Quick Read
- Melbourne defeated Gold Coast by 87 points, climbing to second on the AFLW ladder.
- North Melbourne extended their winning streak to 19 after overcoming Essendon.
- Hawthorn beat Geelong by one point in a thrilling finish.
- Carlton, Collingwood, St. Kilda, Adelaide, Brisbane, and West Coast also posted victories.
Melbourne’s Ruthless Display Shakes Up the Ladder
The 2025 AFLW season is rapidly building momentum, and Round 7 has given fans plenty to discuss. Melbourne’s 87-point demolition of Gold Coast at Casey Fields was a statement not just of their power, but their intent. Tyla Hanks, the midfield engine, delivered a masterclass with 25 disposals, 11 score involvements, and six inside-50s. Her performance, as reported by ABC News, was instrumental in the Demons’ 13.15 (93) to 0.6 (6) victory — their third-highest score and third-biggest win in AFLW history.
Melbourne’s dominance extended across the ground. Megan Fitzsimon contributed 21 disposals and 15 tackles, while Kate Hore and Paxy Paxman each slotted two majors. Despite the blustery conditions, Melbourne executed their game plan with precision, blitzing the Suns early and never letting up. Gold Coast, meanwhile, were left searching for answers. Claudia Whitfort’s early hamstring injury compounded their woes, and despite Charlie Rowbottom’s 23 disposals, the Suns were held to their equal second-lowest total ever.
As Hanks herself noted post-match, “Some of the girls are just playing roles … they probably don’t get the recognition, but they’re really important.” In a team brimming with talent, it’s the cohesion and shared responsibility that sets Melbourne apart.
North Melbourne’s Streak Survives a Scare
Elsewhere, North Melbourne faced Essendon at Windy Hill in what started as an unexpected contest. The reigning premiers, who hadn’t been held scoreless in a quarter for five years, looked rattled as Essendon jumped to a 20-point lead after relentless pressure and three straight goals. Smart-ball technology denied Essendon’s Bonnie Toogood an early opener, but the Bombers kept pushing, determined to snap a losing streak.
But North Melbourne are no strangers to adversity. Led by Ash Riddell — who followed her record-breaking 44 disposals last week with another 28 and a goal — the Kangaroos roared back in the second term. Blaithin Bogue and Kate Shierlaw each added two goals, and North’s class began to shine through. Essendon fought gamely, with Maddy Prespakis and Georgia Nanscawen combining for 48 disposals, but fatigue and North’s depth proved decisive. The Kangaroos ran out 10.11 (71) to 6.5 (41) victors, notching their 19th straight win and keeping their perfect season alive.
Close Calls and Rising Tensions Across the Grounds
This round was not short on drama elsewhere. At GMHBA Stadium, Hawthorn edged Geelong by a single point — 6.6 (36) to 5.5 (35) — in a game where every possession counted. Carlton bounced back from a tough loss last week to North Melbourne, narrowly beating Fremantle at Ikon Park. The Blues, the most improved side in 2025, showed resilience and tactical growth.
The Western Bulldogs, desperate for their second win, faced Collingwood at Mission Whitten Oval. The Magpies, with a youthful lineup, outmaneuvered the Bulldogs, whose reliance on veterans Ellie Blackburn, Issy Pritchard, and Alice Edmonds was under scrutiny. Collingwood’s emerging game plan and energetic play led them to a 14-point win, highlighting the need for the Bulldogs’ younger talent to step up.
Sunday’s fixtures added further intrigue. St. Kilda, buoyed by two consecutive wins, survived a nail-biter against the struggling Tigers, while Port Adelaide displayed flashes of brilliance but were let down by their inability to transition from defense to attack. The Saints’ 11-point victory was a testament to their growing confidence.
Teams Under Pressure and Players to Watch
Sydney Swans, after two unexpected defeats, faced the Adelaide Crows at Thomas Farms Oval. Sydney’s faith in their game plan appeared shaky, and their attempts to neutralize Chloe Molloy fell short. Adelaide, coming off a scare against Gold Coast, found their rhythm and secured a 16-point win. With both teams sitting just outside the top spots, the contest revealed vulnerabilities and ambitions yet to be fulfilled.
Brisbane, usually a home powerhouse, struggled to assert themselves at Brighton Homes Arena. Richmond, still searching for their first win of the year, exposed Brisbane’s reliance on star performers. The Lions’ 25-point win was hard-fought, but questions remain about their ability to withstand the competition’s rising standards.
Over in Perth, GWS Giants aimed to make club history with a third consecutive win, riding high on their ‘Orange Tsunami’ pressure game. West Coast, coming off two losses, needed a response. The match-up between Ella Roberts and Zarlie Goldsworthy, two rising stars, promised excitement for years to come. The Eagles clinched a 16-point victory, but the Giants’ resurgence remains one of the stories of the season.
Expert Tips and the Road Ahead
Round 7’s expert tips, courtesy of ESPN, largely held true — North Melbourne, Carlton, Collingwood, St. Kilda, Adelaide, Brisbane, and West Coast all came through as predicted. Yet, the margins and moments of drama were anything but routine.
As the ladder shifts, Melbourne’s climb to second and North Melbourne’s undefeated run set the stage for a fierce finals race. Teams like Sydney, Essendon, and Richmond face mounting pressure to recalibrate and find their footing before it’s too late.
What does this round tell us? That in AFLW, momentum can shift in a quarter, and no result is guaranteed. The blend of individual brilliance, tactical evolution, and emerging talent is shaping a competition that’s more unpredictable — and compelling — than ever.
With record-breaking performances, narrow escapes, and the rise of new stars, Round 7 has reminded us why AFLW is capturing the imagination of fans across Australia. The next rounds promise even more drama as the race for finals intensifies.