The Dockers have celebrated their long-awaited AFLW homecoming with a thumping win against Carlton at Fremantle Oval.
In Saturday's earlier matches, Melbourne defeated GWS by 37 points while North Melbourne scored a 19-point triumph over Richmond.
In the west, the Dockers quickly overcame a sluggish start with four goals in the third quarter to set up a 42-point victory, 7.9 (51) to 1.3 (9).
Carlton was dogged in defeat, but the work rate that was so impressive in the first half fell away when the home team blew open the contest after half-time.
Tall forward Mikayla Morrison took full advantage of the Dockers' ability to regain the midfield control in the second half to kick three goals in the impressive performance that underlined Fremantle's premiership credentials.
Not only was it the Dockers' first appearance at home after four matches in 16 days on Australia's eastern seaboard, they now also welcome back key playmaker Kiara Bowers, who has completed a two-game suspension.
Carlton paid a heavy price for its reliance on Darcy Vescio, while Fremantle had several options to Morrison when it opened up the game with run and spread in the second half.
The Blues had superb contributors including teenager Mimi Hill and the relentless Maddy Prespakis, who had 25 and 19 possessions respectively.
But they simply did not have enough teammates to climb on board to help with the hard work against a classy opposition.
Giants outclassed by Demons
GWS narrowly avoided becoming the first team in AFLW history to be held scoreless for an entire match in its loss to Melbourne.
The Giants returned to action on Saturday after their previous fixture against St Kilda was postponed because they were unable to field a team, with too many players unavailable through COVID-19 protocols.
The disrupted preparation took its toll at Casey Fields as GWS never threatened the home side.
The Demons gradually pulled clear to post a comfortable 6.8 (44) to 1.1 (7) win that underlined their premiership credentials.
Early inaccuracy in front of goal prevented a much bigger margin in blustery conditions.
Lily Mithen (22 disposals) and Karen Paxman (21) starred in the engine room for Melbourne, while Kate Hore and Tayla Harris kicked two goals each.
Tyla Hanks (21 disposals) was an important contributor on return after missing the previous round through health and safety protocols.
It looked as if GWS would be held scoreless until Jessica Doyle pounced on a loose ball and snapped a goal with less than three minutes left on the clock.
Another hurried kick by Emily Pease from the next forward foray went through for a behind.
The late scores took GWS past Richmond's competition record-low 0.3 (3), posted against St Kilda in 2020.
North Melbourne push into top four
Jasmine Garner has continued her red-hot form to help extend North Melbourne's AFLW winning streak to four matches.
The Kangaroos responded to every challenge from Richmond, who stayed in Saturday's contest throughout the first half despite missing a host of key players through injury.
Garner finished with 26 disposals, five tackles and a goal in her side's 5.7 (37) to 2.6 (18) triumph at Punt Road Oval, playing a key role as the visitors broke the game open late in the third quarter.
The 27-year-old also had nine inside-50s and six marks, while Ashleigh Riddell (29 disposals) and Emma Kearney (21) were also outstanding.
The comfortable win continued North Melbourne's climb up the ladder as they chase their first AFLW premiership this season.
The Tigers are headed in the opposite direction, having lost five straight games since their victory over lowly St Kilda in the season opener.
AAP/ABC
