Round eight of the AFLW season delivered one of its most dramatic days yet — a milestone marred by injury for North Melbourne veteran Emma Kearney, a record-low score for the winless St Kilda Saints, and a historic first derby victory for the Gold Coast Suns over arch-rivals Brisbane.
Kearney hurt on her milestone day
What should have been an entirely celebratory occasion for Emma Kearney turned painful on Saturday when the 37-year-old left the field clutching her left hamstring during the fourth quarter of North Melbourne's clash with Sydney — in what was her 100th AFLW game.
The former Roos captain had been brought to tears earlier in the day during her milestone presentation, embracing teammates and family. But the mood shifted sharply when she pulled up suddenly while chasing the ball and limped from the ground accompanied by a trainer.
Kearney has battled hamstring trouble repeatedly over the past 18 months, making the timing of this latest setback particularly concerning. With only a month of the home-and-away season remaining before finals begin, the severity of the injury will be closely watched.
Saints kept to one point — and equal-lowest score in AFLW history
St Kilda's torrid AFLW season reached a new low in Ballarat on Saturday, with the Western Bulldogs holding the Saints to a score of 0.1 (1) in a 3.13 (31) to 0.1 (1) victory. The result equals the lowest score ever recorded in the competition's history.
A minor score from Ashleigh Richards with under a minute remaining spared St Kilda from becoming the first team in AFLW history to finish scoreless. Even so, it was a humiliating afternoon for the club, which remains the only winless side in the competition with a record of 0-8.
Blustery and wet conditions in Ballarat did not help, but the Saints were unable to capitalise when they had the advantage of a strong wind. The Bulldogs struck early and defended resolutely when running against the breeze.
The result has thrown the position of Saints coach Nick Dal Santo into sharp focus. The three-time All-Australian, who played 322 games across St Kilda and North Melbourne, is facing mounting scrutiny from fans and commentators questioning whether the club should make a change. St Kilda's winless run has been building for weeks, and another defeat — particularly one this lopsided — is unlikely to ease that pressure.
Dal Santo acknowledged the impact of injuries and travel demands on his squad, though questions persist about whether the on-field performances reflect deeper structural problems at the club.
Suns make history, Power beat Crows in derby
The Gold Coast Suns celebrated a landmark moment on Saturday night, recording their first-ever win over local rivals Brisbane by 20 points at Brighton Homes Arena in Ipswich. A stunning boundary goal from Lucy Single in the second quarter — where she fended off an opponent before kicking truly — was among the highlights of the season so far. The Suns kicked three unanswered goals in the final term to seal the result.
Star midfielder Charlie Rowbottom was outstanding, finishing with 36 disposals, nine clearances, six tackles and a goal, while Single contributed 30 touches alongside her memorable major.
In the other Saturday night fixture, Port Adelaide claimed a 14-point victory over Adelaide in front of 5,441 fans at Alberton Oval. Abbey Dowrick led Port with 23 disposals and a goal, while Gemma Houghton converted a difficult set shot from the right boundary in the first half. Adelaide's Ebony Marinoff was industrious with 16 tackles, but the Crows couldn't find the scoreboard often enough. The win keeps Port in the hunt for finals, though a low percentage means they sit 12th despite being only a win and percentage from eighth spot.
