Hawks storm home against Port Adelaide
Hawthorn has claimed its first win of the AFLW season with a 32-point victory over Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval. Trailing by 12 points at half-time, the Hawks kicked nine of the last 10 goals of the match to run out 5 (65) to 3 (33) winners.
Poppy Stockwell and Aine McDonagh each booted three goals, while Lucy Wales was influential with 10 marks and a goal in a standout performance. The Hawks lost Jasmine Fleming to a hamstring concern before the match, with Mikaylah Antony coming in as her replacement.
Port Adelaide led by 12 points at the main break, but Hawthorn's pressure lifted markedly in the second half. The home side kicked four goals in the final quarter to seal the win in front of a crowd of 2,706 at Alberton Oval.
Earlier in the match, Poppy Stockwell underwent a head injury assessment after a clash with Maria Moloney in the second quarter, while Abbey Dowrick bumped Hayley McLaughlin on the siren of the first quarter. Emily Bates registered 11 tackles by three-quarter time.
Tahau injury mars Port's afternoon
The match was overshadowed by an injury to Port Adelaide forward Indy Tahau, who reported knee soreness in the second quarter and did not return. Tahau had kicked the opening goal of the contest.
Port coach Glenn Strachan said the club opted to be cautious given Tahau's history. "She had a knee knock, and I think she's okay," Strachan said. "But just with her history, we just decided that it wasn't worth the risk, but I think she's all right. The medical team said that she's okay, and that's all I know at the moment. Obviously, more detail will come, but I think she's all right."
Demons hand Lions record defeat
In other round two action, Melbourne maintained a perfect start to the season with a 56-point victory over Brisbane at Casey Fields, 5 (89) to 9 (33). The loss is Brisbane's biggest in AFLW history.
Brisbane kicked the first goal of the match, but Melbourne responded with 12 consecutive goals to take control. Liv Purcell starred with 31 disposals, while Tyla Hanks contributed 24 disposals, eight tackles and a goal, and Kate Hore had 24 disposals. Tahlia Gillard was influential in defence with 11 intercepts.
Ryleigh Wotherspoon kicked three goals and added eight tackles, while Georgia Gall, Mia Austin and Megan Fitzsimon each booted two.
Brisbane's injury woes deepened early, with Marlow Graham (concussion) and Neesa Svarc (collarbone) hurt in the first quarter. Later, Belle Dawes (right shoulder) and Ruby Svarc (concussion) collided with each other; Dawes played through the pain to finish with 24 disposals and a goal. Sophie Conway (left knee) and Eleanor Hartill (foot) also played through injuries.
Port edge GWS in a thriller
Port Adelaide secured a dramatic four-point win over GWS at Manuka Oval, 10 (52) to 0 (48). The Power led by nine points at three-quarter time, but Brodee Mowbray kicked two goals to put the home side in front. With seconds remaining, Matilda Scholz took a crucial intercept mark, setting up the final attack that ended with a goal kicked with seconds left.
Scholz was outstanding with 30 hit-outs and 24 disposals, while Piper Window kicked three goals. Alyce Parker was prolific for GWS with 21 disposals.
Port's victory was marred by the injury to Tahau, who was helped off with a suspected serious right knee injury late in the third quarter, having previously torn her left ACL.