Round two of the 2020 AFLW season has concluded and there was a bit more to dissect from the weekend’s events. A few teams remain unbeaten, players continue to emerge and we’ve learned a fraction more about the expansion clubs. I enjoyed writing about the 10 things I liked about last weekend so much, I decided to do a second week of it.
Kate Hore
I wanted to put her in last week’s piece, but I gave it to her teammate for reasons that pretty much epitomize how Melbourne are travelling. Hore was also sensational against North Melbourne, kicking two goals in the opening term. Against the Bulldogs on Friday night, she went goalless, but should’ve had at least added another couple to her name. Her and Shelley Scott were lively, dangerous and were simply no match for the Bulldog defenders in the wet. She looms as one of a few keys as the Demons look to go deep into the season - a breakout season is incoming.
Make Rivalry Round A Thing Again
Round two has three games that were slated as rivalry games, as stated by commentator Jason Bennett on Channel 7 Friday night. Western Bulldogs and Melbourne are the ‘old firm’ rivalry that should be starting the season. We have the first Western derby between West Coast and Fremantle Saturday night and of course Carlton and Collingwood on Sunday. I loved rivalry round in the mid-2000s for the men, I can see huge potential for the AFLW to do something similar down the line. Imagine a weekend where we have those three games mentioned, in addition to the QClash, Geelong/North Melbourne, Richmond/St. Kilda in games that pit expansion clubs against each other.
Jasmine Garner
Initially, I was a bit skeptical about seeing Jasmine Garner playing more midfield minutes in season 2020. But the conclusion after two rounds is that it is working a treat. North Melbourne were simply too strong and Garner’s efforts in this game are hard to ignore. She had herself 20 disposals, four marks, five tackles and even pushed forward to kick a couple of majors. There’s no doubt she adds another dimension to this midfield that already boasts such star talent like Emma Kearney and Jenna Bruton. It’s another dimension to the midfield that could see the Roos make a serious push for Finals this season. Her strength in the congestion is absolutely immense.
Gold Coast Part 1
They were gallant in the atrocious conditions last week, but this was the game that made me fall for the Gold Coast Suns’ AFLW team. From the first bounce against Richmond, it was a free-flowing kind of game, and there was plenty of positive signs from plenty of players across the board. Jamie Stanton bounced back from what looked like a nasty shoulder injury and was the standout Sun. Kate Surman was electric as a forward, Tiarna Ernst’s run-down tackle in the final minute was amazing, whilst Hannah Dunn, Lauren Ahrens and Britt Perry were also fantastic. There’s plenty to love about this team.
Gold Coast Part 2
I loved them too much this weekend, they’re getting an extra spot on this list. I loved the scenes post game after their first win the AFLW. Surman literally swiped the microphone from Dayne Zorko and then spilled her emotions out on the TV. It’s wholesome content and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of it. But then again, folks in the media are supposed to hold on to the microphone, so learn your lesson Mr. Zorko. Also loved coach David Lake’s words after the game: “When you ask the girls to give up their lives for $1.50 basically and they produce at that level, that’s what I get excited for”. That’s genuine words from a genuine man.
Kiara Bowers
In the first ever Western Derby, it wasn’t a thrilling spectacle - more like a bloodbath which would’ve been uncomfortable if you were a West Coast supporter. As a neutral though I was fine with it, just trying to pick out the best and worst bits from this game. The clear standout was Kiara Bowers, who had 11 tackles to quarter time - no that’s not a typo. It was looking like a case of when she’ll break that tackling record, but that time never came as she only ended up with 18, which is still a bloody good effort. Unsurprisingly she was voted the winner of the first best on ground of the Derby. I have no doubt we’ll see her break that record sooner rather than later. Should’ve had 19 if they counted her tackle on the Vegan activist.
Roxanne Roux
It’s taken me a little longer than some others, but I’m on board the Roxy Roux hype train. I thought against Geelong last week, she showed pieces of what she can produce. But on Saturday night, she was simply electrifying. Any time she got near the ball, she was dangerous and then came the contested grabs. Then there was the goals she kicked. Then there was me shouting at my screen ‘Rooooxxxxaaaaannnneeee’ like I was Sting from the Police. I don’t doubt she’ll get the Rising Star nomination this week, and if that’s just a taste of what’s to come for the next decade or so, then I am absolutely on board with this.
Honesty Is Best Policy
Over the course of the weekend, there have been a few comments from some of the players that are a bit more from the heart than your typical responses. Take Libby Birch on Friday night for example. Her interview at the half-time program on Friday night explained her exit at the Bulldogs, labelling that there were ‘cracks’ at the Dogs that emerged during the 2019 season. This prompted her to request a trade to Melbourne. Personally, I didn’t like it, but you don’t have to like it, just respect it. Collingwood’s Stacey Livingstone said after their win over Carlton that if you took out Tayla Harris’ aerial game then she is useless. That’s the kind of stuff that I wish I saw from the men’s game.
Sophie Conway
I know I touched on her briefly last week, but her influence against the Cats was one of a few reasons why they managed to reel in their half-time deficit. Could also have Emily Bates in here as she was enormous in the midfield, with a game-high 22 disposals, but Conway was everywhere, in the middle, she was tough and more than held her ground. Up forward, she was a menacing presence and kicked herself a goal, perhaps should’ve added another to it. Geelong had no answers for her for all those searching for feel-good stories in 2020, Sophie Conway must be up there. A promising 2018, missed all of 2019 with rupturing her ACL.
Adelaide Crows
Adelaide were pretty much matched, possibly beaten, for three quarters against St. Kilda. It wasn’t their best footy and to be honest, they were quite ill-disciplined at numerous stages, giving away multiple 50-metre penalties. Unlike last week, the Crows found another gear where they needed to in the last quarter and put the Saints to the sword with a three goal to nothing term. The usuals - Hatchard, Marinoff, Allan and Foley to name a few - were brilliant. But it was the likes of Nikki Gore, Madison Newman and Caitlin Gould on debut that I thought were extremely impressive and stood up where the game needed to be won. This was a game that proved post-Erin Phillips, they can still be a dynasty club.