WAFLW Team of the Week – Round 2Wednesday, March 2, 2022 - 11:29 AM - by Chris Pike

WHAT another fascinating weekend of action it was in Round 2 of the 2022 WAFLW season with East Fremantle opening its campaign with a win, Peel Thunder remaining undefeated and Claremont making another big statement.

Following the opening round of the new season where Peel Thunder, Claremont and South Fremantle came away victorious, the stage was set for some statements to be made in Round 2.

The action got underway on Saturday afternoon with East Fremantle making their first appearance of the season after the opening round bye. The Sharks came away with the 6.3 (39) to 4.8 (32) win against Swan Districts at New Choice Homes Park.

Then on Saturday evening in Mandurah, Peel Thunder kept its undefeated start to their premiership defence going with the 8.6 (54) to 3.6 (24) victory against South Fremantle at Lane Group Stadium.

The round then concluded on Sunday at Leederville Oval with Claremont proving too strong for Subiaco, winning 7.11 (53) to 1.2 (8).

West Perth had the bye after playing their first ever game in the competition back in Round 1.

Each week of the WAFLW season during 2022, we will be selecting a Team of the Week as well, and here's how the side for Round 2 came together.

The round began with East Fremantle claiming a first up win following the opening round bye with a good victory against Swan Districts.

Alex Williams was strong down back for the Sharks with 13 possessions and three marks, and earned a spot in the Team of the Week as a result.

Julia Teakle was lively up forward as well for East Fremantle to book herself a spot on the back of kicking three goals to go with 13 disposals and four marks.

Ashleigh Gomes made a strong start to the season in the middle as well for the Sharks racking up 16 possessions and three tackles to be named as the rover in Team of the Week.

It was a second tough match for Swan Districts to start the new season but Tyla Fitzgerald battled hard to be named at centre half-forward in the Team of the Week. She kicked a goal from 12 possessions, three tackles, three inside 50s and two marks.

Hope Ugle-Hayward came into the team after missing the opening round and delivered 19 possessions, six marks, four tackles, four inside-50 entries and a goal for the black-and-whites.

Sarah Wielstra also battled hard with 27 hit outs, seven touches and five tackles in the ruck for Swans. Bianca Webb also was named to the interchange for her 15 possessions and seven tackles.

It was another win for Peel to being their premiership defence on Saturday night with Ebony Dowson again earning a spot at half-back in the Team of the Week after 26 possessions, three marks and three tackles.

Jaide Britton earned a spot on the wing for her 20 possessions, eight inside 50s, six tackles, four marks and a goal while Gracie Fenton was named to the wing with 26 touches and four tackles.

Bailey Molloy kicked a goal to go with 12 possessions and four inside-50 entries as well for the Thunder to be named at half-forward while Kate Bartlett was brilliant in front of goal kicking five goals from 17 possessions and seven tackles.

Casey Byrne was a standout down back for South Fremantle to earn a spot in the Team of the Week at centre half-back for her 17 possessions and five tackles.

Lauren Wafker again had a brilliant all-round performance for the Bulldogs both in the ruck and drifting forward. She finished with 11 possessions, 11 hit outs, eight tackles and two goals.

Noa McNaughton had another good performance in the South Fremantle forward-line with 12 disposals and a goal to a spot on the interchange.

Claremont produced a second straight dominant performance to start the season with the win over Subiaco on Sunday.

From that performance, Matilda Sergeant earned a spot at half-back in the Team of the Week for her 11 possessions, four marks and three entries inside the forward 50.

For the second straight week Kate Orme was named in a wing position after another 11 disposals, four marks and a goal.

Katherine Bennett was named at half-forward after 17 touches, four inside 50s and two goals for the Tigers.

Ella Smith also earned a place on the interchange after finishing with 16 possessions, seven inside-50 entries, six marks and five tackles.

It was a tough loss for Subiaco but Beth Schilling battled hard down back to finish with 12 possessions and four marks.

Liana Burchell earned a spot on the bench too after 11 touches and three marks.

Round 3 in the WAFLW competition for 2022 begins this Friday night when South Fremantle plays host to Subiaco at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

Then on Sunday afternoon the other two matches of Round 3 will take place, with Swan Districts playing West Perth at Steel Blue Oval, and Claremont taking on East Fremantle at Revo Fitness Stadium.

Undefeated reigning premiers Peel Thunder have the bye.