Sport

AFLW round-up: Lauren McConville makes encouraging debut for Gold Coast Suns as Amy Mulholland scores stunning goal for Fremantle

Down’s Clara Fitzpatrick kick a goal for the Suns in their draw with GWS Giants

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Lauren McConville of the Suns warms up during the round three AFLW match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Gold Coast Suns at Manuka Oval, on September 15, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Lauren McConville of the Suns warms up during the round three AFLW match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Gold Coast Suns at Manuka Oval, on September 15, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Armagh’s Lauren McConville made an encouraging AFLW debut for the Gold Coast Suns in their thrilling 36-36 draw away to the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Suns forward Jamie Stanton booted the equaliser with the last kick of the game from a set shot after the siren. The winless Suns remain third from bottom, but they have at least ended their losing run.

Wearing her trademark white headband, McConville, niece of Armagh legend Oisin McConville, came off the interchange bench to collect 8 disposals (4 kicks & 4 handballs), one mark and one tackle in midfield. She also kicked a behind.

Former Donegal skipper Niamh McLaughlin finished with 10 disposals (7 kicks & 3 handballs) and 2 marks in the Suns engine room.

Down defender Clara Fitzpatrick booted a stunning fourth quarter goal from inside the Suns forward 50m arc when she reduced the visitor’s arrears to two points with 12 minutes remaining. The former Saint Kilda player notched 3 disposals (1 kick & 2 handballs) and 1 mark.

On Saturday, Forkhill woman Amy Mulholland scored the best goal of her AFLW career to help the Fremantle Dockers defeat Port Adelaide 29-37 at Alberton Oval.

The Dockers were trailing at three-quarter time, but early in the final term, Mulholland booted a stupendous goal when, after marking the ball, she bent the Sherrin like a banana on her right foot from the forward pocket to bring the house down and set a platform for Fremantle’s fourth quarter domination.

Small forward Mulholland finished with 5 disposals (3 kicks & 2 handballs), 1 mark, and three tackles for Fremantle who remain in the top eight finals spots.

On Sunday Shane O’Neill’s and Armagh footballer Blaithin Mackin was in action for the Melbourne Demons who were hammered 21-71 at home to the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Casey Fields.

The younger Mackin collected 14 disposals (10 kicks & 4 handballs) and 2 marks in midfield.

The Demons are floundering in 14th spot on the season ladder having only won one of their opening three matches of the ten round home and away season.

Also on Sunday, Donegal’s Tanya Kennedy was on the Sydney Swans team who were outclassed at home 22-68 by Richmond at Coffs Harbour.

The Robert Emmet’s clubwoman tallied 12 disposals (9 kicks & 3 handballs) and 4 tackles.

The Swans are down to 13th on the ladder, ahead of Melbourne on percentage.