Resilient half-back Belinda Smith continued her excellent start to the season during Sunday’s clash with Gold Coast, and was the best Eagle afield for the match.

Smith put in a tireless effort against Gold Coast’s forwards and finished the game with 16 disposals, 12 intercepts and four rebound 50s, and was instrumental in leading West Coast’s backline across the match.

Although the Eagles eventually succumbed to the Suns’ pressure in the final minutes of the game, Smith’s class and follow-up efforts were commendable, with six contested possessions and three hard-ball gets showcasing her composure in the contest.

Amber Ward (eight disposals, six intercepts) and Evie Gooch (11, three) also did all they could in West Coast’s backline but could not stop the repeat efforts from the Suns, who eventually toppled the Eagles by 13 points.