The AFLW finals picture is becoming clearer with only three matches of the regular season remaining ahead of next month’s play-offs.
Given the congested ladder and the jockeying for top four finals spots, there is no margin for error, and this is especially the case for the Fremantle Dockers who lost their second consecutive home game after losing 30-34 at home to Carlton at Fremantle Oval on Saturday.
The shock result leaves the Dockers in sixth on the ladder, with a 5-3 record for the season, and whilst they are only one win outside of the top four, another defeat could leave them hanging on to a place in the top eight.
Forkhill small forward Amy Mulholland had a quiet game with 5 disposals (2 kicks & 3 handballs).
There are a total of nine Ulster women in AFLW this season and Donegal’s Amy Boyle-Carr is the only Ulster woman in the top four.
The three-time Ulster champions has established herself as a first-choice member of the Adelaide Crows match-day squad but was rested for Sunday’s crucial 28-92 away thrashing of the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Henson Park.
“Amy’s played four games now and done some really good things on limited preparation, especially having played a full season of Gaelic before coming over, so she’ll have a rest this week,” Adelaide’s Head of Football, Phil Harper, said.
Fermanagh star Blaithin Bogue was named in the unbeaten North Melbourne Kangaroos squad for their 87-37 demolition of the Sydney Swans at North Hobart Oval on Sunday but was left out on game day. The ladder leaders and premiership favourites are two points clear in top spot.
In contrast, the Swans are floundering in fourteenth on the season ladder with only two wins from their eight matches this season.
Donegal defender Tanya Kennedy collected 11 disposals (8 kicks & 3 handballs), 1 mark, and 12 tackles in a typically consistent four-quarter performance by the Robert Emmet’s clubwoman.
The Melbourne Demons are making a late charge for finals football and improved their chances after defeating Saint Kilda 30-44 at Rosea Park in Melbourne on Sunday. Shane O’Neills and Armagh footballer Blaithin Mackin is currently sidelined with a calf injury but could return next week. Melbourne in eleventh is one of a logjam of four sides level on 16 points pushing to break into the top eight.
On Saturday the winless Gold Coast Suns lost the Queensland Derby (QClash) 44-28 away to the Brisbane Lions at Brighton Homes Arena.
Former Donegal captain Niamh McLaughlin was named as one of the Suns best players for her match tally of 16 disposals (12 kicks & 4 handballs) and 2 marks.