{
  "id": 13543169,
  "title": "Suns stamp AFLW top-four credentials as Crows rebound",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/suns-stamp-aflw-top-four-credentials-as-crows-rebound",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T21:33:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-11/suns-stamp-aflw-top-four-credentials-as-crows-rebound/107252690"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Gold Coast Suns have solidified their position in the top-four of the AFLW with a commanding 22-point victory over Melbourne in Mackay. Geelong claimed the top spot with a 63-point win over GWS, while Adelaide defeated Richmond by 32 points in Melbourne. North Melbourne has the chance to reclaim the top position if they defeat Fremantle on Sunday. The Suns secured their sixth consecutive win in the women's competition, performing exceptionally well in the sweltering conditions at Mackay's Great Barrier Reef Arena. They defeated Melbourne 9.7 (61) to 5.9 (39), marking their first-ever win against the Demons in four previous encounters since the Suns joined the league in 2020. Suns co-captain Lucy Single expressed her excitement about the win, stating that it has significantly boosted the team's confidence as they enter the final three rounds with three rounds left before the finals. Melbourne took a three-point lead into the quarter-time, but the Suns dominated the second term and never looked back. Ava Usher, Mikayla Nurse, and Havana Harris all contributed to the victory, with Usher recording a game-high of 33 possessions and six clearances. The Suns were not hindered by the high temperatures, with Usher affirming that they were able to \"get over the line\" even in the challenging conditions. In Adelaide's earlier game, Richmond was no match for their firepower, losing 9.8 (62) to 4.6 (30) at Princes Park. This 32-point victory put the Crows back in the finals race at 4-5, though they are still outside the eight with three games of round nine remaining. Adelaide's captain, Ebony Marinoff, acknowledged the significance of the win, stating that her team was proud to start well after a challenging week following their 14-point Showdown loss to Port Adelaide. Meanwhile, Geelong secured the top position with a 63-point win over GWS, and North Melbourne has the opportunity to take the lead if they defeat Fremantle on Sunday. St Kilda made a strong start to their season with a two-point win over Collingwood.",
  "summary": "Gold Coast Suns continue their run as the surprise packets of the AFLW season, consolidating their top-four spot with a victory over Melbourne.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Suns stamp AFLW top-four credentials as Crows rebound",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/suns-stamp-aflw-top-four-credentials-as-crows-rebound-13543941",
        "published": "2026-10-10T21:33:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}