VFLW Match Report: Round 9 vs Port Melbourne

13/07/2026

Another competitive contest saw us fall 13 points short against Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium.

Coming off the bye, we were eager to return and put together a strong performance. We embraced the challenging winter conditions from the opening bounce and competed hard throughout the game.

The opening quarter had both teams applying strong pressure around the contest. Despite the slippery conditions, we matched Port's intensity early and capitalised on our opportunities inside 50, with Zoe Barbakos kicking our opening goal. Our defensive pressure was also a highlight, with the backline standing strong against Port Melbourne’s attacking entries, limiting their scoring opportunities.

The second term saw a shift in momentum as we continued to fight hard throughout the contest. Barbakos added another goal to finish the match as our leading goal kicker. Deanna Jolliffe found plenty of the football, collecting 19 disposals for the day to keep us in the game.

Our pressure lifted after halftime, with more time spent in our forward 50 creating scoring opportunities. Kristy Stratton’s work (18 disposals, 13 contested possessions for the game) was rewarded with a goal. Charlotte Taylor was influential throughout the contest, collecting 18 disposals for the day, including three marks and 10 contested possessions, while also applying pressure with six tackles.

In the final term, we continued to fight until the final siren. Courtney Aughtie competed strongly in the ruck, recording 25 hit-outs and 14 disposals while also hitting the scoreboard with a goal early in the final term to give us the lead. Port Melbourne responded, with scores level almost halfway through the quarter. We finished the match with 37 inside-50 entries, but fell short after repeat goals from the Borough.

Although the result didn’t go our way, there were plenty of positives to take from the game. Sunday Hollingsworth’s pressure around the contest was a standout, collecting 14 disposals and 12 tackles. Alana Porter also continued to create opportunities throughout the match, finishing with 14 disposals and a goal on her return. We look to build on those positives next week as we head back home on Saturday 18th July to take on Darebin at 3pm.

Scores

Sandringham: 1.0, 2.1, 4.3, 5.4 (34)

Port Melbourne: 1.2, 3.8, 3.10, 6.11 (47)

Disposals: Jolliffe 19, Taylor 18, Stratton 18, Porter 14, Aughtie 14

Goals: Barbakos (2), Stratton, Porter, Aughtie

Visit the VFLW website for full stats