Half-back Evie Gooch was the best Eagle afield in a 60-point loss against the Bulldogs, working tirelessly all day and leading the backline group as they attempted to defend 37 inside 50 entries at Optus Stadium.

Gooch finished the match with 22 disposals and five intercepts and was a key component in the Eagles’ backline as the Bulldogs locked the ball in their forward 50 for the majority of the match.

The defender’s selfless attitude was also apparent during a last-minute move to the midfield after Dana Hooker succumbed to a shoulder injury in the dying moments of the first half.

Gooch has had a career-best season at the Eagles and is currently sitting first in the league for average rebound 50s (5.6) and has led the backline well all year with experience and work rate.

She was joined in the backline by Belinda Smith (10 disposals, seven intercepts), youngster Sophie McDonald (six, five) and Ashton Hill (seven, three) with the group keeping the Bulldogs to 18 scoring shots from 37 inside 50s.

In the absence of experienced Amber Ward (finger), the defenders have performed one-woman down for a majority of the season with the structure and effort commendable under backline coach Andrew Di Loreto and senior coach Michael Prior.