Arabic version: أول فوز لغولد كوست على ملبورن يعزز سعيه لإنهاء الموسم بين الأربعة الأوائل

According to ABC News, Gold Coast consolidated its AFLW top-four position by beating Melbourne for the first time, recording a 22-point victory at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena. The Suns won 9.7 (61) to 5.9 (39) on Saturday night for their sixth consecutive victory.

Gold Coast had lost each of its four previous meetings with Melbourne since joining the women’s competition in 2020. The Demons led by three points at quarter-time, but the Suns pulled clear in the second term and stayed in front. With three rounds remaining before finals, Gold Coast drew level with Melbourne at 7-2.

Charlie Rowbottom led the Suns with a game-high 33 possessions and six clearances. Ava Usher, Mikayla Nurse and Havana Harris each kicked two goals. Suns co-captain Lucy Single said the result boosted the group’s confidence after years of gradual development.

Elsewhere, Geelong moved to the top of the ladder with a 63-point win over GWS at Kardinia Park, where Jacqueline Parry and Aishling Moloney kicked four goals each. Adelaide defeated Richmond 9.8 (62) to 4.6 (30) at Princes Park, putting the Crows back in the finals hunt at 4-5. Ebony Marinoff had 40 disposals, 13 tackles and a goal. St Kilda also claimed its first win of the season, defeating Collingwood by two points at Moorabbin. North Melbourne can reclaim top spot by beating Fremantle on Sunday.