Fremantle ahead Aine Tighe has performed a starring function because the Dockers stored their good AFLW western derby file intact with an eight-point win over West Coast.
Tighe kicked two first-half objectives earlier than taking a collection of essential defensive marks within the last quarter to guide her facet to the 4.3 (27) to 2.7 (19) win at Fremantle Oval on Sunday.
The end result improved Fremantle’s derby file to 6-0, and ensured Lisa Webb began her teaching tenure on the membership with a win.
West Coast ahead/midfielder Ella Roberts (24 disposals, 5 clearances, 0.2) was electrical all through, together with her sizzling show sufficient to earn the derby medal for greatest afield regardless of being on the shedding facet.
Fremantle suffered an enormous late blow when gun midfielder Kiara Bowers was dominated out with knee soreness.
In her absence, Laura Pugh (19 disposals, 359m gained) shone in defence, whereas Gabby O’Sullivan (11 disposals, 14 tackles), Hayley Miller (12 disposals, 4 clearances), ruck Mim Strom (12 disposals, 26 hitouts) and Emma O’Driscoll (14 disposals) had been additionally vital.
Webb was pleased with her crew’s efforts, and he or she’s assured Bowers will have the ability to return for subsequent week’s match in opposition to Collingwood.
“She’ll be OK. She just had a bit of soreness. We’re pretty confident she’ll be OK for next week,” Webb stated.
“Not playing today with Turbo (Bowers), it’s a really good confidence booster for our girls (to still get the win).
“I used to be actually pleased with the arduous work we put in, and hopefully we’re on the best way up from right here.”
Tighe was arguably her team’s most critical player with two goals, four marks and eight tackles alongside 10 disposals.
The Irishwoman kicked the opening goal of the match when she soccered the ball through from close range while lying on the ground.
Her second was an early goal-of-the-year contender, with Tighe dribbling the ball through with the outside of her right boot on the stroke of half-time.
That piece of magic gave Fremantle a 3.3 (21) to 0.6 (6) edge at the long break, with West Coast left to rue their inaccuracy.
The margin was whittled down to just two points when the Eagles scored two goals in the space of a minute midway through the third quarter, including one on the run from former Docker Amy Franklin.
But a strong mark in the goalsquare by Makaela Tuhakaraina helped settle Fremantle’s nerves, with the third-quarter goal proving to be the last score of the match.
“Disappointing to not get the end result. We had a pair extra scoring pictures than they did,” West Coast coach Michael Prior said.
“I believed our effort and depth across the footy was robust all day.
“If we keep playing footy like that, it’s going to hold us in good stead.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
