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
Pope Paul VII
Guest
good footy
Steve Mcglashan
Guest
Yeah I thought I'd have a look and gotta say I enjoyed it. The women certainly are passionate about it and played accordingly. Mo Hope looks a star and being a Collingwood fan I couldn't help but have a smile when she kicked that banana and played it up with the crowd. She looks like a cult figure to me and someone the afl can promote the game with
Alyssa Coady
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the stats. That is a fantastic result! Last night was definitely a win for women's footy.
Simoc
Guest
The game was of a high standard and sure beat watching the local fare of Brisbane Lions or Gold Coast Suns play. There were some great players on display so I expect their names to become well known . I just remember numbers 26, 1, and 7. Plus Hope.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
This is Fox article takes a close look at the TV numbers and provides a summary of what happens now between now and the start of the inaugural season: http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/impressive-television-ratings-strong-attendance-show-the-success-and-potential-of-womens-football/news-story/7cb89d13a6bed6ecd0316b866a0074fe "The average TV audience in Melbourne was 387,000. That number exceeded every AFL Saturday night game average audience this year, with St Kilda’s win over Geelong (347,000) the previous season high. Nationally, the game averaged 746,000 viewers (metropolitan and regional) and peaked at 1.05 million."
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Coincidentally, I only just saw an ABC special on Susan Alberti and Mo Hope, and they touched on their hopes for, and excitement surrounding the new womens comp. Most people have probably heard about the excellent ratings last night, but if you haven't, here they are: Sat TV #AFLWomensGame #WhittenOval Seven 465k (Mel 387k Ade 78k) 7mate 78k (Syd 17k Bri 21k Per 40k) Total ratings: 543k.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Alyssa agree with your three concluding points. I'm really hoping the dogs do pick Chiocci - to have her, Brennan and Blackburn in the same team would be fantastic!
Gyfox
Guest
I, too, watched it on TV. Great game & enjoyed the more open play & skills shown. Whitten Oval looked fantastic with great atmosphere - but to describe it as packed is a bit of an exaggeration.
mds1970
Roar Guru
I watched the game on telly. Very entertaining and enjoyable to watch; and despite the doom-sayers, the standard wasn't bad at all. As a showcase of what to expect when the National Womens League starts up next season, it was a resounding success. The new league adds a new dimension to the AFL season. I've signed up as a Foundation Member for GWS Giants, who will be fielding a team in the comp.