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AAP
AAP
Sport
Martin Pegan

Depleted Dockers overrun Swans in AFLW

Ebony Antonio made a welcome return for the Dockers who downed Sydney in the AFLW. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Fremantle have overcome a club injury crisis and a spirited Sydney to secure a hard-fought 14-point AFLW victory.

It was a heated contest between the teams that started the round occupying the bottom two spots on the ladder until the Dockers skipped away to a 6.6 (42) to 4.4 (28) win at Sydney's Henson Park.

The Dockers have suffered seven season-ending injuries, but in a big boost welcomed back Ebony Antonio for her first game of the year and 50th AFLW appearance after recovering from a PCL injury.

Antonio eased her way into the game but showed her class in the second half to finish with 14 touches and a goal in a rousing return.

"She just gives the group so much confidence. She's not a high possession player, but she's a high impact player," Dockers coach Trent Cooper said.

"When we showed her highlights video at training on Thursday night, it's like 'wow, we forgot what we missed'."

But it was Hayley Miller that led the way for the Dockers in a dominant display to gather a game-high 27 disposals and one goal.

Airlie Runnalls (25) and Kiara Bowers (19) were also influential, while Bianca Webb slotted two goals to ensure the Dockers made the most of controlling the ball in tricky conditions.

The Swans matched the Dockers through the first half as they searched for a first-ever AFLW victory, but were unable to take advantage of kicking with the breeze in the third term.

Young guns Sophie Hurley (15 disposals, one goal) and Montana Ham (13, one) were again among the best for the Swans and kicked their opening two goals.

Ham, the Swans' prized No.1 draft pick, had to be helped from the field in the first term after landing heavily in a tackle but returned to boot her first AFLW goal and kick off jubilant celebrations.

"We thought we'd try to get her on the scoreboard, so it was good to see her put one through early," Swans senior assistant coach Baker Denneman said.

"The celebrations were a little bit over the top but that's what we're all about here, is celebrating the little things."

Bella Smith and Paige Sheppard battled hard for the Swans, while Brooke Lochland added her usual spark with 12 disposals and a goal.

Swans head coach Scott Gowans missed the match due to illness with Denneman taking the reins for the day.

The Swans will end their season away to Geelong next Saturday afternoon, while the Dockers host Hawthorn that night.

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