Gold Coast continued its strong AFLW campaign with a 7.9 (51) to 1.4 (10) victory over Essendon at Windy Hill on Sunday. The 41-point result was the Suns’ third consecutive win and lifted them to fifth place, four points behind second-placed defending premiers North Melbourne, according to ABC News Australia.
The Suns, who began the season with one of the league’s youngest and least experienced teams, controlled the game in difficult, blustery conditions. Their defence kept Essendon scoreless until late in the second quarter, while Gold Coast dominated territory and established a 20-point half-time advantage.
Three players aged under 21 scored goals for the visitors before Anne Hatchard and Charlie Rowbottom added further majors. Emily Gough kicked Essendon’s only goal late in the third quarter, but Gold Coast responded with two more goals in the final term to complete the win.
Niamh McLaughlin led the Suns with 33 disposals and 506 metres gained, while Rowbottom collected 36 disposals and kicked a goal. Hatchard and Havana Harris each scored twice. Madison Prespakis was Essendon’s leading player with 38 disposals, but the Bombers remained winless after six matches.
Richmond survived a major challenge from GWS to win 9.14 (68) to 10.1 (61) at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The Tigers led by 16 points at quarter-time and appeared firmly in control after scoring five goals in 12 minutes during the second term, taking a 55-18 lead into half-time.
The Giants transformed after the interval, scoring six goals, including two from Georgia Garnett, to reduce the margin to eight points at the final change. Richmond missed several opportunities in the last quarter, but its defence held firm as GWS pressed for victory.
Garnett finished with three goals, while Alyce Parker had 27 disposals and Rebecca Beeson recorded 23 disposals and two goals for the Giants. Richmond forward Gabby Seymour also kicked three goals, and Olivia Wolmarans matched that total. The Tigers improved to 4-2, while GWS fell to 1-5.