Search

show me:

Bowers stars, Dockers thump Eagles in AFLW

3 minute read

Star Fremantle midfielder Kiara Bowers has won the inaugural western derby AFLW medal for her star role in the Dockers' 45-point win over West Coast.

Star Fremantle midfielder Kiara Bowers has tackled West Coast into submission before catching a pitch invader in the Dockers' historic 45-point AFLW western derby win at Optus Stadium.

In front of 35,185 fans on Saturday, Fremantle booted the first five goals of the match on the way to the thumping 9.6 (60) to 2.3 (15) win.

Bowers laid an astounding 11 tackles in the first term to set the tone, with the 28-year-old finishing with 13 disposals, four clearances and 18 tackles on the way to winning the derby medal as best afield.

She also put a stop to a female protester who jumped onto the field in the second quarter displaying a banner that read "Right to Rescue", a group helping whistleblowers facing prison time for exposing factory farm abuses.

As the protester made her way to the centre square, Bowers blocked her path and brought her to a standstill to allow the venue's security to pounce.

"I thought I'd get an extra tackle," Bowers joked.

"We're here to play football, and we just wanted to get on with the game."

The Eagles not only copped a battering on the scoreboard, they were also pummelled physically.

Former Docker Dana Hooker was targeted by Bowers from the start of the match.

And Eagles captain Emma Swanson (14 disposals) copped a heavy knock to the head late in the match in a clash with Katie-Jayne Grieve.

Fremantle won the tackle count 78-49, with their ferociousness a key difference.

Eagles coach Luke Dwyer said his side would learn plenty of lessons from the beating.

"I was proud of their effort right to the final siren," Dwyer said.

"They never waved the white flag and they kept playing the style of footy we wanted them to play."

Roxy Roux, Jasmin Stewart and Grieve booted two goals apiece for the Dockers.

Fremantle's intensity was evident from the outset.

The Dockers laid 33 tackles to 13 in the first term to take a 14-0 lead into quarter-time.

Gabby O'Sullivan kicked the first AFLW derby goal by nailing a set shot from a tight angle, and Grieve unleashed a checkside kick to boot Fremantle's second.

The rout continued in the second and third quarters, with the lead ballooning to 40 by the final change.

West Coast's second goal didn't come until late in the final quarter but, by then, it was already game over.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au