AFLW Autopsy R1: Beaten by Fremantle - Toogood knee knock - Clarke concussed

[Lore]

ROUND 1: ESSENDON VS FREMANTLE​

WINDY HILL​

Saturday August 31 @ 3:05pm​

BOMBERS TO MAKE WINDY HILL A FORTRESS

In a second AFLW season with major positives for Essendon, the team’s return to Windy Hill still served as their seminal moment.

The Bombers were quick to establish a home ground advantage at ‘the Hill’ in hosting its first competitive AFL-level game since 1991, bringing high-voltage footy back to Napier Street and earning a 3-1 record at the ground for the season.

Today, the side has an opportunity to write another chapter in the venue’s storied history when they host their first ever round one clash at Windy Hill, taking on Fremantle to kick off the 2024 AFLW season.

GOUGH AND GAYLOR MAKE AFLW DEBUTS

The Bombers will blood two new AFLW players today, with draftees Emily Gough and Amy Gaylor to make their league debuts against Fremantle.

Gough was Essendon’s first pick in last year’s draft, with the Sandringham Dragon product being selected with pick No. 20. Gough’s will look to use her presence forward of the ball, in which she was impactful in both club’s preseason games.

Gaylor joined the Bombers ahead of the draft as an Expansion Signing and has impressed throughout her first pre-season. Gaylor’s impressive running capacity will be an exciting addition to the side, bringing some speed on the outside of the contest.

KEANEY AND GAY TO DON THE SASH

Recruits Bess Keaney and Maddi Gay will Don the Sash for the first time today, with the experienced recruits impressing throughout their first pre-season at the NEC Hangar.

Gay will look to slot into a growing backline after playing 54 games at Carlton and Melbourne while Keaney has showed strong form over the preseason after coming across from Gold Coast where she played 39 games.

Both were also named to the Bomber’s leadership group earlier in the pre-season and will continue to have a strong positive impact on the group on the field.

BANNISTER RETURNS

After suffering an ACL injury in round seven last year, forward Daria Bannister will make her return to AFLW. Bannister’s diligent rehab and training will see her return from the ACL injury in only 322 days.

BLACK ARMBANDS

The club is saddened by the passing of several family members of AFLW players throughout the off-season. The team will wear black armbands during today’s match as a mark of respect and show support for their families.

INJURY UPDATE

Player	Injury	Weeks
Paige Scott	Foot	3 weeks
Brooke Brown	Calf	7 weeks

ESSENDON AFLW FIXTURE

Week 2 v West Coast. Saturday, September 7 at 1:05pm (AEST) at Mineral Resources Park

Week 3 v St Kilda. Sunday, September 15 at 3:05pm (AEST) at Windy Hill

Week 4 v Adelaide. Sunday September 22 at 12:35pm (AEST) at Unley Oval

 

[Beerfish]

Looking forward to watching an Essendon side that digs in and gives a shit about winning.

 

[Lore]

 

[Lore]

OP updated. Teams:

 

[Beerfish]

For some reason I had this pencilled in for tomorrow not today.

 

[scythe]

With any luck, being here today should remind me what being an Essendon fan ought to be about.

 

[Harlequin]

C’mon Bombers

 

[Maddogm]

She's back!!!

 

[Harlequin]

Goal to Daria Bannister

 

[scythe]

I’m liking the setup around the contest.

 

[Maddogm]

We may need someone to hold the feed cables together Doc Brown style

 

[Harlequin]

Qtr Time
Essendon 1 2 8
Freo 0

 

[yodellinhank]

Was AFLW always buried on Kayo? Dumb move. Get it popular first.

 

[Maddogm]

ouch!

 

[scythe]

Far out, she hasn’t moved.

 

[Maddogm]

Amber looked out cold straight away

 

[jdstorm]

What a bad collision

 

[scythe]

Gone to sleep.

 

[jdstorm]

Ball usage off HB seems to be a universal issue

 

[scythe]

Lmao, coward move. Got what it deserved.

 

[Harlequin]

Essendon 2 2 14
Freo 4 2 26

 

[Maddogm]

Nanscawen everywhere so far

 

[scythe]

Massively against the run there. Needed that!

 

[jdstorm]

Gaylor showing lots of talent

 

[Beerfish]

Almost as frustrating as watching the blokes.