West Coast remained winless in Derbies after a final-quarter fade-out in the opening round of the 2022 season. In blustery conditions in Fremantle, the Eagles struggled in the first half but sparked a comeback in the third quarter with two goals to close within five points at the final change. That only steeled the home side's resolve, as they put the foot down and kicked away. Skipper Emma Swanson led the way with 23 touches and a goal, and defender Belinda Smith was resolute down back with 13 disposals and nine intercept possessions.
Summary[]
| 1/4 time | 1/2 time | 3/4 time | Final | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fremantle | 1.1.7 | 3.1.19 | 3.2.20 | 6.7.43 | ||||
| West Coast | 0.2.2 | 0.2.2 | 2.3.15 | 2.3.15 |
Goals: Schmidt, Swanson
Best: Swanson, Collier, Gibson, Bowen, Smith
Injuries: Nil
Milestones: Gooch WCE debut, Schmidt WCE debut, Thomas AFLW debut
Named sides[]
| West Coast | Fremantle | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B: | 20.Bresland | 31.Gooch | B: | 29.Cuthbertson | 4.Stannett | ||
| HB: | 8.Collier | 33.Ward | 11.McCarthy | HB: | 32.Pugh | 3.O'Driscoll | 30.Low |
| C: | 2.Gibson | 13.Swanson | 1.Bowen | C: | 22.Runnells | 25.McMahon | 20.Cain |
| HF: | 9.Atkins | 7.Schmidt | 12.N.Kelly | HF: | 8.East | 10.Tighe | 9.O'Sullivan |
| F: | 22.Gilmore | 10.Caulfield | F: | 27.Houghton | 15.K.Antonio | ||
| R: | 25.Laurie | 6.Lewis | 17.Hooker | R: | 21.Strom | 19.Miller | 2.Bowers |
| I: | 3.Thomas | 19.Cameron | 15.G.Kelly | I: | 33.Toth | 12.E.Antonio | 13.Tuhakaraina |
| 4.Guard | 14.Smith | 5.Verrier | 23.Sergeant | ||||
| E: | 24.Bullas | 35.McDonald | E: | 28.Hyde | 7.Stewart |
New: Evie Gooch (Fremantle), Aimee Schmidt (GWS Giants), Charlie Thomas (Peel Thunder)
From the papers[]
The West Australian[]
"West Coast struggled to match Fremantle’s intensity in the first half but burst into the game in the third quarter with two quick goals formed around a much improved effort.
Captain Emma Swanson kicked West Coast’s first goal from close range and her subsequent celebrations injected considerable passion into the highly physical affair.
Swanson is likely to come under scrutiny for giving immediate feedback to opposing captain Hayley Miller, making high contact after the goal.
But it was a small sacrifice to pay to spark some intensity, Swanson leading by example with 23 touches, six clearances and five tackles to finish as the Eagles best."[1]
References[]
https://www.womens.afl/match-centre/2022/3799/fre-v-wce
- ↑ Eliza Reilly, The West Australian (8 January 2022), "Fremantle extend reign as queens of the west as Kiara Bowers, Ebony Antonio share medal": https://thewest.com.au/sport/aflw/fremantle-extend-reign-as-queens-of-the-west-as-kiara-bowers-ebony-antonio-share-medal--c-5232772
| 2022 AFLW season <--2021-22 offseason | Playing squad | 2022 offseason--> |
|---|
| 2022 AFL season |
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Pre-season (FRE) | 1 (FRE) | 2 (GC) | 3 (ADL) | 5 (GEE) | 4 (STK) |