Adelaide end winless start as West Coast suffer third straight AFLW defeat
Adelaide have opened their AFLW account with a 17-point victory over West Coast, overcoming the Eagles 9.6 (60) to 6.7 (43) in a clash between two previously winless sides.
The Crows seized control in the second quarter, booting six goals to two to establish a 27-point half-time lead. West Coast fought back after the interval and dominated territory late, but Adelaide’s defence held firm to secure its first win of the season.
Adelaide co-captain Ebony Marinoff was central to the result, collecting 26 disposals, laying 15 tackles and kicking a goal. Madison Newman added 23 disposals and a goal, while Grace Egan was a dangerous presence inside 50 with two majors.
West Coast’s Ella Roberts matched Marinoff’s 26 disposals and was among the Eagles’ best, alongside Charlotte Thomas, who had 22 possessions, and Isabella Lewis, who finished with 19. Despite their pressure and late attacking surge, the visitors managed only one goal in the final term.
The result gives Adelaide a 1-2 record after three rounds, while West Coast fall to 0-3. It was also the Crows’ fifth AFLW meeting with the Eagles and their fifth victory, according to the AFL. Adelaide coach Ryan Davis said he was pleased with the way his players stood up in contested situations, while West Coast coach Daisy Pearce backed her side to recover and said the team would focus on improving its defensive structure.
