Sport

AFLW round-up: Suns subdued despite Irish quartet as Amy Boyle-Carr makes winning start to Crows career

Tipperary’s Aishling Moloney kicks four goals as Geelong see of Gold Coast Suns

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Aishling Moloney of the Cats competes for the ball during the round four AFLW match between Gold Coast Suns and Geelong Cats at People First Stadium, on September 21, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
Aishling Moloney of the Cats competes for the ball during the round four AFLW match between Gold Coast Suns and Geelong Cats at People First Stadium, on September 21, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images) (Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
By AHMER KHOKHAR

Not even an Irish fab four of Lauren McConville, Niamh McLaughlin, Clara Fitzpatrick, and Cara McCrossan could save the Gold Coast Suns from slumping to their third defeat in four matches after a dismal round four home loss to Geelong at People First Stadium on Saturday.

The Suns are languishing second from bottom on the season ladder with only a draw against The Great Western Sydney Giants last week to show for their dismal 2024 campaign to date.

There are only 10 rounds of the regular season in AFLW this year before nxt month’s finals which suggests the Suns play off prospects are all but over.

Tipperary ace Aishling Moloney booted a career-high four goals in a forward masterclass that left the Suns season in tatters.

Starting her first full AFLW game, Armagh’s Lauren McConville only managed one handball and two tackles in midfield.

Alongside McConville, former Donegal captain Niamh McLaughlin collected 14 disposals (8 kicks & 6 handballs), 4 marks, and 4 tackles.

Down defender Clara Fitzpatrick chipped in with 7 disposals (2 kicks & 5 handballs), 2 marks, and 1 tackle.

Tyrone-born Cara McCrossan also notched 7 disposals (2 kicks 7 5 handballs), and 1 mark in the Suns forward line.

Also, on Saturday, the Melbourne Demons season turned into a full-blown crisis after they lost 47-41 away to sixth placed Fremantle Dockers at Fremantle Oval in Perth.

Leitrim’s Aine Tighe booted the winner with the last kick of the game to complete a stunning fourth quarter comeback by the Dockers.

Melbourne in 14th on the season ladder have only won one of their first four matches and their slim finals hopes are hanging by a thread.

Shane O’Neill’s and Armagh footballer Blaithin Mackin finished with just two disposals (1 kick & 1 handball).

Forkhill forward Amy Mulholland tallied 5 disposals (3 kicks & 2 handballs), 1 mark, and 2 tackles for Fremantle.

On Sunday, Donegal footballer Amy Boyle-Carr made an encouraging AFLW debut for ladder leaders the Adelaide Crows in their 62-29 defeat of Essendon at Thomas Farms Oval.

The three-time Ulster champion collected 7 disposals (4 kicks & 3 handballs) and 2 tackles.

Donegal’s Tanya Kennedy was named as one of the Sydney Swans best players on Sunday in their thrilling 43-40 derby win over GWS at Henson Park.

The Robert Emmet’s clubwoman collected 16 disposals (8 kick & 8 handballs) 2 marks, and 9 tackles in defence.

The Swans in ninth are only one win outside the top four.

Fermanagh star Blaithin Bogue, who joined the North Melbourne Kangaroos in the off-season, is now the only 2024 recruit from Ulster yet to make her AFLW debut this season.