CENTURY goalkicker Moana Hope underlined why she achieved that feat this season with a brilliant performance for the Western Bulldogs in the AFL women’s All-Stars game on Saturday night.
Hope booted six goals as an almost unstoppable spearhead for the Bulldogs in their 39-point win against Melbourne at Whitten Oval.
The Collingwood marquee signing’s display emphasised why she will be a cult hero in next season’s inaugural AFL women’s national league.
The Bulldogs’ slicker ball movement and greater midfield depth allowed them to pull away after an even and spirited first-half duel with the gallant Demons under lights in front of 6365 fans.
WATCH: Six-goal Hope delivers for Dogs
And the host club supporters went home satisfied after watching their marquee signings Ellie Blackburn and Katie Brennan play key roles in the victory.
Brennan hunted the ball to set the pattern in the opening quarter and Blackburn directed traffic through the midfield with her ability to find the footy.
On-ball leader Daisy Pearce was a prolific ball-winner for the Demons, particularly in the third quarter in a bid to lift Melbourne, but the swarming Bulldogs overwhelmed her efforts.
An early goal after half-time from Northern Territory’s Angela Foley pulled the Demons back within four points, but it was to be their last gasp.
The Bulldogs’ superior midfield and efficient ball movement put Melbourne’s defence under constant pressure, and the irrepressible Hope capped off the fine work with four goals in a blinding third quarter to put the contest out of reach.
Hope – who kicked a ton for the St Kilda Sharks in the Victorian women’s league – would have left Collingwood fans salivating at the prospect of next season as she showed all her tricks, from strong marking to breaking tackles to kicking goals from all angles.
Story – AFL.com.au
