Port Melbourne make it 3 in a row
By Gabby Woods on April 17, 2023
Port Melbourne have defeated the Bulldogs in a thriller at ETU Stadium taking the win by just 3 points, Port Melbourne 5.6.36 Western Bulldogs 4.9.33.
Lauren Caruso once again proved her dominance, ending the day with 17 disposals and 9 tackles. Caruso is having a stellar start to her 2023 VFLW campaign, averaging 15 disposals and 9 tackles each game, proving herself as a crucial member of Ports line-up.
Stella Reid was also instrumental for the Borough gaining 16 disposals and 2 goals, Reid was strong in the forward line, being hard to defend and finding her way to the scoreboard. Kaitlyn O’Keefe was solid for Port with 16 touches and added to their tackle pressure gaining 6 tackles for the day.
Round 4 saw two players make their debut. Keely Byrne made her VFLW debut, coming from West Perth in the WAFLW in 2022, she managed to get 9 disposals and 4 tackles in her first game. Molly Denahy Maloney made her Port Melbourne debut previously playing for Western Bulldogs last year where she played 10 games. Maloney finished off the game with 10 hit-outs, adding to our ruck pressure. Courteney Bromage also returned to the side for the first time in 2023 after overcoming a back injury, she gained 10 disposals and an equal team high 9 tackles.
Port Melbourne started the day off strong applying pressure to the Western Bulldogs early, it was a skillful first term with Kaitlyn O’Keefe who set the tone for the Borough, gaining a free kick off a great tackle that ultimately set Port up to go coast to coast and gain their first major of the day through Steph Williams in the first 2 minutes of play.
The next major came from a turnover on the wing from Bella Stutt that turned into a 50-metre penalty, putting her 30 metres out on a slight angle. Steph Williams kicked another major in the first quarter gaining a free kick and another 50-metre penalty to put the Borough up by 11 at quarter time.
The second term was hard fought and despite Port not getting a major on the scoreboard they still battled it out in an extremely physical contest. Their tackle pressure was next level and they never backed down from a contest. Courteney Bromage had 6 tackles at half time and Lauren Caruso, Stella Reid and Laura Wright all had 8 disposals at the main break.
Stella Reid kicked the first 2 goals of the third term for the Borough in the first 7 minutes of play, her physicality and being able to read the play set her up for an influential third quarter.
The third quarter was composed from Port Melbourne, and they were able to showcase their skills and worked together well as a team. By 3 quarter time Stella Reid had 15 disposals and Courtney Bromage had 8 tackles on her first game back for 2023.
The last term was an exciting one with Port Melbourne starting the quarter up by 11. Keely Byrne took a crucial mark inside the Bulldogs forward 50 that stopped any chance they had from gaining a score, this added to Port Melbourne’s determination throughout the day. Another important mark was taken by Kaitlyn O’Keefe in front of Western Bulldogs goal that was able to allow Port to gain composure.
With no goals for Port in the last quarter and allowing the Dogs to kick one, it was a tight contest for the last 5 minutes of play. Port was able to keep their lead for the remainder of the game and finished victorious.
Port Melbourne aim to keep their winning streak alive when they face the Box Hill Hawks in an exciting match up on Friday the 21st of April at ETU Stadium at 7:00pm. This will be one you won’t want to miss as both sides have shown signs of a promising season.
Port Melbourne 5.6 36 def 4.9 33 Western Bulldogs
Goals: S Williams 2, S Reid 2, B Stutt
Disposals: L Caruso 17, K O’Keefe 16, S Reid 16
