Port Melbourne have held on to record a tense three-point VFLW win over Essendon on Sunday.
The blustery conditions played a factor throughout, causing a low-scoring first half with both sides up for the contest.
A quick burst from Port Melbourne after half-time established an 18-point lead, with the Bombers in need of a response.
@essendonvflw get themselves back in the game via a terrific goal by Eloise Chaston ✈️
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) June 25, 2023
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Some individual brilliance by El Chaston provided a spark, before Mia-Rae Clifford converted from the pocket to cut the lead to just six points entering the final change.
A clever finish from Scarlett Orritt had the Dons within striking distance, but despite their late efforts were unable to land the final blow.
Grace Dicker stuffed the stat sheet again, finishing with 21 disposals, 10 clearances, and 13 tackles.
Port Melbourne’s win means the Dons’ finals fate will be decided after the final round, needing a victory with other results going their way to secure a spot in the top six.
The Bombers will take on the Western Bulldogs at Windy Hill on Saturday, July 1 at 11am.
PORT MELBOURNE 0.0 1.1 3.1 3.4 (22)
ESSENDON 0.1 0.1 2.1 3.1 (19)
Goals: Chaston, Clifford, Orritt
Best: Dicker, Molan, Chaston, Ryan
Image: Nigel Barrie Photography.
