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ESSENDON showed a new level of attacking power on Sunday afternoon, blitzing West Coast in a ruthless first half to set up a 52-point win at Mineral Resources Park.
The Bombers kicked the opening nine goals of the game to build a 56-point lead, going on to kick the highest score of any team this season and notching the second win of their first AFLW campaign, 13.6 (84) to 4.8 (32).
It was an opening rampage that caught the Eagles off guard and ensured the match was over before the main break, with the Bombers slowing down thereafter but never challenged.
EAGLES v BOMBERS Full match coverage and stats
They controlled the stoppages and then moved the ball quickly through the middle of the ground, with their forwards putting the finishing touches on with some excellent set shot kicking.
West Coast got on top and turned the match into an armwrestle in the second half, winning a low-scoring third quarter on the back of a midfield recovery led by brilliant captain Emma Swanson.
But the Bombers added three of the last goals to restore their big lead, making a statement early in their first AFLW season to become the first expansion team of season seven to defeat an established side.
First-year ruck Steph Wales was one the stars of the Bombers' first-half, kicking three goals, including a running effort from 40m, a long-range set shot and another from a pack mark in the goalsquare.
Gun midfielders Maddie Prespakis (22 disposals and two goals) and Steph Cain (15 and four clearances) were instrumental, while forward Daria Bannister was strong in the air and sharp with her kicking, booting two goals.
Jacqui Vogt (15 and a goal) spent time at both ends of the ground and was impressive, while draftee Paige Scott booted three goals.
West Coast draftee Ella Roberts showed why she was such an exciting addition for the club with 17 disposals (13 contested) and five clearances, with Swanson (25 and eight clearances) consistent throughout.
The Eagles lacked the strength in the air and defensive prowess to slow down the attacking Bombers when it mattered, however, falling to 1-2 to start the season.
Wales stands tall
The Eagles would not want to see the vision of Steph Wales' second goal again, after the Bombers' ruck marked in the goalsquare while surrounded by five Eagles opponents in the first quarter. The 188cm youngster used her height and plucked the mark without a single Eagle attempting to spoil. It helped build early momentum for the Bombers, with Wales going on to kick a third first-half goal when she converted on the run from 40m.
Roberts a star in the making
The Eagles had a draftee of their own firing at Mineral Resources Park, with Ella Roberts terrific in her third game. A tall forward, Roberts also spent time in the midfield and put all her strengths on show. The teenager took intercept and contested marks, showed clean hands at ground level, and used the ball cleverly. The conundrum for the Eagles is whether to keep her forward as a key target or unleash her in the midfield where she can clearly do damage.
Up next
The Eagles have a six-day break and are back on the road, travelling to face the 1-2 Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium next Saturday. The Bombers have a seven-day break before taking on a Richmond team coming off its first win of the new season, clashing at ETU Stadium.
WEST COAST 0.2 2.3 3.6 4.8 (32)
ESSENDON 5.2 9.4 10.4 13.6 (84)
GOALS
West Coast: Schmidt 2, Cameron, McCarthy
Essendon: Wales 3, Scott 3, Prespakis 2, Bannister 2, Wuetschner 2, Vogt
BEST
West Coast: Swanson, Roberts, Schmidt, McCarthy, McDonald
Essendon: Prespakis, Wales, Bannister, Vogt, Cain, Scott, Wuetschner
INJURIES
West Coast: Nil
Essendon: Nil
Reports: Nil
