AFLW finals week one wrap: local stars Julia Teakle and Mim Strom shine bright in big wins for Port & Freo

Mid West stars Julia Teakle and Mim Strom soared to new heights as their teams scored impressive wins in week one of the AFLW finals. Teakle and Strom were pivotal to their respective teams staying alive in the finals race, playing big parts in the weekend’s elimination clashes. Fremantle hosted Essendon in their first home elimination final on Saturday in front of a record crowd, with more than 4000 watching on at Fremantle Oval. It was a shaky start by Fremantle, who gave up the first two goals to Essendon. The second term saw the start of Fremantle’s fight back and a goal from Hayley Miller saw the purple haze gain some momentum and get on the board with their first major. Exmouth’s Strom followed up plucking it straight out of the ruck and throwing it onto her boot for Fremantle’s second goal. The second half was an absolute arm wrestle with both teams going goal-for-goal and neither giving an inch. Essendon drew ahead going into the fourth quarter with the crowd sitting on the edge of their seats. It was Gabby O’Sullivan who kicked the sealer from 50 out with three minutes left to play, sending Fremantle into a semi-final. It was a record-breaking day for Strom, beating her own record of hit-outs in a single game. Her previous record 48 is now a distant memory after she had an astonishing 55 hit-outs on Saturday. Strom has played arguably the most important role for Fremantle’s outfit this year as she eyes off her first All Australian Blazer in a stand-out year. Fremantle defeating Essendon 5.6 (36) to 4.2 (26). Fremantle will travel to Adelaide to take on the Crows in the semi final on Saturday. Port Adelaide played in the other elimination final on Sunday as they hosted Richmond at Alberton. Northampton’s Teakle made a return to the side after overcoming a knee injury that she sustained in round seven against Collingwood. The star forward a welcome inclusion to Port after being named in the 22under22 squad earlier this month. Port fired early out the gate with a quick goal by the way of Gemma Houghton getting her side on the front foot early in the piece. Teakle did not take long to get herself into the game, causing a headache for Richmond defenders. Teakle plucked a mark in a heavy contest, going back and nailing the goal. It was all Port again in the second quarter with Teakle getting on the board again for her side. An attempted clawback in the third quarter saw Port fans get a bit nervous with Richmond getting themselves back into the contest. It was short-lived, however, as Port ran away with it with relative ease. Teakle finished with two goals and nine disposals, playing an important role in her side’s first ever finals win. Port beat Richmond 11.6 (72) to 7.6 (48), setting up a semifinal clash with Hawthorn on Saturday.