A strong, committed and imposing West Coast Eagles addressed their slow starts of Season 7 to score an impressive seven-point victory over Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium – 2.4 (16) to 1.3 (9).
Despite trailing by five points at the first change, the physical pressure and slick ball movement of the Eagles unsettled the Giants and the final score was not a true reflection of the control enjoyed by the visitors.
The physicality around the stoppages was led by Sarah Lakay (29 hitouts), Bella Lewis (16 disposals, four tackles) and Emma Swanson (23 disposals, one goal, nine tackles) and Aisling McCarthy (13 disposals, four tackles).
The Eagles intent was clear from the outset, tackling with great ferocity and after winning the ball at the contest were able to spread and run to devastating effect.
Emma Humphries played her best game for the club while the outside run of Mikayla Western was again important and Jaide Britton made an impressive debut.
Goals were like gold in slippery conditions and when Western and Swanson converted in the second term, giving the Eagles an eight-point lead at the half they had started to glean some reward for effort.
It was a grind there-after with a goal-less second half, but again the Eagles won the territory battle.
Defensively the effort was personified by Sophie McDonald who was assigned the important match-up against key Giants forward Cora Staunton, so often the barometer for her team. McDonald has been in good form this season and added another scalp with Staunton unable to hit the scoreboard.
Sasha Goronova also contributed to the pressure metre, committing six important tackles.
In conjunction with Charlie Thomas and Courtney Rowley, as well as the ultra-consistent Belinda Smith, they held the Giants at bay. Unfortunately, combative veteran Jess Sedunary suffered a calf strain in the second term and took no further part.
Up forward, youngster Ella Roberts and the experienced Aimee Schmidt offered a strong presence, with Roberts almost dragging down a spectacular third-quarter mark. She flew high over a pack, got hands to the ball and crashed heavily to the ground.
After some initial concerns she was able to shake off any after-effects to continue to have an impact.
West Coast Eagles 0.2 2.3 2.3 2.4 (16)
GWS 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.3 (9)
Goals – West Coast: Western, Swanson. Greater Western Sydney: Garnett
Best – West Coast Eagles: Lewis, Swanson, McDonald, Thomas, Lakay, Western, Roberts. Greater Western Sydney: Hicks, Parker, Eva, Dellaway, Evans, McCormick.
Injuries – West Coast Eagles: Sedunary (calf). Greater Western Sydney: Nil
