A crowd of 6,365 packed in to Whitten Oval to watch the Western Bulldogs strong win over Melbourne in the Women’s All-Star match on Saturday night.
The girls proved they are the ‘daughters of the West.’ Bulldogs full-forward Moana Hope, who will be playing for Collingwood as a marquee player in 2017, was best on ground with six goals in the 14.6 (90) to 7.9 (51) victory.
Hope has proven to be a tough full-forward to beat. If you didn’t already know her name, now you do.
Tonight’s game was an audition for many players in the hope to be playing for an AFL club in 2017. And they did not disappoint.
Both teams put on a great display of football. Their skill levels proved to be high by attacking the ball with strong marks, fierce tackles, courage and determination.
Good composed football from the Bulldogs became overwhelming for Melbourne’s prolific ball-winner Daisy Pearce, who did her best to try and lift the team.
Melbourne’s forwards looked dangerous as Sabrina Frederick-Traub and Tayla Harris, who will be playing for Brisbane as marquee players in 2017, had high-flying marks and two goals each. Although, it was Melbourne’s inaccuracy in front of goals that continued to haunt them.
Tahlia Randall kept Harris to only two goals with effective spoils on many high balls. Steph Chiocci, 24 disposals, provided exceptional shepherds and blocks as Bulldogs defensive pressure proved to be too strong.
The Bulldogs midfield duo Katie Brennan, 21 disposals, and Ellie Blackburn, 22 disposals, showed why they are the Bulldogs marquee players for 2017.
The third quarter proved to be the Bulldogs game. Their midfield and efficient ball movements continued to put Melbourne’s defence under pressure, with Hope kicking four goals to put the contest out of reach.
The Bulldogs took home the Hampson-Hardeman Cup, which was presented to their proud captain Steph Chiocci.
“To my teammates, girls I’m so proud of what we have achieved tonight. It’s taken a few years but we knew if we stuck to our guns and played the way we want to play that we’d get this. So thank you so much and I’m so proud to be up here holding this up for us,” Chiocci said in her acceptance speech.
“To the crowd, to all women’s footy supporters, to past and present players, this is for you. Stay tuned for next year, it’s going to be a ripper.”
Key points
1. Western Bulldogs must sign Steph Chiocci.
2. Women’s AFL players should be paid a higher salary, including insurance cover.
3. Collingwood have a gun full-forward on their hands in Moana Hope.
Bulldogs 1.3 5.3 10.5 14.6 (90)
Melbourne 1.2 3.7 4.8 7.9 (51)
Goals
Western Bulldogs: Hope 6, Vescio 3, Ashmore 2, Brennan, Lambert, Jakkobson
Melbourne: Harris 2, Frederick-Traub 2, Marinoff, Foley, Eva
Best
Western Bulldogs: Hope, Blackburn, Brennan, Chiocci, Vescio, Davey, Lambert
Melbourne: D. Pearce, Paxman, Foley, Harris, Donnellan, Antonio
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