Already known but worth noting: Isabel Currenti turns 30 on round 1 game day.
The VFLW Bombers can make another six senior and 10 development list changes over the course of the season, while also being able to sign up to 15 AFLW players at the conclusion of the AFLW season.
One of the Western ball winners who sometimes goes under the radar given the star power of Baskaran and Ham, Asciak ticked up over 20 touches for the first time this season and continued to execute what she has been doing well over the last three rounds. The understanding she has with her fellow midfielders makes for great combination play on the attack, and Asciak often backed herself to break away from congestion. Even in more advanced positions, she would wheel around and look to snare a shot on goal, but couldn’t quite hit the scoreboard this time out.
Another smaller midfielder who just had a crack throughout the game, Sutton also showcased her weapons by bursting out of the stoppage and kicking it inside 50 on a few occasions. Particularly when having the wind in the second and fourth quarters, Sutton navigated the congestion well to pump it inside 50. In the second term she had a good follow-up effort to kick inside 50 then look for the next touch, and then not long after work back to win the ball again at the top of 50 and search long for a target inside 50. Arguably the most impactful Cannon on the day.
Looked a dangerous forward all game, the over-ager provided a strong marking target be it leading out at high half-forward or as a deep forward one-on-one. Her first goal came in the second term with a strong mark over the top of Brisbane, nailing the set shot, then handed one off to Sutton instead of going for goal. Her next set shot just fell short after a strong overhead mark, with her second goal coming in the fourth term with a simple lead out, mark, set shot and goal. She also set up the last goal of the game to Amy Trindade with a nice mark at half-forward, turn and hitup inside 50 just before the siren.
One of Bendigo’s premier top-age talents was once again amongst the best for her side despite the loss. She provided some much-needed run for the Pioneers throughout the contest, looking to receive the ball back after she had dished off to an open teammate. Pressure seems to be no issue Di Donato, as she managed to elude would-be tacklers and find some space in the most unlikely places. Her disposal count finished at 19 in a valiant effort, despite being in a losing side.
Asciak (11) kicked her first NAB League goal this morning. The Jets kicked straight to come from behind at half time and win (Jets 8.3.51 defeat Sandy 3.8.26).
The Cannon’s top performer impressed with her run and carry through the ground. She won a fair chunk of the possessions despite her size, and was an accurate kick inside 50. Sutton would consistently outwork her opponents through second and third efforts, and would keep running for an extra handball while her defender sagged off. Continues to be one of the top names to watch for Calder this year.
Di Donato was close to her best this time out, again lead all comers with 26 disposals and looking classy as ever in possession. Never fazed, the top-ager would assess her options and wait until the very last moment to make a decision, which proved the correct one more often than not. She snuck forward to mark uncontested and convert a set shot in the first term, but looked at home in midfield and did the basics well. With great fundamentals by hand and foot, it was a productive outing for Di Donato.
