Essendon’s VFLW resurgence has continued with a solid 2.8 (20) to 1.2 (8) victory over the Southern Saints on Sunday. 

The Dons dominated the contest around the ground in tricky conditions, constricting a Saints outfit that struggled to generate chances against a much-improved Essendon defence. 

The Bombers looked dangerous right from the get-go, applying a heap of pressure through the physical presence of Megan Ryan and Mia-Rae Clifford, but failing to convert their opportunities in a 0.5 opening term.  

The second quarter remained mostly stagnant as the rain continued to bucket down at the NEC Hangar, but a late venture forward saw Maddi Wilson snap truly to give the team some much needed breathing room on the cusp of half-time. 

On a day where goals were hard to come by, new recruit Olivia Manfre bobbed up in the final quarter to ram home what would prove to be the sealer. 

 Despite a replying goal from Emma Stuber, Essendon held steady to ultimately cruise to the 12-point win.  

There were several standouts on the day, most notably Steph Wales, who was clearly best afield with 19 disposals, 30 hitouts, and nine clearances a great reward for her enormous work around the ground in testing conditions. 

The team’s ferocious tackling was another highlight, Grace Dicker finishing with 19 in a monstrous outing – Ash van Loon and Amelia Radford also racked up 13 each, Radford providing a typically industrious performance through the middle. 

Sophie van De Heuvel and Georgia Clarke also looked a class above on the slippery deck, plucking five and four marks respectively. 

Essendon will look to build on their terrific form against Box Hill away from home next Saturday.  

ESSENDON                                 0.5    1.7    1.8   2.8 (20)  
SOUTHERN SAINTS                   0.0    0.0    0.1   1.2 (8)  

GOALS 

Wilson, Manfre  

BEST 

Wales, Radford, Dicker, van De Heuvel, G.Clarke