BRISBANE has made a statement ahead of its powerhouse clash against ladder-leader Adelaide next week, holding a resurgent West Coast to its lowest score under new coach Daisy Pearce and powering away to win by 45 points at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday.
The red-hot Lions improved their record to 4-1 and jumped to second on the ladder after enjoying a significant percentage boost, keeping the Eagles goalless for three quarters and winning 8.13 (61) to 2.4 (16).
The defending premiers were outstanding in their fourth straight win, dominating the contested ball (108-82) and converting a weight of possession into repeat forward entries (44-23) through crisp corridor handballs.
If it weren’t for some wayward kicking, notably from Sophie Conway (1.5), the margin would have been even greater. Conway was among the stars, finishing with 21 disposals and six inside 50s, while Ally Anderson (23 disposals and five tackles) and Jade Ellenger (18 disposals and two goals) also excelled.
While challenged by a top-tier opponent and a condensed fixture, West Coast faced a reality check. Despite a bright start under Pearce, they trailed by 44 points at the last change, with the game effectively over.
Brisbane raced out of the blocks, adding three goals in the opening five minutes, including two for tall forward Taylor Smith, as the visitors continually exploited space behind the Eagles’ defenders. Although the Eagles gained the upper hand in clearances (6-3) by deploying an extra midfielder at stoppages, they struggled with ball movement and conceded a staggering 15 inside 50s to two.
The game tightened up during the second and third quarters as the Eagles ramped up their pressure, holding the Lions to a combined three goals during that stretch. However, things opened up late as West Coast finally broke through with back-to-back goals, bringing the margin back under 50 points and providing a glimpse of how the best teams in the competition operate.
McDonald’s Short Return
The return of experienced defender Sophie McDonald was a boost for the Eagles after missing the first four weeks with concussion and a wrist injury. Unfortunately, she was back in concussion protocols in the first half following a collision while going for a ground ball. McDonald left the field and headed for the rooms, with the Eagles later confirming that she had failed a head injury assessment.
Next Up
After three straight five-day breaks, the Eagles now have the luxury of a seven-day preparation for next Sunday’s clash against Greater Western Sydney at Henson Park. The Lions also benefit from a longer break after a condensed fixture and will host Adelaide at Brighton Homes Arena in a highly anticipated clash between premiership contenders.
Final Scores:
WEST COAST: 0.0 0.3 0.3 2.4 (16)
BRISBANE: 3.4 5.9 6.11 8.13 (61)
Goals:
West Coast: Gibson, Lackay
Brisbane: Ellenger 2, Smith 2, Conway, Davidson, Hickie, Mullins
Best Players:
West Coast: Roberts, Drennan, Thomas, Swanson
Brisbane: Ellenger, Anderson, Grider, Conway, Smith, Mullins
Injuries:
West Coast: McDonald (concussion), Z. Wakfer (ankle)
Brisbane: Nil
Late Changes:
West Coast: Nil
Brisbane: Luka Yoshida-Martin and Sophie Peters replaced by Dakota Davidson and Shannon Campbell
Crowd: TBC at Mineral Resources Park
