The Lions got the AFLW points, but there were two high points for the Bombers

Roy Ward, Danny Russell, Jon Pierik and Peter RyanUpdated August 16, 2026 — 4:00pm, first published August 13, 2026 — 6:48pm SaveYou have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. The Lions were too quick and too strong for Essendon in the opening half as they dominated centre clearance and territory to open up an eight-goal lead at half-time. The Bombers celebrate a goal with Emily Gough. Getty ImagesIt was a performance to make the build-up to next week’s grand final rematch huge. Lions midfielder Jade Ellenger was outstanding, winning a tough battle with Essendon’s Madison Prespaskis, who was productive but unable to stem the overwhelming tide. Dakota Davidson benefited from the supply, kicking four goals and had good support inside 50 from Catherine Svarc and Neasa Dooley. The Bombers’ Bonnie Toogood was outstanding up forward but was having to make the most of limited opportunities. She kicked Essendon’s only goal in the first half and competed hard in the air and on the ground. Emily Gough showed ability, providing one of the game’s highlights with a snap goal in front of the old grandstand filled with Essendon supporters. The Bombers also provided the other high point when Maddison Gay took a hanger in the second quarter at centre-half-back. View post on X Gay played well, but the Bombers relied on too few while the Lions had contributors all over the ground, setting up a battle with reigning premiers North Melbourne. Essendon had a reality check they had expected after kicking off their season with three wins against lowly opposition last year. That proved a false dawn whereas their ability to stay in the game – albeit with the scoreboard heavily in the Lions’ favour – should give them heart as they prepare to play Sydney in round two. Latest Posts The results for the opening three matches. The Brisbane Lions have set a standard for Essendon to chase after dominating the Bombers in the opening round of the club’s AFLW season at Windy Hill, winning by 48 points. The Lions were too quick and too strong for Essendon in the opening half as they dominated centre clearance and territory to open up an eight-goal lead at half-time. The Bombers celebrate a goal with Emily Gough. Getty ImagesIt was a performance to make the build-up to next week’s grand final rematch huge. Lions midfielder Jade Ellenger was outstanding, winning a tough battle with Essendon’s Madison Prespaskis, who was productive but unable to stem the overwhelming tide.