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AFLW round-up: Blaithín on the ball as Armagh star helps Melbourne Demons to opening day win

Eilish O’Dowd bags quickest goal in AFLW history for GWS Giants

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 31: Blaithin Mackin of the Demons runs with the ball under pressure from Zali Friswell of the Cats during the round one AFLW match between Geelong Cats and Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium, on August 31, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 31: Blaithin Mackin of the Demons runs with the ball under pressure from Zali Friswell of the Cats during the round one AFLW match between Geelong Cats and Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium, on August 31, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images) (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
By AHMER KHOKHAR

Shane O’Neill’s and Armagh footballer Blaithín Mackin made the perfect start to her third AFLW campaign for the Melbourne Demons who defeated their 2023 semi-final conquerors Geelong 40-42 away at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

The younger Mackin sister booted a goal from the outside of her right food at the end of the third quarter and was named as one of Melbourne’s best players.

Mackin also finished as Melbourne’s leading possession getter for her match tally of 25 disposals (18 kicks & 7 handballs) 1 mark, 2 tackles, and she gained 510 metres which was the highest from both teams.

Dublin’s Sinead Goldrick was also one of Melbourne’s goal kickers which prompted Australian television commentator Alastair Nicholson to exclaim ‘You Irish beauties’ after Mackin’s exquisite finish which reduced Melbourne’s arrears to just four points at the beginning of the final term.

On Friday, Donegal’s Tanya Kennedy was on the Sydney Swans team who defeated Collingwood 50-35 in the AFLW season 2024 opener at North Sydney Oval.

The Robert Emmet’s clubwoman collected 12 disposals (8 kicks $ 4 handballs), 3 marks, and 5 tackles in midfield.

On Saturday, Forkhill woman Amy Muholland was in action for Fremantle in their 21-64 thrashing of Essendon at Windy Hill.

Mulholland finished with only three disposals (2 kicks & 1 handball), but she never stopped trying and finished with seven tackles to her name in the Dockers forward line.

Leitrim forward Aine Tighe was named as one of Fremantle’s best players after kicking four goals.

Former Donegal skipper Niamh McLaughlin was named as one of the Gold Coast Sun’s best players in their disappointing 20-74 home defeat to Saint Kilda at People’s First Stadium.

McLaughlin, the 2022 LGFA Senior Player of the Year, and an Allstar winner, finished with 16 disposals (12 kicks & 4 handballs), 1 mark, and 1 tackle in midfield.

Down defender Clara Fitzpatrick (33) tallied 14 disposals (6 kicks & 8 handballs), 1 mark, and 1 tackle.

Armagh vice-captain Lauren McConville missed out on making her AFLW debut for the Suns but was named as an emergency player which underscores her impressive progress after barely a month of pre-season training in Australia.

Leitrim’s Elish O’Dowd made history on Saturday when she kicked the fastest ever AFLW goal, just 15 seconds into her debut for the Greater Western Giants against the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval in Canberra.