Wardlaw shines in Saints’ AFLW thrashing of Bombers
Shayne Hope |
St Kilda star Jesse Wardlaw marked an AFLW milestone with three goals in her side’s 52-point thumping of Essendon.
Wardlaw was an influential figure from the outset as the Saints took control early and powered to a 9.6 (60) to 1.2 (8) triumph at Windy Hill on Sunday.
Jaimee Lambert (26 disposals, nine tackles), Serene Watson (22 touches, six marks) and Georgia Patrikios (20 disposals, one goal) were also among the Saints’ best, while Ashleigh Richards and Hannah Priest kicked two goals each.
But former Brisbane Lions premiership forward Wardlaw was the stand-out, tallying 21 disposals, eight score involvements and four contested marks as best afield in her 75th match.
The result ended St Kilda’s three-match losing streak, improving their record to 2-3 for the season, while Essendon slip back to 3-2 after a strong start.
“It was so much fun to be out there today,” Wardlaw told Fox Footy after the match.
“The girls just gave so much energy and they knew it was a special occasion, so we wanted to win it even more.”
Wardlaw sent a scare through the St Kilda camp late in the match when she hurt a knee, but returned to the action after being assessed by medical staff.
“I managed to get back out there, so it’s nothing major. It should be fine moving forward,” Wardlaw said.
Wardlaw had nine first-quarter disposals and kicked one of St Kilda’s three early majors in a hot start.
The visitors led 20-0 before Essendon’s Sophie Alexander marked and kicked a goal after the quarter-time siren to reduce the deficit.
It was the Bombers’ only goal on a disappointing day at their traditional home, where they were held scoreless throughout the second and third quarters.
St Kilda piled on six unanswered goals after the first change in a one-sided affair.
Madison Prespakis (23 touches, six clearances) and Steph Cain (22 disposals) fought hard for Essendon, while ruck Stephanie Wales tallied 24 hit-outs, 18 disposals, 10 tackles and five clearances in a strong display.
The Bombers lost Jess Verbrugge (ankle) and Georgia Gee (neck) to injuries before halftime.
AAP
