SOUTHS WOMEN WIN

SOUTH FREMANTLE 6.13 (49) defeated WEST PERTH 3.3 (21)

Article by Chris Pike 

South Fremantle continued its hold over West Perth in the WAFLW competition with the Bulldogs beating the Falcons by 28 points at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday.

Three of South Fremantle's four wins in 2022 came against West Perth and the Bulldogs made it four from four against the Falcons with Saturday's 6.13 (49) to 3.3 (21) victory.

South Fremantle is still yet to lose now in 2023 having drawn first up with Subiaco before wins against East Perth and West Perth while the Falcons have lost their last two games after a first up win against East Perth.

Bethany Bond was outstanding in attack for South Fremantle kicking three goals from 17 possessions, five inside-50 entries, three marks and three tackles.

Zoe Huggett was also impressive with 14 touches, seven marks, three tackles and two inside-50 entries. Her day could have been even better if she kicked more accurately than 1.4.

Tahlea Mulder continued her superb form for South Fremantle with another 23 possessions, six inside 50s and five tackles while captain Lauren Vecchio had 19 disposals and seven tackles.

Reigning fairest and best winner Luci Gilchrist finished with 18 possessions as well for the Bulldogs, Kloe Bassett 16, Charli Wicksteed 16, Trinity Brown 14 and Kiara Templeman 13.

Ariana Hetherington had a third straight strong showing in the ruck made up of nine touches, 21 hit outs and four marks. 

West Perth's goals came courtesy of Grace Betti, Tia Bergin and Elissa Price.

Brooke Hongell produced a standout performance for West Perth ending the game with 25 possessions, four marks and three tackles.

Taylor Ferguson also had 19 disposals for the Falcons, Kayla Van Den Heever 18, Jess Roper 18 and Emily Bennett 17.

It took fewer than two minutes for South Fremantle to make the perfect start at Fremantle Community Bank Oval with a goal to Bethany Bond. She soon had a second on the board and the Bulldogs had set the tone for the afternoon.

Zoe Huggett was able to add another for South Fremantle which helped her team lead by 21 points by quarter-time on the back of seven scoring shots to just one from West Perth.

West Perth was able to hit back in the second quarter and did manage the only goal courtesy of Elissa Price which kept the Falcons in the contest and cut the South Fremantle lead to 18 points at the long break.

South Fremantle hit back to open the second half and it started with a third goal to Bond in less than a minute. However, the Falcons responded impressively with goals to Grace Betti and Tia Bergin to close the third quarter.

That set up a tantalising last quarter with South Fremantle leading by just 14 points but the Bulldogs dominated the final term.

The Bulldogs had the only four scoring shots and kicked goals through Stephanie Mostert and Casey Byrne to secure the 28-point victory and to remain undefeated so far in 2023.