Where and when: Mineral Resources Park, Thursday, August 14, 7.15pm
Last time we met: Gold Coast Suns 15.9 (99) defeated West Coast 4.2 (26), round two, 2023.
Gold Coast proved too strong for West Coast in their round two clash last season, running out 73-point winners at Heritage Bank Stadium. The Suns dominated across the ground, with Jamie Stanton booting six goals and captain Tara Bohanna adding four, while Ella Roberts (21 disposals) and Bella Lewis (20 disposals, six tackles) battled hard for the Eagles. Kellie Gibson kicked three second-half goals and Belinda Smith snagged her first in AFLW, but the visitors couldn’t match Gold Coast’s firepower.
What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles will be eager to make a statement in their season opener, with the clash against Gold Coast now set to take place on home turf at Mineral Resources Park. In their second campaign under senior coach Daisy Pearce, West Coast will be determined to start the year strongly and energise the blue and gold faithful from the first bounce. The squad has been bolstered by exciting new recruits Lucia Painter, Liz McGrath and Kayla Dalgleish, while the return of star midfielder Dana Hooker just eight months after welcoming her second child adds invaluable experience. It will also be the first outing for new co-captain Charlie Thomas, who will lead the side in what promises to be an exciting new chapter for the club.
The stat: The Eagles have played the Suns four times, with Gold Coast holding a 3-1 head-to-head advantage.
Oppo in focus: Charlie Rowbottom is one of the AFLW’s most dangerous midfielders, known for her elite contested ball work and ability to win clearances. Last season, she led the league with 17.7 contested possessions per game and broke the record for clearances in a home-and-away season. Her ball-winning ability and leadership make her a constant threat to the Eagles’ midfield and stopping her will be key to West Coast’s chances this weekend.
It’s a big week for: It’s a big week for West Coast’s new co-captains, Bella Lewis and Charlie Thomas, as they prepare to lead the Eagles onto Mineral Resources Park for the first time together this AFLW season. The duo will share the responsibility of inspiring and guiding the team in their season opener, bringing a blend of experience, competitiveness and leadership to the role. Known for their relentless work ethic and commitment to the blue and gold, Lewis and Thomas will be looking to set the tone from the first bounce as the Eagles aim to launch their campaign with a statement win at home.
Big call: New recruit Lucia Painter will top the disposal count and be the catalyst for the Eagles’ midfield dominance in their season opener.
