Essendon VFLW has finished the season on a high, recording back-to-back wins with a stirring 77-point victory over Williamstown at Windy Hill on Saturday.                                     

The Dons were a class above, running out 11.12 (78) to 0.1 (1) victors in one of their best performances of the year. 

Essendon kicked off the day in fine form, leading the inside 50s early with a fast and offensive game style.               

A stunning run-and-carry from Krstel Petrevski saw Ruby Svarc get the first on the board.       

It took just three minutes for Lori Stepnell to extend the Dons’ lead even further.      

Williamstown kept the pressure on, attempting to steady the contest, but was intimidated by the fast-finishing Bombers outfit.            

Petrevski showed her class, booting a clutch goal to bolt away from the Seagulls.      

It was Essendon reaping the benefits initially, finishing the quarter with a 17-point buffer.        

The Bombers started the second term strong, locking the ball in their offensive 50 early.   

Alex Quigley slotted two goals to spark the Dons who continued to dominate around clearances and the contested ball.                

Costly turnovers from Williamstown helped the Bombers, who led by 34 points at half-time.     

Essendon came out firing in the third, looking to keep its momentum rolling from the second half. 

The crowd in attendance at Windy Hill erupted as Erin Gogerly and Federica Frew sent the ball sailing through the middle.         

A brilliant defensive effort provided a spark for the Dons, and helped Monique DeMatteo and Shae Audley find the goals for the first time on the day.             

A strong mark and late goal from Federica Frew saw the Bombers take a 67-point lead into the final term.      

It was a fairly scrappy start to the fourth quarter, as both teams struggled to gain any form of momentum.      

DeMatteo slotted her second major to reignite the Bombers’ confidence.     

Essendon’s backline, led by Kendra Heil, was at its very best, keeping the visitors goalless for four quarters.     

Alana Barba, Molly Warburton and Lauren Ahrens continued to build on their impressive game.

The Bombers settled and played composed football to close out the game 77-point victors.

 

Senior coach Brendan Major was incredibly proud of his side’s convincing victory.     

“I’m so incredibly proud of this team,” Major said.

“I think it was the first time this year that we’ve played four quarters of footy.

“Our ground-level pressure really kicked up in the second quarter and we used the ball really well.” 

The VFLW Dons put an end to their 2019 home-and-away season, finishing in ninth place with six wins - five more than last year.      

Major said he hoped the playing group would leap into finals next season.      

“I think the goal for next year is to develop the list,” he said.

“We’re a middle-of-the-road team this year, we want to try and attract more players and play finals footy.     

“We want to be a successful footy club.”   

Essendon 3.0 5.4 10.6 11.12 (78) 
Williamstown 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 (1)            

GOALS

Essendon – Quigley 2, Frew 2, DeMatteo2, Svarc, Stepnell, Petrevski, Gogerly, Audley

Williamstown –

Victoria Raptis is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.