Fremantle comeback to stun Melbourne in sweltering conditions
This was worthy of top-billing, with Melbourne and Fremantle going blow for blow in extreme conditions at Casey Fields. And it was the Dockers who coped best, staging a stunning comeback.
AFLW
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFLW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
This was the blueprint.
Fast, free-flowing, high-scoring - the plan Fremantle coach Trent Cooper had promised - and apart from for one quarter, it worked.
The Dockers notched their first interstate win with a four-point victory over Melbourne at Casey and fired a warning shot to the rest of their conference of just what they are able to do, and quickly, having arrested a 34-point turnaround and unanswered five-goal run in the third quarter to run out victor.
LIVE BLOG: RE-CAP ALL THE AFLW ROUND 1 ACTION
REPORT: KANGAROOS SMASH BLUES IN AFLW DEBUT
REPORT: FUTURE STARS HELP CATS CLAIM FIRST WIN
“I wouldn’t say the third quarter went totally to plan, but we did want to be a high-scoring team and play an attacking brand of footy,” Cooper said.
“We were still confident at three-quarter time that we could score what we needed … it was great from the girls and the belief that they had to do it. And even at three-quarter time and they delivered at the end.”
An electric first half – led by skipper Kara Donellan and reigning best-and-fairest winner Ebony Antonio – set the tone for a Fremantle outfit that is sure to have its conference counterparts nervous.
They moved the ball quickly and directly, with Antonio – who’d made her name in defence, and Cooper admitting the coaches fight over which position she’ll play – influencing the scoreboard while Dana Hooker laid tackle after tackle in an exciting preview of what the next seven weeks could hold for AFLW03.
“It was free-flowing, there was a lot of good one-on-one contests and the forwards probably at both ends got on top at different stages,” Cooper said.
“I’m not sure it’s enjoyable to coach like that when the fluctuations are so vivid, but it’s a good brand of football.”
FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT
THE mercury hovered above 35C degrees at Casey at kick-off, and didn’t shift much below for the rest of the afternoon.
The league’s heat policy was in place meaning extended breaks for players and extra water carriers on the ground, but it seemed a little crazy.
In an era where player welfare reigns, AFL staff erected makeshift shade over the benches using tablecloths they’d managed to rustle up from inside.
Players draped themselves in wet towels while supporters sought refuge in the limited shade available.
The most popular bloke in town? Mr Whippy, with his queue snaking along the hill for much of the match.
FREO WITH FLAIR
NEW coach Trent Cooper promised excitement and high scoring and that’s exactly what the Dockers delivered.
An electric first half – led by skipper Kara Donellan and reigning best-and-fairest winner Ebony Antonio – set the tone for a Fremantle outfit that is sure to have its conference counterparts nervous.
They moved the ball quickly and directly, with Antonio – who’d made her name in defence – influencing the scoreboard while Dana Hooker laid tackle after tackle. Exciting preview of what the next seven weeks could hold.
LONG WAIT OVER
IT was 921 days in the making but Kiara Bowers finally pulled on the purple for the first time.
The one they call “Turbo” was signed as one of Fremantle’s marquee players signed in the inaugural window back in July 2016 but a horror run of injuries – including a knee reconstruction – had sidelined her until Sunday.
One of the most inspiring comeback stories of the competition, Bowers made her presence felt, particularly for her opponents, landing 14 tackles in the four-point win. And a goal, too – they came from everywhere to celebrate with her, and deservedly so.
MELBOURNE’S MIDFIELD
IT was the big question – how would the Demon’s midfield look without Daisy Pearce, Melissa Hickey and Rocky Cranston in there?
The answer? Still pretty damn good.
Co-captain Elise O’Dea showed exactly why she is so respected as a player, while Lily Mithen racked up the possessions, buzzing around the middle all afternoon.
And as for that No. 4, well, Gillon McLachlan better prepare to be reading K. Paxman plenty of times when the red carpet is rolled out in eight weeks’ time.
Another year, another blistering showing from the gun who has clearly reloaded for another big season.
NERVOUS WAIT FOR SISTER ACT
ADELAIDE co-captain Rory Sloane watched on in the crowd, but this was sister Shae’s turn to shine.
Unfortunately what had shown all the hallmarks of being a brilliant debut, Sloane did not play in the second half after twisting her knee.
“Obviously it was disappointing to lose her during the game,” Demons coach Mick Stinear said.
“She’ll get a scan (on Monday), but I think we’re hopeful it’s just a minor injury. We’ll know more (on Monday) afternoon, but she’s doing OK.”
MELBOURNE 8.7 (55)
FREMANTLE 9.5 (59)
GOALS
MELBOURNE: Zanker 2, Gay, Hore, Cunningham, Jakobsson, Newman, Scott
FREMANTLE: Houghton 2, Sharp 2, Caulfield, Duffy, Antonio, Cain, Bowers
BEST
MELBOURNE: Paxman, Mithen, O’Dea, Hore, Zanker, Pearce
FREMANTLE: Hooker, Bowers, Antonio, Donnellan,
Attendance: 1800 at Casey Fields
VOTES
3. Dana Hooker
2. Kiara Bowers
1. Karen Paxman
Star to face MRO scrutiny as Saints reignite finals push
The Saints have jumped back inside the top eight on the AFLW ladder with a win over GWS, but a gun ball-winner is set to go under the MRO’s microscope.
Costly trends and silver linings among Cats’ first-half record
After a historic prelim final in 2023, Geelong’s 2024 campaign hasn’t exactly gone to plan, with the Cats’ scoring inefficiency and defence two areas which have led to several frustrating losses.