1. While much was made of the exciting group of youngsters secured in the draft, a veteran has quietly slipped into the West Coast Eagles AFLW program and looms as a valuable acquisition. Jess Sedunary, who played in a premiership with Adelaide in her first season and then represented St Kilda, is a gifted all-round athlete. She was on the inactive list last year as she was training with the Australian cycling team, but was coerced to head west. She made a remarkable Eagles debut where her poise and experience in defence were important.

2. While individual fitness testing and programs indicated the Eagles were fitter and stronger than ever before, validation came in this game. Being able to run over the top of Port to kick four unanswered goals in the last quarter was reward for the pre-season commitment of the squad. The Eagles have never finished a game more positively and that will give them good confidence pushing forward, albeit understanding Port are a new franchise in the competition and just starting on their AFLW journey.

3. Former Fremantle forward Gemma Houghton has often been a thorn in the side of the Eagles. The athletic key position player, who switched to Port Adelaide for their inaugural season, loomed as a threat to the Eagles chances of winning this opening round match. Sophie McDonald, a member of the Eagles since inception, was assigned the task and completed the challenge with aplomb. Houghton had her moments and kicked a goal, but McDonald was with her every step of the way in a quality performance where she could claim a points decision.    

4. The capacity of Aisling McCarthy to shift her mindset from a defensive, stopping role on Port star Erin Phillips to become an offensive, attacking weapon in the last quarter was first class. She kept Phillips under wraps for most of the game, holding her to just 10 touches, but then was a catalyst for the team’s outstanding surge in the last term. Not only did she rack up a series of important contested possessions but also kicked a goal that should be on the list of the goal of the round nominations.

5. Three players who were among the long list playing their first game for the club at AFLW level managed to hit scoreboard. Kate Bartlett, in her second incarnation as an Eagle, hit the score board early along with Emma Humphries. And in the last quarter Mikayla Western nailed an important major from the goal square, having used her pace to be in position to take advantage of a deep forward 50 entry.