AFLW Round 7 Recap

swinjournalism

16 hours ago

3 min read

Aoife Cunningham on North ending Melbourne’s unbeaten start, Carlton running riot at Ikon Park and more

North Melbourne bounced back from their shock loss to Hawthorn, ending Melbourne’s undefeated start to the season with a convincing 31-point victory on Grand Final eve.

The Kangaroos beat the Demons 65-34 at Ikon Park, responding strongly after their 32-game winning streak ended the previous week. The result handed Melbourne their first defeat of the season, while North returned to the winners’ list just one week after their historic loss. Melbourne led by 17 points at quarter-time, but North kicked eight unanswered goals to take control as they responded emphatically to their shock defeat against Hawthorn. The result also put an end to Melbourne’s six consecutive wins, leaving North and Melbourne with plenty to fight for as the season moved towards its business end.

Carlton put on a convincing show at Ikon Park on Grand Final eve, cruising to a 55-point victory over Richmond.

The Blues took control of the contest, piling on the goals to run away with a 76–21 win marked by Carlton’s Tayla McMillan enjoying a memorable AFLW debut by kicking her first goal. A crowd of 4,032 packed into Ikon Park for the Grand Final eve double-header, with the venue noticeably busier as fans in Melbourne and North Melbourne colours came to watch the evening match. The Irish-themed celebrations added to the atmosphere, with Irish dancers, music and Guinness helping turn the afternoon into a celebration both on and off the field.

The double-header gave fans plenty to get behind leading up to the men’s Grand Final, with Carlton’s big win setting the tone ahead of North Melbourne and the Melbourne Demons’ clash later that evening.

AFLW game atmosphere Photo: Aoife Cunningham

Geelong continued their impressive start to the season, recording a sixth consecutive win with a 36-point victory over Hawthorn. The Cats finished 82–46 winners, extending their winning streak and strengthening their position as one of the competition’s leading sides. Geelong had too many options in attack throughout the afternoon, pushing the margin out to 50 points early in the fourth quarter before Hawthorn managed a late but unsuccessful comeback. Cats player Jackie Parry led the way with three goals, while Georgie Prespakis, Nina Morrison and Mikayla Bowen also helped control the midfield in the Cats’ impressive run.

The Western Bulldogs strengthened their position in the top eight with a 13-point victory over Port Adelaide.

The Bulldogs overcame the Power 62–49, with Heidi Woodley celebrating a career-best to kick four goals and help the Bulldogs claim their fifth win of the season.

Port v Bulldogs, Photo: @jmck.photos) — *Port v Bulldogs, Photo: @jmck.photos*)

Collingwood finally broke through for their first win of the season, defeating GWS 34–25. Players Ash Centra and Brianna Davey helped the Magpies secure their first victory after six consecutive defeats, giving the team much-needed momentum after a difficult first half of the season.

West Coast handed Essendon another defeat, leaving the Bombers winless after seven rounds and, alongisde St Kilda, one of only two teams yet to register a win in the 2026 AFLW season.

The Eagles recorded a 45–35 victory and Fremantle surged into the top eight with a 25-point victory over Adelaide, winning 60–35.

Sydney also secured a comfortable win, defeating Brisbane 37–23, while Gold Coast produced one of the biggest wins of the round with a 69–39 victory over St Kilda.