Carlton vs. Gold Coast Suns
The AFLW 2023 season is off to a sizzling start, and the Carlton vs. Gold Coast Suns game was no exception. Carlton narrowly escaped defeat, thanks to the heroics of Darcy Vescio. However, the game wasn’t without controversy as a disputed goal raised eyebrows. The Suns’ late-game rally added to the drama but fell just short.
AFLW Ladder Round 1
| Ladder | Team | P | W | L | D | F | A | % | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEELONG | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 17 | 382.4 | 4 |
| 2 | NORTH MELBOURNE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 56 | 16 | 350 | 4 |
| 3 | MELBOURNE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 73 | 31 | 235.5 | 4 |
| 4 | ADELAIDE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 58 | 28 | 207.1 | 4 |
| 5 | ESSENDON | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 30 | 163.3 | 4 |
| 6 | FREMANTLE | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 19 | 142.1 | 4 |
| 7 | RICHMOND | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 34 | 117.6 | 4 |
| 8 | SYDNEY | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 46 | 110.9 | 4 |
| 9 | CARLTON | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 32 | 106.3 | 4 |
| 10 | GOLD COAST | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 32 | 34 | 94.1 | 0 |
| 11 | GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 46 | 51 | 90.2 | 0 |
| 12 | BRISBANE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 34 | 40 | 85 | 0 |
| 13 | WEST COAST | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 27 | 70.4 | 0 |
| 14 | HAWTHORN | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 30 | 49 | 61.2 | 0 |
| 15 | PORT ADELAIDE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 58 | 48.3 | 0 |
| 16 | COLLINGWOOD | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 31 | 73 | 42.5 | 0 |
| 17 | ST KILDA | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 56 | 28.6 | 0 |
| 18 | BULLDOGS | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 65 | 26.2 | 0 |
Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide
The Showdown between Adelaide and Port Adelaide was a spectacle for the ages. Adelaide staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, with Niamh Kelly stealing the show. The crowd roared as the Showdown Medal was awarded, encapsulating the electric atmosphere.
Essendon vs. Hawthorn
Essendon’s clash with Hawthorn was a rollercoaster of emotions. Hawthorn took an early lead, but Essendon, led by Georgia Nanscawen and Madison Prespakis, clawed their way back. Prespakis gave fans a scare with an injury but returned to help secure the win.
Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs
Last but not least, the Geelong Cats faced off against the Western Bulldogs in a match that had everything—except a score review system. Geelong’s strong performance was overshadowed by an officiating error that left many questioning the lack of technology in the women’s game. To add insult to injury, the Bulldogs lost Elle Bennetts to a game-ending injury.
The first round was a testament to the high level of competition in the AFLW. While the games were fiercely contested, injuries were a dark cloud, reminding us of the physical toll the sport takes. As we look forward to the upcoming rounds, the question remains: Will the AFLW introduce a score review system to avoid future controversies?
Get in on the AFLW discussion at Bigfooty
The first round of the AFLW 2023 season set the bar high. From last-minute heroics to controversial calls and injuries, it had all the elements that make footy the heart-stopping spectacle it is. As the teams regroup and strategize for the next round, one thing is clear: this season is anyone’s game, and we’re all here for the ride.
