Hannah KennellyUpdated August 30, 2026 — 3:19pm,first published August 29, 2026 — 3:08pm3.19pmA bunny on the run and a bogey off the back as Dees dominate LionsBy Hannah KennellyOn a sun-soaked Sunday afternoon at Casey Fields, Melbourne finally beat their bogey team.The Demons clinched their maiden premiership in the 2022 grand final against the Lions, but lost every single encounter to Brisbane in the three years thereafter.Melbourne Demons celebrate their emphatic win over Brisbane
via Getty ImagesBut Melbourne finally revived the rivalry on Sunday in the AFLW’s Sir Doug Nicholls round, triumphing over a shell-shocked and injury-marred Brisbane by 56 points, thanks to three goals from Ryleigh Wotherspoon and a career-best performance from Tahlia Gillard.Under the stewardship of new coach Tom Wilson – who took over from veteran Mick Stinear – Melbourne have now won their opening three games.1.16amSaints’ loss compounded by injury fearsBy Alice Burke is seen to by St Kilda medical staff during their game against the Swans in Coffs Harbour.Getty ImagesIn Coffs Harbour, the Swans kept the Saints goalless until the final term in a commanding 5.8 (38) to 1.9 (15) victory.St Kilda’s Alice Burke (daughter of Saints legend, former Bulldogs AFLW coach and Australian Football Hall of Famer Nathan) suffered a right knee injury in the third quarter, with the 23-year-old helped from the field by medicos.AAPyesterday 5.06pmCrows claim battle of winless sidesBy In Adelaide, the Crows logged a hard-fought victory against West Coast, 9.6 (60) to 6.7 (43), in a clash of previously winless clubs.Adelaide set up the win with six goals to two in the second term, creating a 27-point half-time buffer.Adelaide’s Niamh Kelly tangles with West Coast’s Belinda Smith and Jaide Britton.AFL PhotosAnd with stalwart Ebony Marinoff gathering 26 disposals, laying 15 tackles and kicking a goal, the Crows held off a plucky Eagles outfit in the second half.Marinoff, Madison Newman (23 touches, one goal) and Grace Egan (two goals) were standouts for the Crows.West Coast suffered a third straight loss despite the impact of Ella Roberts, who collected an equal game-high 26 possessions, Charlotte Thomas (22) and Isabella Lewis (19).AAPyesterday 3.04pmThe push to recruit Indigenous playersBy Roy WardBronwyn Davey wouldn’t have played football on the national stage if not for her brother, former Melbourne star Aaron Davey.Aaron was in his final year at Melbourne in 2013 when he urged his sister, who was playing locally in South Australia, to nominate to play in the landmark women’s match at the MCG that year.From left: Eliza McNamara, Georgia Nanscawen, Emelia Yassir, J’Noemi Anderson, Bronwyn Davey, Imogen Barnett, Jessica Fitzgerald, Jasmin Stewart, Kaitlyn Ashmore and Nicole Bresnehan.AFL PhotosHer appearance for the Demons against the Western Bulldogs launched a career at the top level, playing, coaching and in leadership roles at Port Adelaide Magpies and the Adelaide Crows.Now, the Kokartha woman is the honouree of the AFLW’s Sir Doug Nicholls rounds, held this weekend and next.yesterday 3.03pm‘Really challenging’: Jumper clash causes confusionBy North Melbourne trio Blaithin Bogue, Alice O’Loughlin and Kate Shierlaw have booted two goals each in a 47-point belting of the Western Bulldogs.The Kangaroos, with their 11.4 (70) to 3.5 (23) triumph in Launceston on Saturday, stretch their winning streak to 30 consecutive matches.Jumper clash: The Roos and Bulldogs wore very similar jerseys on Saturday.AFL PhotosChasing a third straight premiership, North accelerated from the previously undefeated Dogs after a tight opening.The Kangas led by just one point at quarter-time before kicking eight of the next nine goals in a contest marred by a horrible jumper clash – both clubs in predominantly blue and white guernseys, and blue shorts in their Indigenous jerseys.yesterday 2.52pmWelcomeBy Good afternoon and welcome.Round three of the AFLW is underway, and it has kicked off with back-to-back reigning premiers North Melbourne opening the Sir Doug Nicholls rounds with a comprehensive 47-point victory over the Western Bulldogs. More on that shortly.Stay tuned across the weekend for the latest W news.1 of 1
