The GIANTS VFLW side is undefeated and now they’re looking to round out their impressive return campaign with one last victory in a clash with the Bombers on Sunday.  

The GIANTS’ untarnished 2024 VFLW record remained intact on Saturday as the club defeated Port Melbourne by 25 points at ETU Stadium in Melbourne.

A four goal to none opening term saw the GIANTS lead from start to finish as they used the fast start to run out 6.7 (43) to 2.6 (18) winners.

Madison Brazendale (23 disposals and six tackles) and Cambridge McCormick (22 disposals and eight marks) continued to show that they’re two of the club’s most improved players with strong performances in the win, while Tarni Evans (19 touches) was once again a rock down back.

GIANTS AFLW coach Cam Bernasconi, who is in charge of the club’s VFLW program as well, said despite registering their fourth-straight win, there was still loads of learning to come from Saturday’s game.

“We started really well, and we were playing our way really well in the first quarter,” Bernasconi said.

“But after quarter-time they lifted their pressure around the ball, and it turned into a bit of a scrap for three quarters which was a bit disappointing that we couldn’t be fundamentally cleaner and open the game up.

“But we did fight really well, and we only conceded two goals for the game, so there were certainly some positives as well.

“We saw the importance of being clean on the inside and then trying to get the ball on the outside, and how our structure can open the ground up for us to go on the open side - so that’s a good learning.

“It was also a good learning for our younger girls to play in a more highly contested game and a scrappier game than the last few weeks, because AFLW can be like that sometimes so it’s good for our younger group to get practice in that kind of environment.”

With the GIANTS’ return to the VFLW concluding this Sunday with their fifth and final game, Bernasconi said his focus was on rounding out the campaign on a high.

“We just want to finish on a really positive note,” he said.

“It’s been a great few months and we just want to finish it off with a really strong four-quarter performance.

“The girls were probably a little disappointed on the weekend because we were a bit scrappy but it’s good to see the players hold themselves to a high standard. Hopefully if we get challenged on the weekend, we can work a little bit harder to get the game on our terms and finish the VFLW campaign with a strong performance against Essendon.”

The GIANTS will host the Bombers at Blacktown International SportsPark on Sunday at 1pm.

Bernasconi also gave his assessment on each of the GIANTS’ AFLW-listed players who featured in Saturday’s win.

AFLW-listed GIANTS: 

5. Jessica Doyle 

10 disposals, three marks 

“She played in a new position (full forward) and will take great learnings from it.”

7. Zarlie Goldsworthy

15 disposals, one goal, seven tackles

“Once again she was really strong around the contest and hit the scoreboard.”

9. Caitlin Miller

10 disposals, two marks

“Continues to learn her new position down back and will take a step forward from it.”

14. Kaitlyn Srhoj

17 disposals, eight tackles, one goal  

“It was a good challenge playing in the midfield in a scrappy game and she helped us win contested ball."

17. Georgia Garnett 

Eight disposals, three marks

“Had some strong moments playing in the forward line.”

18. Tarni Evans

19 disposals, four marks, two tackles

“Continued her strong form intercepting and finding the ball down back.”

23. Madison Brazendale

 23 disposals, six tackles

“The best game for ‘Braz’ so far. She was strong in the contest and bought her weapons on the outside as well. Probably the best I’ve seen her play.”

24. Haneen Zreika

14 disposals, five tackles

“Great to have her back in the side. Her pressure is always at a high standard.”

 25. Cambridge McCormick

22 disposals, eight marks, two tackles

“Once again she was really strong and won some important one-on-ones behind the ball.”

26. Claire Ransom

13 disposals, nine tackles

“She continues to improve every single week. She helps us win contest.”

28. Daisy Walker

12 disposals, two tackles

“She was rock solid down back again where she thrives in the contest.”

33. Emily Pease 

10 disposals, six tackles, three clearances

“Looked super composed and helped generate our ball movement again.” 

VFLW Shoutout:  31. Sophie Kavanagh 

13 disposals, one goal

“She came back in the side this week and looked dangerous playing forward.”