The West Coast Eagles are on the board in the 2023 AFLW season after holding on for a nailbiting six-point triumph over Port Adelaide on Friday night.
In a ferocious contest played in perfect conditions, the Eagles had some tense moments before Kate Bartlett bobbed up and slotted back-to-back goals in the final term to seemingly put the contest to bed.
Bartlett dribbled through her first from close range before a long set shot was shepherded through on the goalline to all-but secure the four points at Mineral Resources Park.
Port Adelaide spearhead Gemma Houghton hit back for the visitors with a long bomb minutes later, before the Eagles wound down the clock in the dying minutes on the way to a 6.3 (39) to 4.9 (33) triumph.
The victory franked the Eagles’ belief there had been positives to take from a winless opening four rounds and was built on a unwavering commitment to the contest and willingness to play with dash and dare.
Irish star Aisling McCarthy was outstanding, slotting two crucial goals and picking up 22 disposals alongside skipper Emma Swanson (24) in midfield.
Emerging ruck Lauren Wakfer showed her brimming talent with her best game to date, winning 14 disposals and as many hit-outs in a tough battle against Matilda Scholz.
Wakfer held two strong marks late in the physical final term, while the Eagles backline stood tall led by another young gun Charlie Thomas (24 disposals) and the experienced Belinda Smith (21).
West Coast twice opened up an eight-point lead during the third quarter but only held a one-point advantage at the final change as the Power kept surging back into the contest.
Midfield jet Abbey Dowrick was tireless for the visitors, finishing with 22 touches and nine clearances, while Houghton (two goals) worked into the game after an engrossing duel with Sophie McDonald.
Port did all the attacking early but West Coast’s backline withstood the barrage before the Eagles chained the ball up the field and converted from their first inside 50.
After speaking during the week about her disappointment at missing shots against Sydney, McCarthy split the middle on the run to ignite the Eagles.
West Coast’s speed and changes of direction had the Port on the back foot, with Swanson running herself into the ground to inspire her team.
But the Power struck back just before quarter-time, with Madeline Keryk making the most of a flying shot to hand the visitors a one-point lead at the first change.
Both sides missed some opportunities in arm-wrestle of a second stanza, with some desperate defending from Eagles veteran Evie Gooch helping to key Port at bay.
Moments after a goalmouth scramble denied Power star Erin Phillips, forward Kellie Gibson got free out the back and goaled from point-blank range to give West Coast a slender two-point lead at the main change.
Eagles defender Sasha Goranova did a superb job blanketing Phillips as the Power’s match-winner was held to 10 touches and a clever left-foot goal during a see-sawing third term.
But West Coast never relented and held their composure late to secure victory and will head to face Greater Western Sydney seeking back-to-back wins in round six.
DETAILS
WEST COAST 1.2 2.3 4.3 6.3 (39)
PORT ADELAIDE 1.3 1.7 3.8 4.9 (33)
GOALS
West Coast: McCarthy 2, Bartlett 2, Gibson, Lewis
Port Adelaide: Houghton 2, Keryk, Phillips
BEST
West Coast: McCarthy, Swanson, Thomas, Smith, L.Wakfer, Bartlett
Port Adelaide: Dowrick, Scholz, Houghton, Stewart, O’Dea, Mules
INJURIES
West Coast: Nil
Port Adelaide: Nil
Crowd: TBC at Mineral Resources Park
