Essendon claims breakthrough AFLW victory against GWS

Essendon recorded its first win of the 2026 AFLW season. ( Getty Images: AFL Photos/Mark Metcalfe )

Star midfielder Madison Prespakis has steered battling Essendon to an eight-point comeback victory over GWS for its first win of the AFLW season.

The Giants got out to a game-high 25-point lead at the start of the third quarter and appeared on track for a second win of the season, before Prespakis kicked into overdrive and the Bombers lifted their pressure.

The star on-baller racked up 13 disposals, six contested possessions, three clearances and a goal in the third term to put Essendon on her back and inspire a terrific 6.7 (43) to 5.5 (35) comeback at Henson Park on Saturday afternoon.

"Genuinely just so proud of the resilience of the group," skipper Bonnie Toogood told Fox Sports.

"And it's been a challenging season, I suppose, and the persistence through adversity, particularly today.

"The first half wasn't what we were planning on, but to come out in the third like we did and just big moments by individuals — bloody inspiring."

The victory relieves some pressure on Bombers coach Natalie Wood and leaves St Kilda as the league's only winless team.

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