History was made on the AFLW field as Gemma Houghton etched her name into the record books, becoming the first player to score 100 goals in the league's history. But here's where it gets even more thrilling: her milestone goal came after the siren, sealing a dominating 57-point victory for the Power over the Giants. And this is the part most people miss—it wasn’t just a win; it was a statement performance that showcased the Power’s relentless spirit, even if it came too late to secure them a spot in the top eight this season.
The final score, 11.15 (81) to 3.6 (24), tells only part of the story. Controversially, some might argue that the Giants’ defense crumbled under pressure, but others could say the Power’s offensive strategy was simply unstoppable. What’s undeniable is that Houghton’s teammates were determined to get her that 100th goal, especially after she missed several opportunities earlier in the final quarter. Captain Justine Mules-Robinson finally delivered the perfect pass, setting Houghton up for glory just metres out from the goal.
The 31-year-old’s journey to this milestone is as inspiring as the goal itself. Starting her career at Fremantle in the inaugural AFLW season in 2017, Houghton moved to the Power ahead of their 2022 debut. Her achievement puts her ahead of Melbourne’s Kate Hore (98 goals) and North Melbourne’s Jasmine Garner (97 goals), both of whom were close contenders for this historic feat.
‘I’m still a bit speechless,’ Houghton admitted post-match. ‘I was getting a little frustrated with myself—I missed a few.’ Her humility and perseverance resonate deeply, reminding us that even the greatest achievements are often built on moments of doubt and determination.
The Power’s electrifying second quarter, where they piled on 6.2 to 0.1, was a turning point in the match. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Could this performance have been enough to secure them a top-eight finish if replicated earlier in the season? While their run to the preliminary final last year was superb, this year’s campaign fell just short, leaving fans and critics alike wondering what could have been.
Looking ahead, the AFLW season continues to heat up, with the Demons set to face the Cats on Saturday night in a crucial match for their top-two aspirations. What’s your take? Is Houghton’s achievement a sign of the Power’s potential for future dominance, or is the league’s talent pool simply too competitive to predict? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
