AFLW Roars Back in Opening Round
Ellie McKenzie takes on Brisbane’s Katie Lutkins on debut
Source: Getty Images
It was a round of firsts for our AFLW stars as footy returned around the country.
2020 draftees Ellie McKenzie and Tyanna Smith made their highly anticipated debuts for Richmond and St Kilda, while we saw familiar faces in new colours for the first time.
McKenzie performed well for the Tigers in a tough loss to Brisbane. She ran through the midfield collecting 12 disposals, including 7 kicks at an astonishing 100% efficiency.
Sarah Hosking joined McKenzie in her first game in the yellow and black after moving from Carlton after the 2021 season. As vice-captain, Hosking will look to provide experience to a young team searching for their first win.
Smith’s Saints delivered a dream debut, getting over the line against a strong Bulldogs outfit with the young midfielder playing a key role in the win. She had 16 disposals, 3 tackles and a goal to round out an outstanding performance.
Opposing Smith, Katie Lynch played her first game for the Western Bulldogs in a new role as a key defender. Lynch spent two years at Collingwood as a key forward before making the move across town to Whitten Oval.
Carlton’s Maddy Guerin and Elise O’Dea enjoyed their first game in navy blue after the pair moved from Melbourne at the end of last year.
Guerin was initially not expected to play in 2021 after suffering an ACL injury in round 3 last season, but her hard work paid off as she made her comeback much earlier than expected.
O’Dea played a pivotal role through the midfield and provided a senior voice and leadership around the ground.
Congratulations to Alyce Parker, Izzy Huntington, Sabreena Duffy and Georgia Patrikios for being named in the AFLW Team of the Week, with Patrikios also earning a perfect ten coaches votes. Maddy Prespakis continued where she left off last year, winning the Player of the Match award.
The More Than Management team would also like to acknowledge the passing of Jacinda Barclay and pay our respects to a much loved teammate and friend. Barclay played 23 games for GWS over four seasons as a valued member of the Giant’s family. She will be dearly missed.