Exciting teenage talent Ella Roberts starred for West Coast in a nine-point pre-season victory over Essendon at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday.
Roberts (two goals) set the Eagles off for a flying start with two first-quarter majors, including a beautiful snap goal from just inside the 50-metre arc, to set West Coast on the path to a 6.7 (43) to 5.4 (34) triumph.
West Coast impressed early, kicking the first three goals of the game and displaying excellent defensive pressure around the ground, limiting Essendon to just one point in the first quarter.
The Bombers turned the tables in the second quarter, kicking three straight goals to close the margin to just one point at the halftime break, and keeping the Eagles scoreless for the term.
Essendon took the lead early in the third term, before a lovely one-step snap goal from West Coast’s Mikayla Western levelled the scores going into the final quarter.
Essendon started the final term well with an early goal, but responses from West Coast’s Kellie Gibson and Kate Bartlett put the Eagles in front and secured the win at the final siren.
Sarah Lakay and Lauren Wakfer were strong in the ruck contest for West Coast, while the whole team’s intensity and consistency around the ground was evident, and a credit to the hard work they’ve put in throughout the pre-season.
The Eagles will take on Fremantle Dockers in round one of the 2023 NAB AFLW season on Sunday, September 3 at Fremantle Oval.
WEST COAST 3.2 3.2 4.3 6.7 (43)
ESSENDON 0.1 3.1 4.3 5.4 (34)
