A youthful West Coast Eagles line-up was overpowered by reigning premier Brisbane at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday.
Despite the Eagles having some good moments – including goals from Dana Hooker and Hayley Bullas in the third quarter – and their youngsters showing good signs, the Lions had too much experience as one of the inaugural teams in the AFLW competition and finished the match 15.8 (98) to 4.0 (24).
Forward Imahra Cameron led West Coast out for Indigenous Round on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, and bobbed up across periods of the match to have an impact where she could, including with a crafty snap over her shoulder for a goal in the final term.
But it was the backline who did the majority of the work in the round eight clash, with the ball entering Brisbane’s forward 50 52 times as opposed to West Coast’s 11.
The Lions were able to work the ball regularly into their offensive arc and finished the day with 23 scoring shots, despite the efforts of the tireless West Coast defenders.
Belinda Smith (15 disposals, six intercepts) and Evie Gooch (10, four) were amongst the best Eagles afield for the day, as was returning youngster Sophie McDonald who did well in West Coast’s last line of defence.
A notable moment also came midway through the fourth quarter, with Gooch moving from a deep defensive role to the forward line, and kicking her second goal in AFLW history, as well as her first for West Coast.
The Eagles' younger midfielders showed some promising signs on a tough day, with Mikayla Bowen (19 disposals, six tackles) and Bella Lewis (17, three) amongst the strongest in the contest.
West Coast’s first draft pick Charlie Thomas (13 disposals) also showed admirable poise in her eighth AFLW match and didn’t shy away from battling it out with the hardened Brisbane forwards.
The Lions’ class and composure was evident all day and they convincingly beat the Eagles in key areas around the ground, including disposals (241-90), contested possessions (107 to 92) and tackles (76 to 41).
DETAILS
Brisbane 4.3 7.4 11.4 15.8 (98)
West Coast 0.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 (24)
GOALS
Brisbane Wardlaw, Conway 3, Bodey, Hodder 2, Davidson, Dawes, Ellenger, Smith, Svarc
West Coast Hooker, Bullas, Gooch, Cameron
BEST
Brisbane Bates, Svarc, Anderson, Wardlaw, Dawes, Conway
West Coast Lewis, Swanson, Bowen, Smith, Gooch, McDonald
INJURIES
Brisbane Nil
West Coast Hooker (ankle)
Brisbane Nil
