1. The irresistible pressure applied by the Suns made it difficult for the Eagles to get their running game going and clearly that was not helped when rebounding defender Belinda Smith was injured. The experienced Smith was hurt in a marking contest early in the match and that robbed the Eagles of important run and carry from the back half that would allow them to break the lines. The Eagles were also committed around the contest winning the tackle count 92-84.

2. The example set by the team’s experienced players was again exemplary with captain Emma Swanson, vice-captain Dana Hooker and hard-nosed midfielder Aisling McCarthy relishing the contest. They were tough and committed at the coalface and were all among the Eagles best. McCarthy’s game was again a mix of a run-with role against Suns’ star Charlie Rowbottom and offensive energy while Swanson and Hooker played with their usual calm composure.

05:57

AFLW Rd 2 highlights v Gold Coast

Catch the highlights from our devastating loss on the road to the Suns

3. Key defender Sophie McDonald again excelled in a pivotal one-on-one contest with Suns gun Tara Bohanna. The Suns enjoyed a 31-24 inside 50 advantage for the match but McDonald held firm and allowed Bohanna just one goal for the match. While having only six possessions, she took three marks and played her defensive role well.   

4. When the team reviews this performance, they might hone in some small lapses that proved costly particularly in the closing minutes and seconds of terms. The young Eagles’ will learn that that concentration must be maintained throughout with three of Gold Coast’s seven goals coming in the dying seconds. No doubt this young evolving group will learn from experiences of this nature.

02:35

Hooker post match v Gold Coast

Eagles media chats with midfielder Dana Hooker after a disappointing loss against the Suns

5. There is no substitute for scoreboard pressure and the Eagles had opportunities, particularly early in the game, but could not find a way to convert. The intensity and commitment could not be questioned but finding targets within scoring range was a challenge. That, in part, must be attributed to the uncompromising defence of the Suns, but the Eagles also missed experienced forwards Aimee Schmidt (concussion) and Kellie Gibson (knee). Hopefully Schmidt is clear to play against Essendon this Sunday.