West Coast’s AFLW finals hopes are all but over after Sydney overturned a half-time deficit to claim a 22-point victory at Henson Park.
The Swans prevailed 12.6 (78) to 8.8 (56), producing a six-goal-to-one second half to condemn Daisy Pearce’s side to a seventh defeat of the season and a third consecutive loss.
West Coast’s poor percentage had already left them facing an improbable route into the top eight. The latest setback makes it almost certain they will finish the 2026 campaign outside the finals places.
The Eagles competed strongly in the opening half and led at the main break, reaching their highest score of the season before half-time. Lucia Painter was prominent with 16 disposals and a goal, while Ella Roberts gathered 14 disposals despite close attention from Sydney’s Tanya Kennedy.
Amy Franklin’s return immediately strengthened West Coast’s attack. She created the opening goal by tapping the ball into Kayla Dalgleish’s path, then converted herself early in the second term after being awarded a 50-metre penalty.
Painter and Jaide Britton also capitalised on costly Sydney turnovers, while Roxy Roux was moved to the goal square after another 50-metre penalty and kicked West Coast’s seventh goal just before the interval.
The Swans changed the momentum after half-time. Cynthia Hamilton and Chloe Molloy combined to split three goals in the opening eight minutes of the third quarter, putting Sydney in front.
West Coast remained within a kick at the final break after second-gamer Jovie Skewes-Clinton took a one-on-one mark and played on quickly to kick her first AFLW goal.
But the demanding conditions appeared to sap the Eagles’ energy in the last term. Molloy took control for Sydney, adding three final-quarter goals to finish with five for the match.
Molloy was among Sydney’s best alongside Laura Gardiner, Maddy Ham, Tilly Smith and Hamilton. Painter, Annise Bushby, Kayla Skepper, Franklin and Roberts stood out for West Coast, with Skepper contributing two goals.
