Bentley impresses in Freo defeat

For the second consecutive week, a Great Southern footballer shone for Fremantle Dockers but again it was not enough as the WA side went down in their NAB AFL Women’s competition match against Brisbane Lions at Fremantle Oval on Sunday afternoon.

In front of a 10,000-strong crowd, the Dockers again struggled to kick goals as the Lions came from 10 points down in the second term to notch a 13-point win at the final siren and remain unbeaten.

Mt Barker’s Kirby Bentley was one of the Dockers’ best performers in the 5.6 (36) to 3.5 (23) loss, collecting 16 disposals and six marks.

Playing the majority of the match across half-back, Bentley was polished with her ball use from the back half and provided great run and carry, but the Dockers slumped to their second loss of the inaugural season and are seventh on the ladder with five games remaining.

Lions marquee player Tayla Harris proved the difference with a number of towering marks and two vital majors from 12 possessions.

Last weekend, Pingrup’s Belinda Smith starred for the Dockers in their round 1 loss to Western Bulldogs.

Smith was much quieter against the Lions, finishing with four possessions and one mark.

The third of the Great Southern products listed with the Dockers, Kira Phillips, may get her chance to play in the round 3 clash against Greater Western Sydney Giants in Blacktown on Saturday with injuries to Brianna Green (shoulder) and forward Kim Mickle (knee).

Dockers coach Michelle Cowan said in her post-match media conference that Phillips was in contention for a debut this week.

“Kira Phillips will be putting her hand up for selection,” Cowan said.

“She’s quite a dangerous forward and has been training really well over the last week.”