Fitter, stronger, more committed and determined the West Coast Eagles opened season7 of the AFLW season with a pulsating 12-point victory over Port Adelaide at Mineral Resources Park today.

After Port, one of four new franchises in the competition, led by 12 points at three-quarter time the Eagles finished with all of the momentum, kicking four goals in the term, to win 6.4 (40) to 4.4 (28).

Led by midfield ace Aisling McCarthy, captain Emma Swanson, young star Bella Lewis and ruck Sarah Lakay, the Eagles produced an irresistible surge to breathe immediate confidence and belief into their fourth season in the competition.

Not only did McCarthy dull the influence of Port star Erin Phillips, but she helped the Eagles arrest an issue around clearances and she kicked a remarkable last quarter goal – selling a little candy, side-stepping and then slotting a classic from the pocket.

Also influential in the most impressive quarter of football in their brief history was winger Miakyla Western and top draft selection Ella Roberts.

00:47

McCarthy drills a ripping goal

Aisling McCarthy kicks an incredible major from the boundary in the final quarter

The Eagles started the game strongly kicking two unanswered goals in the opening stanza. Unfortunately, veteran Kellie Gibson, who kicked the first of those goals, went down with a knee injury a few minutes later and took no further part in the game.

After leading by those two goals at the first break, Port hit back hard, levelled the scores at the long break and then controlled the play in the third term to put themselves on track for a strong debut victory.

But the resilience and the spirit of the Eagles was sustained and their refusal to yield was a feature.

This new-look team stood tall and aside from the established stars a number of players making their first appearance in blue and gold were outstanding.

05:30

AFLW Rd 1 highlights v Power

West Coast notch a victory with their opening game of the season against Port Adelaide

Jess Sedunary was a rock in defence throughout, combining with Beth Schilling and Sophie McDonald, who had the key match-up on former Fremantle gun Gemma Houghton, to be important contributors.

Roberts and Kate Bartlett were ubiquitous in attack while second-season star Aimee Schmidt kicked the sealer after a blocking free kick.

Other emerging youngsters Charlie Thomas and Courtney Rowley also had important moments along with the experienced Dana Hooker.

Details
West Coast Eagles            2.2          2.3          2.4          6.4          (40)
Port Adelaide                    0.2          2.3          4.3          4.4          28

Goals

West Coast Eagles: Bartlett, McCarthy, Gibson, Humphries, Schmidt, Western.

Port Adelaide: Houghton, Moloney, Mules, Tahau.

Best

West Coast Eagles: McCarthy, Sedunary, Swanson, Western, Lewis, McDonald.

Port Adelaide: McGrath, Dowrik, Moloney, Yorston, Surman, Ewings.