RECORDS tumbled on Friday night as Brooke Lochland kicked a competition-high seven goals for the Western Bulldogs, contributing to the AFLW’s highest team score of 86 points. Many thought that the Bulldogs would not have a clear path to goal with star goal-kicker and captain, Katie Brennan out of the team. But in stepped Lochland, who took the AFLW by storm with a dominant display against an undermanned Carlton backline, which was missing captain, Brianna Davey and consistent defender, Danielle Hardiman. Lochland’s perfect game was highlighted by 10 Coaches Association votes, and a place in the AFL Draft Central Team of the Week.
Many would see Cora Staunton’s inclusion in the Team of the Week as a shock. However, the former Gaelic footballer was a standout in the wet conditions against Adelaide. Her stability was impressive, as she hardly fell to her feet, moving the ball along the ground with her impressive soccer skills. She kicked a goal in a low-scoring contest in the wet, which is not favoured by marking forwards. Looking forward, some might question whether her unorthodox kicking style needs attention, however it is obviously getting the job done.
The Bulldogs have dominated this week’s best 21, after their demolition of Carlton on Friday night. This was highlighted by star goal-kicking duo Brooke Lochland and Bonnie Toogood. The forwards kicked a combined 10 goals in a scintillating performance, and were unstoppable inside 50. Collingwood also fared well, with four representatives in the Team of the Week, after they defeated flag favourites, Melbourne by 34 points.
After succumbing to the biggest defeat in AFLW history, the Blues will do a lot of soul-searching on the track this week, with no players selected in the Team of the Week. Meanwhile Fremantle captain, Kara Donnellan was selected for the second week running, and is the sole player for the Dockers in this week’s best 21.
Magpie Caitlyn Edwards was unlucky to miss out on being selected in the Team of the Week, with a tantalising display of skill across the forward line. She booted two goals, and was one of the most dangerous forwards on the night. But she could not match the likes of teammate, Christina Bernardi and Brisbane’s Jessica Wuetschner, who slot into the forward line in this week’s best 21.
FB: Hannah Scott (WB), Kate Lutkins (Bris), Libby Birch (WB)
HB: Chelsea Randall (Adel), Chloe Molloy (Coll), Meg Downie (Mel)
C: Emma Kearney (WB)
HF: Ruth Wallace (Adel), Cora Staunton (GWS), Christina Bernardi (Coll)
FF: Jess Wuetschner (Bris), Bonnie Toogood (WB), Brooke Lochland (WB)
F: Tahlia Randall (Bris), Ebony Marinoff (Adel), Alicia Eva (GWS)
I/C: Jaimee Lambert (Coll), Karen Paxman (Melb), Kara Donnellan (Frem), Ellie Blackburn (WB), Stephanie Chiocci (Coll)
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