AN after-the-siren goal helped Freo’s AFLW team to a stunning win over a struggling Melbourne Demons at Fremantle Oval on Saturday. 

The Demons were dominant in the first three quarters, and Freo were 18 points down with a quarter to go, but goals to Ebony Antonio and Gabby Biedenweg-Webster in the last minutes of the game meant scores were level with two minutes to play. 

The footy was lodged in Freo’s forward half to no avail, but with half a minute left Irish recruit Aisling McCarthy was awarded a free kick 30 metres out from goal. 

Any score would have put the Dockers in front, but McCarthy slotted truly after the siren to give the home side a jubilant six-point win, 47-41. 

The win was not without its drawbacks, with veteran Gabby O’Sullivan suspended for a match for her strike on Demon Sinead Goldrick, a concussion for defender Jae Flynn, and dominant co-vice-captain Áine Tighe out for the rest of the season after it was confirmed she had injured her ACL. 

The Dockers will go into their next game against St Kilda in Melbourne today with a 4-1win-loss record, leaving them sixth on the ladder with seven rounds to go.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER