In a thrilling display of determination and skill, Port Adelaide’s Gemma Houghton made history as the first AFLW player to score 100 career goals, capping off a remarkable season finale for the Power. But here’s where it gets even more dramatic: Houghton’s record-breaking goal came after the siren, in a heart-stopping moment that left fans at Henson Park in awe. And this is the part most people miss—her final kick wasn’t just a goal; it was a testament to resilience, as she had missed a crucial opportunity earlier in the quarter, only to redeem herself in the dying seconds.
Reporting from Henson Park, Martin Pegan captures the essence of this historic match, where the Power dominated the Greater Western Sydney Giants with a staggering 57-point victory, finishing 11.15 (81) to 3.6 (24). Houghton’s heroics were just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s the controversial bit: While Houghton’s achievement is undeniable, some critics argue that the Giants’ injuries—including key players like Madison Brazendale and Eilish O’Dowd—played a significant role in the Power’s lopsided win. What do you think? Did the Giants’ misfortune overshadow the Power’s prowess, or was this simply a masterclass in AFLW dominance?
The Power’s victory wasn’t just about Houghton. Vice-captain Julia Teakle returned from injury to score two goals, while Indy Tahau extended her record for the most goals in an AFLW season, solidifying her claim to the leading goalkicker award. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With Tahau’s consistent performance, is she now the Power’s most valuable player, or does Houghton’s historic milestone cement her legacy as the team’s cornerstone?
The Giants, despite a promising start with two goals in the opening term, struggled to keep up as the Power piled on 10 consecutive goals after quarter time. Heavy rainfall turned the game into a gritty, contested battle, favoring the Power’s physical style over the Giants’ free-flowing game plan. Matilda Scholz dominated the ruck contests with 20 hitouts, while Abbey Dowrick and Shineah Goody provided crucial support in the midfield.
For the Giants, it was a tough end to a challenging season. Aliesha Newman, an AFLW trailblazer, signed off with 11 disposals in her final game, though she couldn’t add to her 26 career goals. Kaitlyn Srhoj was among the Giants’ best with 18 touches, but injuries to Brazendale, Bec Beeson, and O’Dowd exposed their vulnerability.
Here’s a counterpoint to consider: While the Giants’ reliance on swift ball movement has been criticized, could their injury crisis be a symptom of a larger issue—a lack of depth in their squad? Or is this simply a season to forget for a team that’s shown potential in the past?
As both teams head into the offseason, the Power finish with six wins, though their early-season struggles cost them a finals berth. The Giants, meanwhile, end with just two victories, locked into a bottom-four finish. But here’s the bigger question: With the AFLW evolving rapidly, what changes do these teams need to make to compete at the highest level next season? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
