GIANTS AFLW coach Cam Bernasconi says he’s thrilled with the club’s return to the VFLW on Saturday as several new and existing players got off to strong starts in preparation for a big AFLW season later in the year.   

Taking part in the VFLW for five games between rounds 3-7, the GIANTS kicked off their reintroduction to the competition with a spirited eight-point win over Carlton at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon.  

Playing in the VFLW for the first time since 2019, the GIANTS overcame a slow start to blitz the Blues with a four-goal to zero third term to turn a 13-point half-time deficit into a 15-point lead at the final break before holding on to register a 6.7 (43) to 5.5 (35) win. 

Bernasconi said it was a pleasing first up performance for the GIANTS’ VFLW side which consisted of 11 players from his AFLW squad. 

“It was a really positive first hit-out,” he said.   

“It was pretty scrappy early on but that was to be expected after only doing a five-week lead in against a team that has been playing for over a month.  

“Once we settled and tweaked a few things structurally, we got the game on our terms and it was a really positive game for us.  

“We won through system and structure and that’s why there was a really good feeling in the group as we won playing the GIANTS’ way.” 

Bernasconi was delighted that two main focuses of the program over the past five weeks - fundamentals and fitness - were strong factors in the win over the Blues.  

“After the game my main message to the girls was around showing the evidence of the improvement we’ve had over the last month. Firstly through fitness and fundamentals, but also about making sure the girls bring their weapons as well. I thought all those things were on show on Saturday which was really pleasing. 

“Late in the game the girls saved the game really well through method too which was great to see.”  

After trailing by two goals at the half, the GIANTS kicked 4.4 while keeping the Blues scoreless in the third the term to set up the win, with Bernasconi rapt with once specific area of the premiership quarter display.  

“We started to get on top of clearance and contested ball and we got the ball in our front half and we were able to score through forward-50 stoppage.  

“We scored four goals from forward-50 stoppage which is something we are looking to improve this year and to kick four goals from that was really pleasing.” 

 The GIANTS will look to make it two from two when they host the Southern Saints in round four of VFLW action on Saturday at Blacktown International Sportspark at 1pm. 

Bernasconi also gave his assessment of the 11-AFLW listed players from Saturday’s win over Carlton:  

Cambridge McCormick 

15 disposals, five marks, two tackles  

“It was a really good first game. She backed up her pre-season performances. She took the game on and generated a lot of intercept possessions for us.” 

Daisy Walker 

Nine disposals, two marks  

“A great first game against her old club where she competed really well. Her weapon is winning one on ones and she certainly did that." 

Tarni Evans 

14 disposals, five marks, four tackles 

“She was the captain for the game, and she led by example. She kicked the ball well and also generated some intercept possessions for us.”  

Emily Pease 

11 disposals   

 “She had some really important moments early and also late playing on the wing. She especially stood up in some big moments late in the game.”  

Madison Brazendale 

20 disposals, one goal, two clearances  

“She had a really strong game. She had 20 touches and a goal, and she was one of our better players.”

Jessica Doyle 

12 disposals, one goal, three marks, four tackles 

“Another one who was one of our better players. She stood up, especially in the third quarter to get us going.”  

Fleur Davies  

Nine disposals, 31 hit-outs, a goal, five tackles  

“Fleur was dominant in the ruck with her hit-outs despite her limited time in there. She looked dangerous ahead of the footy as well.”  

Zarlie Goldsworthy 

13 disposals, five tackles, seven clearances, a goal 

“She was very good. Again, her ability to go inside and win clearance but also play ahead of the ball and look dangerous was at a high level. She also went behind the ball late to help us win.”  

Eilish O’Dowd 

7 disposals, six tackles, 20 hit-outs 

“A great first-ever game of AFLW. She had 20 hit-outs in her first game so there were some really promising signs for Eilish.”   

Kaitlyn Srhoj  

15 disposals, four tackles, five clearances  

“Her work rate around the ball was really impressive and for her first game she had high pressure and had lots of score involvements too.” 

Mikayla Pauga 

16 disposals, nine tackles, three marks, three clearances, one goal 

“Another first-gamer for the club that did really well and showed her strength to win the ball from stoppage and also hit the scoreboard.”  

VFLW-Listed player shoutout: Summer Hall  

Seven disposals, four tackles   

“Summer did some really special things off half back and showed she’s got some AFLW traits.”