AFLW wrap: Bulldogs surge home to stun Swans as Kangaroos extend historic run

Emma McDonald turned the final quarter into her own stage, kicking three goals to lift the Western Bulldogs to a 27-point win over Sydney at Whitten Oval.

The Bulldogs trailed by four points at three-quarter time, but used the breeze to produce five unanswered goals and win 9.6 (60) to 5.3 (33). McDonald had managed only two behinds in the first three quarters before delivering three goals in the last term.

Rylie Wilcox also kicked a final-quarter goal and finished with three majors. She collected a game-high 26 disposals in a best-on-ground performance, adding a decisive contribution in front of goal after finishing runner-up in the Bulldogs’ best-and-fairest counts over the past two seasons.

Sydney had led at halftime and moved in front during the third quarter through two goals from Chloe Molloy. The defeat ended the Swans’ unbeaten start, which had included big wins over Adelaide, Essendon and St Kilda. Injuries are beginning to affect the side, with high-profile recruit Taylor Smith unavailable for at least two more games.

North Melbourne’s run continued in emphatic fashion. The Kangaroos crushed St Kilda by 92 points, winning 14.15 (99) to 1.1 (7) for a record-extending 31st consecutive victory. North has not lost since the 2023 grand final.

The winless Saints have now lost their first four matches, increasing pressure on coach Nick Dal Santo. North forward Tahlia Randall kicked five goals, including three in the second-half surge, while veteran Kate Shierlaw added four. Midfielders Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner dominated the clearances, with Riddell recording 39 possessions and Garner 38 possessions and 11 clearances. Ash Richards kicked St Kilda’s only goal.