Lions back on top as Freo falter in the rain

BRISBANE slogged their way through the mud to earn a valuable seven-point AFLW win against Fremantle on Saturday afternoon and rejoin the Western Bulldogs at the top of the ladder.

The Lions prevailed 3.4 (22) to 2.3 (15) in front of 1500 hardy fans at a drenched South Pine Sports Complex.

Two soccered goals from Jess Wuetschner, who also finished with an equal game-high 18 disposals, were the difference as both teams worked hard for little reward in the heavy rain.

The Bulldogs flogged Carlton 86-13 on Friday to lead the way on 12 points, ahead of the Lions on percentage.

North Cairns junior Breanna Koenen (pictured) picked up 13 touches in the win.

The victory set up a tantalising contest against premiership fancies Melbourne at Casey Fields on Friday night.

Fremantle dominated the opening quarter but only had one behind to show for it.

Wuetschner kicked the game’s first goal five minutes into the second quarter and scored the clincher early in the last quarter when she got her toe on a loose ball that spilt behind the pack in the square.

“She’s a super smart player, Jess,” Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich said of the secondyear player. “On a wet day, to get 18 touches and kick two goals ... she was enormous.”

Tasmanian recruit Brittany Gibson provided the highlight of the day, dancing out of danger after a superb pick-up to slot a goal from 40m.

Fremantle’s Stacey Barr and Ashley Atkins goaled in the closing stages of the third and fourth quarters.

Brisbane’s Alexandra Anderson and Kate Lutkins had 18 touches.