Snapshot for Round 10 of the AFLW season
They said, “The hot conditions are a bonus. It’s probably going to be hot during the final series, so to play in those conditions was a positive for us.” – Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke wasn’t fazed one bit about his team playing in 35-degree heat against West Coast in Perth.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Richmond star Monique Conti underlined her status as one of the competition’s best players as the centerpiece in the Tigers’ 52-point belting of Collingwood. Conti had game-high tallies of 34 disposals, 11 clearances and eight tackles and finished off her hard work with one of Richmond’s seven final-quarter goals.
THE MOMENT: Announcing her retirement earlier in the week, Erin Phillips sent the crowd roaring after converting a set shot for her final goal to seal Port Adelaide’s 58-point win over GWS. The 38-year-old retires as the league’s most decorated player, with dual AFLW best-and-fairest and triple premiership players among her honors.
STATS THAT MATTER: One-time premiership and inaugural Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich became the first to reach the 75-game milestone this round. His side claimed a crucial 25-point victory over premiership favorites Melbourne to mark the occasion and secure a double chance for the finals.
INJURIES: A. Kemp (Haw, concussion), A. Schmidt (WC, corked quad), R. Watt (Melb, concussion), A. Bushby (WC, ankle)
What’s Next: The first week of finals will take place next round, with Adelaide and Melbourne set to host Brisbane and North Melbourne, respectively. After going winless in their maiden season, Sydney will play their first finals match against Gold Coast while fellow expansion side Essendon take on Geelong.
How’s that? Adelaide’s Madison Newman produced one of the more remarkable moments of the season against West Coast when her high snap landed near the boundary line and turned at right angles. To the amazement of all, the ball evaded an Eagles defender and went through for a goal. Even the late Shane Warne would have been proud of the sharp-turning bounce.
Talking Point: Melbourne’s tight hold on the premiership flag has loosened following an upset 25-point loss to Brisbane. The Demons have also ceded the minor premiership and dropped to second place under Adelaide for the third consecutive season. Having lost both to the Lions and the Crows, the Demons could be in trouble as they seek back-to-back flags.
