A brave and courageous West Coast Eagles outfit snared their first win of the season when they fought out a thrilling one-point victory in the round five AFLW clash against Gold Coast at Mineral Resources Park today.

After leading throughout, the Eagles clung to the most slender of advantages in a tense final term, winning 5.4 (34) to 4.9 (33).

It was built on a highly efficient and resilient first half, with some breath-taking transition football, when the hosts led 3.1 (19) to 1.5 (11) despite going inside the attacking 50 metre arc just four times compared to the Suns’ 22.

With an avalanche of opportunities for the Suns, the Eagles defence was outstanding and held firm even after losing Tayla Bresland to a hamstring injury in the first quarter.

Chantella Perera marshalled the defensive structure while Belinda Smith and Maddy Collier were key players in the club’s energetic rebound out of the danger zone.

Collier was exceptional, as was Mikayla Bowen, who pushed back hard deep into defence and was prepared to take on the game from the back half. Lauren Gauci and Amber Ward also did some solid work in defence.

Bowen must surely be a chance for a rising star nomination with a quality performance capped off by the game winning snap in the final term.

While the backline resisted the wave of forward 50 entries from the Suns, Parris Laurie and Emma Swanson, mainstays in the midfield, particularly without Dana Hooker and Aisling McCarthy, continued to set the standard.

Playing on a wing Kate Orme was under notice, especially in the first half and kicked an important goal when the Eagles jumped out of the blocks, while Irish sisters Niamh and Grace Kelly wielded great influence in what was a great return for their perseverance and persistence with the squad carrying so many injuries.

It was just the Eagles second win in their brief history, following on from a victory over the Western Bulldogs in their debut season last year.

They play captivating, edge-of-your-seats style of game, using their pace and skill to maximum effect.

WEST COAST 3.1 3.1 4.3 5.4 (34)
GOLD COAST 0.4 1.5 3.7 4.9 (33)

GOALS 
West Coast: Bowen, Cameron, Caulfield, G.Kelly, Orme
Gold Coast: Howarth, Parker, Perkins, Stanton

BEST
West Coast: Collier, Bowen, G.Kelly, Swanson, Lewis, Perera, Orme
Gold Coast: Ahrens, Stanton, Surman, Single, Bella, Drennan

INJURIES
West Coast: Bresland (hamstring)
Gold Coast: Perkins (knee)