Cora Staunton was again to the fore as Greater Western Sydney Giants got the better of the Adelaide Crows 26-21 to greatly boost their chances of making the finals series.
Staunton kicked two goals, including a massive punt from just inside the 50m arc at the start of the final, to give GWS a cushion in the contest.
Speaking afterwards, a clearly delighted Staunton underlined the importance of the win.
"I don't show too much emotion too often but we knew coming in here that was big in terms of our season," she said.
"We haven't beaten the Crows in the four years of the AFLW, we did draw a couple of years ago. Getting back-to-backs wins important as we wanted consistency in our season so thankfully we showed a bit today.
"As to playing behind closed doors, the Mayo native added: "As professional athletes you just have to deal with the situation. It's obviously disappointing that there are no crowds here but we fully understand. People's health is a lot more important than sport."
After backing up her four goal haul with another two, Cora Staunton tells @SamJaneLane just what it means to be out there again 🧡#AFLWCrowsGiants pic.twitter.com/MeIuC2mXxB
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) March 15, 2020
As for the the Adelaide Crows, who include Clare's Ailish Considine in their ranks, the defeat leaves them with an uphill task to make the top three in their conference.
Elsewhere, Dublin stars Sinead Goldrick and Niamh McEvoy were on the losing side as Melbourne lost out 40-24 to Carlton.
It's a result, however, that still leaves Melbourne third in their Conference, with the top three teams in eachset to make the finals.
