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North Melbourne continued their hot form in week six of the AFLW season, while Richmond made the most of a lightning break against Collingwood.
A SNAPSHOT OF WEEK SIX OF THE AFLW SEASON
THEY SAID IT: "I can't fault their effort. Every week they bring effort, but we're up against the best side in the competition." - Western Bulldogs coach Tamara Hyett was left in no doubt North Melbourne are the team to beat this year after seeing her side held goalless in 55-point drubbing.
THE MOMENT: Adelaide's Hannah Munyard kicked a goal-of-the-year contender against St Kilda with a superb check side effort from an acute angle after burning off an opponent.
STAT THAT MATTERS: The Western Bulldogs managed just 0.4 (4) in a 55-point hiding from flag favourites North Melbourne. It was the second time the Bulldogs had been held goalless this season and was their lowest tally in an AFLW match. The one-sided affair brought Tamara Hyett's side back to earth with a thud after two successive wins. Meanwhile, Brisbane set an AFLW record of kicking at least one goal in 22 successive quarters as they recorded a 55-point thumping of Carlton.
TALKING POINT: There were bizarre scenes at Punt Road when a wild lightning storm at half-time delayed the resumption of play between Richmond and Collingwood. The main break was extended by about half an hour before the teams were allowed back onto the ground. The Tigers handled the disruption far better, kicking four unanswered goals in the second half to run out convincing 36-point winners. Richmond coach Ryan Ferguson hailed his side's maturity, saying: "To come out after half-time and stay composed and start the game again and assert our authority, I was really happy with that."
SHOW OF GUTS: Hawthorn were left with just two fit players on the bench after three players went down with injury in the first quarter of Sunday's match against Fremantle. But the Hawks bravely fought on, holding off Fremantle time and again to post a famous nine-point victory that has them on track to qualify for the finals for the first time.
PLAYERS OF THE ROUND: Adelaide star Ebony Marinoff was huge in her team's four-point win over St Kilda, racking up 31 disposals, 17 tackles, 16 contested possessions, nine clearances and six marks. Richmond's Ellie McKenzie is putting together a fine season on return from injury and is having a huge impact on her side's quest for a finals berth. Against Collingwood on Saturday, McKenzie kicked two important goals before halftime to give the Tigers ascendancy and finished as one of the most influential players on the ground with 18 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven clearances and seven tackles.
INJURIES: B O'Rourke (Geel, shoulder), M Bragg (Geel, ribs), E Gamble (Ess, finger), P Scott (Ess, quad), A Ballard (Adel, knee), K Mueller (Adel, migraine), L Ahrens (WB, foot), M Hendrie (Carl, foot soreness), A Clarke (Ess, knee), M Eardley (Haw, neck), L Stone (Haw, ankle), K Stratton (Haw, ankle).
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Star Essendon midfielder Madison Prespakis was among seven players fined for their part in the Bombers-Swans melee earlier in the week. Collingwood's Sabrina Frederick escaped with a fine for a rough conduct charge.
WHAT'S NEXT: A total of 11 matches will be played in week seven of the AFLW season. St Kilda and GWS kick things off on Tuesday night, with Adelaide hosting Melbourne on Wednesday, and Port aiming to make it three wins in a row when they face Collingwood on Thursday. Friday night's match pits the Bulldogs against the in-form Bombers. Hawthorn's clash with West Coast on Saturday is a big one, while Saturday night features Brisbane up against Gold Coast. Unbeaten North Melbourne will be among the teams in action on Sunday when they face Sydney.