A crucial final-quarter centre clearance by Benalla’s Becky Webster inspired Geelong to its first win of the AFLW season, triumphing over West Coast 4.3 (27) to 3.6 (24) in a thriller at GMHBA Stadium.
After trailing for the entire night, it seemed West Coast was destined to steal the victory when Aimee Schmidt put it in front with two minutes left on the clock.
But as she has done all season, Webster willed herself to the ball, broke free of the centre circle and sent the Cats forward, where Darcy Moloney would finish the job and restore Geelong’s three-point advantage.
Prior to her match-winning effort, the Benalla export was at her brutal best, taking charge in the midfield with 20 disposals and a game high 11 tackles.
She also chimed in on the scoreboard, registering the first goal of the match in what was a complete performance by the 21-year-old.
Echuca’s Annabel Johnson enjoyed her best game at AFLW level, gathering 12 disposals at an impressive 72 per cent efficiency.
Utilising her speed and endurance on the outside of the contest, Johnson did her best work between the wings, constantly helping the Cats move the ball out of their defensive 50.
Kyabram’s Julia Crockett-Gillis also featured in Geelong’s triumph, registering five disposals and three tackles playing up forward.
Her ability to put on pressure was best shown in the game’s dying moments, as she worried the Eagles’ defenders out of the contest, paving the way for Moloney to have a clear shot at the sticks.
Shepparton’s Grace Egan made a triumphant early return from her rib injury, starring for the Blues in their 39-point loss to Adelaide at Ikon Park.
Resuming her position on the wing, Egan was a constant all game for Carlton, providing plenty of run through to finish with 18 disposals, two marks and three tackles.
Currently sitting in 12th with one win and four losses, the Blues will be hoping Egan’s return to the line-up can spark a revival through the second half of the season.
Western Bulldogs also claimed their first win of the season, leading from beginning to end to come away with a 4.6 (30) to 1.7 (13) win over Richmond.
Mansfield’s Bonnie Toogood put in another good performance up forward for the Dogs, hitting the scoreboard and claiming 15 disposals in what was a powerful performance.
She also exhibited her fantastic work rate, constantly pushing up the ground to take four marks and make a contest wherever necessary.