan McDonald was a shining light in the Cats’ loss to the Bulldogs at Whitten Oval with 21 touches and four marks in Geelong’s backline, both team-high stats.
It was at the other end where Geelong encountered trouble, unable to lay consistent pressure on a quality team defence. Fans have rejoiced at Melissa Hickey’s inclusion in the Cats’ extended line-up after a knee injury cost her most of 2018.
Tip: Adelaide by 18 points. The 2017 premiers looked like a genuine force in their second-half last week and should use this momentum to outlast a shaky Geelong outfit.
Sunday, February 17, 4:35pm: Brisbane vs Melbourne, Hickey Park
Brisbane’s Alexandra Anderson has emerged as a name to key eyes on through the competition’s opening fortnight, averaging 24 disposals, five clearances and six tackles in a brilliant opening two games.
Jess Wuetschner was able to keep up her keen eye for a goal with another two in the Lions’ defeat against Fremantle, while Lions leader Kate Lutkins produced a resolute six marks and six rebound 50s from full-back.
The Demons have their own skipper doing enough eye catching meanwhile, Elise O’Dea amassing 18 disposals to half-time in a comprehensive first win of the year against the Magpies.
O’Dea finished with 26, as well as leading her side in almost every major statistic by the final siren. Should she find her way to Anderson in the centre on Sunday, all eyes will focus on this supremely talented pair.
Tip: Melbourne by 5 points. The Lions came undone at the hands of the Dockers last week and the Demons’ near-shutout of Collingwood holds them in good stead to continue their climb.
This article originally appeared at HATCH@MacleayCollege
