Pitch invader caught by Docker star Kiara Bowers in historic first AFLW derby as Dockers run rampant
You don’t see this every day. After the WA faithful made a massive statement with a bumper derby crowd, a pitch invader used the occasion to make her own statement.
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Star Fremantle’s midfielder Kiara Bowers has tackled West Coast into submission before catching a pitch invader in the Dockers’ historic 45-point AFLW western derby win at Optus Stadium.
In front of 35,185 fans, Fremantle booted the first five goals of the match on the way to the thumping 9.6 (60) to 2.3 (15) win.
Bowers laid an astounding 11 tackles in Saturday’s first term to set the tone, with the 28-year-old finishing with 13 disposals, four clearances and 18 tackles on the way to winning the derby medal as best afield.
She also put a stop to a female protester who jumped onto the field in the second quarter displaying a banner that read “Right to Rescue”, a group helping whistleblowers facing prison time for exposing factory farm abuses.
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As the protester made her way to the centre square, Bowers blocked her path and brought her to a standstill to allow the venue’s security to pounce.
The Eagles not only copped a battering on the scoreboard – they were also pummelled physically.
Former Docker Dana Hooker was targeted by Bowers from the start of the match. And Eagles captain Emma Swanson (14 disposals) copped a heavy knock to the head late in the match in a clash with Katie-Jayne Grieve.
Fremantle won the tackle count 78-49, with their ferociousness a key difference.
Roxy Roux, Jasmin Stewart and Grieve booted two goals apiece for the Dockers. Fremantle’s intensity was evident from the outset.
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The Dockers laid 33 tackles to 13 in the first term to take a 14-0 lead into quarter-time.
Gabby O’Sullivan kicked the first AFLW derby goal by nailing a set shot from a tight angle, and Grieve unleashed a checkside kick to boot Fremantle’s second.
The rout continued in the second and third quarters, with the lead ballooning to 40 by the final change.
West Coast’s second goal didn’t come until late in the final quarter but, by then, it was already game over.
SCOREBOARD
WEST COAST 0.0. 1.1. 1.2. 2.3 (15)
FREMANTLE 2.2. 5.3. 7.6. 9.6 (60)
GOALS
West Coast: Dowrick, Tester
Fremantle: Stewart 2, Grieve 2, Roux 2, O’Sullivan, Houghton, Duffy
INJURIES
West Coast: Swanson (head)
Fremantle: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 35,185 at Optus Stadium