The 2020 AFLW season is in on the home stretch with only three rounds to go before finals. Eight players who donned the brown and gold in the 2019 VFLW season took to the field throughout its fifth week of play.
Although it remains unclear which players will return to Hawthorn ahead of the VFLW season, we’ve taken a look at each potential Hawk’s performance from the AFLW’s Round 5.
Sarah Perkins – Melbourne
Having spent 2019 on the sidelines, Perkins worked hard to get back to the AFLW. On Sunday she made her fairy-tale return when Melbourne took on West Coast at Casey Fields. In her Demons debut she collected nine disposals, three tackles and sealed the 59-point win with a goal after the siren - a cherry on top of what was an exciting return to the game.
Talia Radan – West Coast
Although it was a dream return for Perkins, former teammate Radan was on the opposing team and suffered a 59-point loss. Despite the defeat, Radan was named in West Coast’s best for her efforts down back, demonstrating her persistence in what was a difficult game for the defender.
Rebecca Beeson – GWS
It was an easy win for the Giants as they defeated Richmond by 45 points on Saturday. Beeson was an incredibly significant player on the day with the experienced Giants midfield controlling the play. She was named in the best for her performance, registering 18 disposals and three tackles.
Phoebe McWilliams – Geelong
McWilliams played a large role in Geelong’s second win of the season, as the Cats defeated Gold Coast by 20 points. McWilliams, playing at centre-half-forward, kicked 2.1 goals, the highest goal tally from a single player on the day.
Rosie Dillon – St Kilda
Dillon continues to produce impressive performances for the Saints and although they were unable to nab a second win, the 23-year-old stayed strong against the Carlton midfield. In the 21-point loss, Dillon racked up 16 disposals and three tackles, earning her a spot in St Kilda’s best.
Jordan Membrey – Collingwood
In her fifth consecutive game for the Pies, Membrey once again had a solid performance. In Collingwood’s 32-point win over the Bulldogs, Membrey registered eight disposals, three tackles and one goal.
Laura McClelland – Richmond
It was a tough day out for Richmond as they were still unable to get their first win on the board, going down to GWS by 45 points. McClelland played at full-forward but was unable to break through the Giants’ defence.
Pepa Randall – GWS
Randall was significantly influential in the GWS’ 45-point win over the Tigers. The Giants’ defence led by the likes of Randall, kept Richmond to just one goal for the duration of the game.
