West Coast secured their first AFLW win of 2026 with a five-point upset of Brisbane, holding on for a 6.10 (46) to 6.5 (41) victory at Mineral Resources Park.
The Eagles had begun the season with four straight defeats, but produced a relentless display of pressure to defeat the Lions, who have appeared in each of the past three grand finals. It was also West Coast’s first win over Brisbane.
Ella Roberts was central to the result, finishing with 33 disposals, 11 clearances and eight tackles. The midfielder had been promised greater support during the week and was joined by several influential contributors.
Co-captain Bella Lewis collected 19 disposals and kicked two goals, while 19-year-old ruck Charlotte Riggs had 19 disposals and 11 hit-outs in her contest with Brisbane’s Tahlia Hickie.
West Coast withstand late Brisbane pressure
The Eagles made the ideal start when Kayla Dalgleish snapped a goal inside the opening 30 seconds. Keeley Skepper then added a clever finish from deep in the pocket before Amy Franklin soccered through another loose ball.
Brisbane stayed within reach through set-shot goals from Dakota Davidson and Eleanor Hartill, but West Coast took an eight-point lead into the first break.
The Lions increased their pressure in the second term and largely kept the Eagles trapped in their defensive half. Sophie Conway’s finish on the run briefly put Brisbane in front, only for Lewis to respond immediately for West Coast.
Franklin’s second goal came early in the third quarter after she won a holding-the-ball decision against Breanna Koenan, extending the Eagles’ advantage.
West Coast’s intensity remained a feature after half-time, with Franklin, Lauren Wakfer, Lewis and Roberts among those applying heavy tackles. Both sides appeared to tire as the contest entered its final stages.
Brisbane controlled much of the early play in the last quarter, but Roberts kept the ball alive with a strong tackle on Belle Dawes. Lewis then converted a high-contact free kick at the ensuing stoppage to give West Coast further breathing room.
The Lions responded through Shanae Davison after an end-to-end attack, before Shannon Campbell brought them back to within one straight kick.
Brisbane threatened again immediately after the next centre clearance, but Roberts produced a run-down tackle to help preserve the lead. The Eagles held firm in the closing minutes to complete a significant victory under coach Daisy Pearce.
Franklin and Lewis finished as West Coast’s leading goal-kickers with two each, while Skepper and Dalgleish also found the target. Brisbane’s goals came from Courtney Mullins, Hartill, Davidson, Conway, Campbell and Davison.
The match was attended by 1,511 people at Mineral Resources Park. West Coast’s only listed injury was a groin issue for Amy Bush.
