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WEST Coast has registered its first ever win in New South Wales, claiming an upset victory over GWS on Saturday in a perfect response to their 52-point loss to Essendon last week.
The Eagles' pressure and work rate took away the Giants' run-and-gun game and ultimately saw them win 2.4 (16) to 1.3 (9) at Giants Stadium.
GIANTS V EAGLES Full match coverage and stats
Both sides brought an exciting and quick brand of footy early, seemingly wanting to run and carry to move the ball in space. That attacking game was only let down by the lack of a bit of polish when going forward, where each of the Giants and Eagles read the ball and intercepted well.
Alyce Parker was that interceptor for the Giants, setting herself up across half-back throughout the first quarter and racking up ten disposals. Acknowledging Parker's impact, Eagle Aisling McCarthy spent the rest of the day running with the young Giant, ultimately limiting her impact for the rest of the match.
Cora Staunton remains the main target up forward for the Giants and Eagles defender Sophie McDonald announced herself by completely smothering the veteran, who ended the game without a goal.
Tensions flared in the third quarter as repeated tussles between exciting youngsters Bella Lewis and Jess Doyle resulted in two free kick reversals – one each way – which added to the physicality for the remainder of the game.
In a new role as a small lockdown defender, Jodie Hicks had a career-best game, winning 21 disposals, and young rebounding defender Madison Brazendale offered a spark for the Giants out of the back half.
The Giants tried to flick the ball by hand to outside runners and play to a system, but West Coast's direct, long kicking and ability to control territory ultimately won out and saw them win the inside 50 count 30-20.
This was greatly assisted by the work of captain Emma Swanson and young gun Lewis, who combined for 39 disposals and 14 clearances.
An intriguing ruck battle
Cambridge McCormick and Sarah Lakay spent much of the game going head-to-head in the ruck in what was an in interesting battle. Lakay came out with strength in the air then a real intent to apply pressure at ground level, while McCormick – who has had to take on the number one role at the Giants – used her intelligence around the ground to support her teammates. While Lakay might have taken the points, McCormick lost no pride in her performance.
The Eagles' dangerous forward duo
Inside 50, the intense work rate, speed and pressure applied by Eagles duo Aimee Schmidt and Mikayla Western has added a level of excitement up forward that we haven't otherwise seen from West Coast. The pair created the Eagles' first goal, with a Schmidt tackle spilling the ball for Western to kick truly. They are relentless runners who are always either leading for the ball or mowing down opponents who are looking to exit the defensive 50.
What's next?
West Coast will kick off round five on Thursday afternoon in this season's western derby against Fremantle at Optus Stadium, and the Giants will close the round out when they travel to Unley Oval to take on Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.
GWS 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.3 (9)
WEST COAST 0.2 2.3 2.3 2.4 (16)
GOALS
GWS: Garnett
West Coast: Western, Swanson
BEST
GWS: Parker, Brazendale, Hicks, Dallaway
West Coast: Lewis, McDonald, Roberts, Swanson
INJURIES
GWS: Nil
West Coast: Sedunary (right calf)
Reports: Nil
