Match Centre

Round 1 Saturday 27 August

North Sydney Oval
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    MATCH REPORT Aug 27. 2022. 7:35 PM

    Saints secure big victory over first-game Swans

    AAP

    ST KILDA has denied Sydney a fairytale AFLW debut as Kate Shierlaw booted four goals to set up a 29-point victory in front of a fervent crowd at North Sydney Oval.

    SWANS v SAINTS Full match coverage and stats

    The inaugural Swans rode a wave of emotion and effort to outplay the Saints for much of the opening term but the visitors impressed after the first change to triumph 8.8 (56) to 4.3 (27) on Saturday.

    AFLW S7 Highlights: Sydney v St Kilda

    05:48 Aug 27. 2022. 7:26 PM

    The Swans and Saints clash in round one of the 2022 NAB AFL Women's Competition

    The Swans' loss could come at a further cost as No.1 draft pick Montana Ham went to ground and immediately clutched at her knee in the dying stages of the final term and had to be helped from the field.

    Ham heartbroken after huge injury blow

    01:11 Aug 27. 2022. 6:56 PM

    The Swans suffer a massive injury concern with No.1 pick Montana Ham assisted off the field following this brutal contest

    With the scores tight in the second term, Shierlaw kicked two goals in as many minutes to open up a 21-point lead that the Saints never looked like giving up despite it being a memorable occasion for the Swans in front of 8,264 fans.

    The tall forward went on to cause the Swans defence concerns throughout and was the dominant target on the field.

    The Saints prized recruit Nicola Stevens made an ideal start for her new club and in her 50th match, kicking truly to open the scoring after only 90 seconds.

    Stevens snares first in milestone game

    00:47 Aug 27. 2022. 5:24 PM

    Nicola Stevens kicks her first goal in new colours in her 50th AFLW game

    Rebecca Privitelli put her name in the record books soon after as the Swans first AFLW player to boot a goal, making the most of a free kick 25m out and directly in front to set off wild celebrations.

    Privitelli makes history with this major

    00:35 Aug 27. 2022. 5:25 PM

    Rebecca Privitelli kicks the Swans' historic first goal in the AFLW

    Georgia Patrikios had a game-high 17 disposals and added strength to the Saints' midfield in her first match after sitting out season six when choosing not to meet vaccination requirements, while Tarni White also gathered 17 touches.

    Clara Fitzpatrick made a stirring return after two seasons on the sidelines due to Visa issues and an ACL injury and Saints midfielder Molly McDonald (13) showed that she is ready to emerge as a key player in her fourth season.

    The Swans fielded 11 debutantes including Ham who grew into the game before her injury but co-captain Lauren Szigeti was the pick of the first-gamers and Cynthia Hamilton also impressed.

    Hamilton excites with spectacular first goal

    00:50 Aug 27. 2022. 6:35 PM

    Debutant Cynthia Hamilton shows great strength to kick this beautiful snap

    In a spirited first showing, the Swans controlled the ball and territory for long periods but the Saints gradually wore them down to reveal they are well placed to improve on a second-last finish last season.

    Say what?
    "She's in good spirits at the moment. We'll get a scan and have a look at it. It's a hard one to tell, the way that it happened with the way that the St Kilda player fell across. I usually like to get an indication (off the physio) but they couldn't even give me an indication." - Sydney coach Scott Gowans on Montana Ham

    "Kate's an interesting player because her workrate never drops off. She puts herself constantly in positions to have an opportunity and tonight she got that reward for effort." - Saints coach Nick Dal Santo on Kate Shierlaw

    Up next
    Sydney will look to bounce back when it takes its first road trip to face Collingwood at Victoria Park next Sunday, while the Saints face another expansion club in Hawthorn later the same day.

    SYDNEY         1.1      2.1      3.1     4.3 (27)
    ST KILDA       1.2      4.2      6.5     8.8 (56)

    GOALS
    Sydney: Privitelli, Lochland, C.Hamilton, Skinner
    St Kilda: Shierlaw 4, Xenos 2, Stevens, Matin

    BEST 
    Sydney: Ham, Eastman, Tarrant, Steane
    St Kilda: White, Shierlaw, McDonald, Patrikios, McKinnon

    INJURIES 
    Sydney: Ham (knee)
    St Kilda: Nil

    Match stats will activate once the match has kicked off

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    Match stats will activate once the match has kicked off

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    Team Stats

    Disposals

    0
    0

    Kicks

    0
    0

    Handballs

    0
    0

    Free kicks

    0
    0

    Clearances

    0
    0

    Inside 50

    0
    0

    Marks in 50

    0
    0

    Contested Possessions

    0
    0

    Tackles

    0
    0

    Hitouts

    0
    0

    Match videos

    Gallery
    of 40
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Saints players check out the pitch before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans team arrive at the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: A general view of the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: A general view of the ground before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: A fan arrives at the ground ahead of the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Saints players have a team huddle in the warm up before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Saints players have a team huddle in the warm up before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans enter thr pitch during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans enter thr pitch during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans enter thr pitch during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans enter thr pitch during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans huddle before the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans enter thr pitch during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Nicola Stevens of the Saints celebrates a goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • Nicola Stevens celebrates a goal in St Kilda's round one AFLW match against Sydney at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Nicola Stevens of the Saints celebrates a goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Olivia Vesely of the Saints . contests the ball during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • Brooke Lochland kicks the ball in Sydney's round one AFLW match agsinst St Kilda at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos
    • Brooke Lochland in action for Sydney's clash with St Kilda in round one, season seven, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Molly Eastman of the Swans catches the ball during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans celebrate the first AFLW goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Nicola Xenos of the Saints celebrates a goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Brooke Lochland of the Swans celebrates a goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans celebrate a Brooke Lochland goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans celebrate a Brooke Lochland goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans celebrate a Brooke Lochland goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans celebrate a Brooke Lochland goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Captains look on during the coin toss in the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans celebrate a Brooke Lochland goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: The Swans celebrate a Brooke Lochland goal during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)
    • SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Hannah Stuart of the Saints with family after her jersey presentation during the round one AFLW match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at North Sydney Oval on August 27, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos)