THEY SAID IT: “The 4 factors was essential. However then for the gamers to get that perception, to have the ability to play towards the very best and are available away with the win … it is fairly vital.” – Melbourne coach Mick Stinear after his Demons downed reigning premiers Adelaide in a reversal of final season’s grand closing outcome.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Maddy Prespakis might be beneath strain to carry out all season after her high-profile transfer from Carlton to Essendon however dealt with it with aplomb in spherical one towards Hawthorn. The lifelong Bombers fan starred with 26 disposals, six clearances and a purpose to steer the membership to a win on its AFLW debut. Prespakis’ effort was much more meritorious for the very fact she suffered a closely corked thigh throughout a observe recreation and did not practice for a fortnight within the build-up to spherical one, passing a health check on the eve of the sport.
THE MOMENT: Hawthorn teen Sophie Locke misplaced her mom to most cancers two weeks earlier than her AFLW debut and gave an emotional tribute after kicking the membership’s first purpose within the competitors. Locke acquired a free kick on the high of the purpose sq., simply transformed, kissed her black armband and pointed to the skies earlier than being mobbed by her teammates. Coach Bec Goddard later declared 21-year-old Locke “a outstanding younger particular person” and the Hawks’ greatest ahead on the night time.
STATS THAT MATTER: A crowd of 12,092 at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night time justified the round-one fixture between Essendon and Hawthorn being moved from the smaller ETU Stadium – often known as North Port Oval – after a “#MoveItToMarvel” marketing campaign led by Hawks coach Bec Goddard.
TALKING POINT: It took lower than a full spherical for critical knee accidents to lift their head once more. Sydney’s prized No.1 draft decide Montana Ham went to floor and instantly clutched at her knee within the dying phases of the Swans’ loss to St Kilda and needed to be helped from the sector. Skilled Eagle Kellie Gibson departed West Coast’s win over Port Adelaide within the first quarter with a knee harm and was later in a leg brace. And the carnage continued on Sunday when Brisbane defender Lily Postlethwaite, enjoying her first AFLW match in 553 days following an ACL reconstruction, went down within the first quarter towards Fremantle with a proper knee harm.
INJURIES: Okay Gibson (WC, knee), E Phillips (Port, corked leg), J Cuthbertson (Frem, damaged nostril), J Low (Frem, concussion), L Postlethwaite (Bris, knee), R Kearns (Geel, shoulder).
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Giants defender Pepa Randall may very well be assessed by the match overview officer for a first-quarter sling sort out on the Bulldogs’ Richelle Cranston. GWS’s Tait Mackrill may additionally come beneath scrutiny for knocking Ellie Blackburn to the bottom behind play within the third quarter. Richmond’s Beth Lynch is in hassle for a sort out that sidelined Geelong opponent Rachel Kearns with a shoulder harm.
WHAT’S NEXT: Within the highlights of spherical two, Melbourne tackle North Melbourne forward of the Demons’ AFL qualifying closing in a tantalising conflict. Essendon could have their first style of enjoying an authentic AFLW staff once they tackle Carlton.
