AFLW Match Report: Slick Eagles score big win
The Eagles have secured their first road win for 2024
The West Coast Eagles produced an irresistible brand of football to orchestrate an important 11-point AFLW victory against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval this evening.
After trailing by a goal at quarter-time they were the dominant team thereafter and won their second game in three outings with every player doing their bit on the way to a 5.2 (32) to 3.3 (21).
Despite being behind on the scoreboard at the first break they had played some high calibre running football and continued to play withy flair and purpose, taking the lead in the middle of the second quarter and never surrendered the advantage.
Young gun Ella Roberts and experienced recruit Ali Drennan led the way through the midfield but so many of the Eagles players fulfilled their roles as required.
Youngster Sanne Bakker had the task of shadowing Bulldogs game-breaker Ellie Blackburn and while her opponent had 21 possessions and four tackles she was constantly under pressure.
Winger Jaide Britton provided run and dash along with Mikayla Western as they underlined the game plan implemented by new coach Daisy Pearce. Their willingness to take the game on, when appropriate, and to attack with purpose made for an entertaining brand.
This Eagles team plays with balance and composure and when required held the game up, chipped the ball around and maintained possession.
While Roberts, Drennan and Britton produced the midfield grunt, in defence Charlie Thomas, Emma Swanson and Belinda Smith were resolute and when the ball went forward the Eagles were a constant threat.
Roberts, Drennan and Bella Lewis all pushed forward to hit the scoreboard while debutant Octavia Di Donato had a moment to remember when she kicked the sealer in the closing minutes with a deadly snap from congestion.
The Bulldogs had edged back to within five points and were having their best period of the game after the first break when Di Donato put the result beyond doubt.
The Eagles will remain in Melbourne and back up against Collingwood next Tuesday.
Details
West Coast Eagles 1.1 3.1 4.1 5.2 (32)
Western Bulldogs 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.3 (21)
Goals
West Coast Eagles: Drennan, Lewis, Roberts, Western, Di Donato. Western Bulldogs: Pritchard, McFarlane, Blackburn.
Best
West Coast Eagles: Roberts, Drennan, Britton, Lewis, Thomas, Western. Western Bulldogs: Pritchard, Grigg, Blackburn, Smith, Carruthers.
