West Coast’s pre-season match practice campaign got underway with a competitive 27-point loss against Port Adelaide at Mineral Resources Park on Friday.
In a willing contest, the Eagles found plenty to like, including a potent two-pronged forward set up of Lauren Wakfer and Amy Franklin (three goals).
Recently re-signed star Wakfer was dominant in the first half, marking everything that came in her direction and setting up the Eagles’ attacking forays in an exciting sign for the season ahead.
Her twin sister Zoe and Georgie Cleaver were also rock-solid down back, in the absence of co-captain Charlie Thomas, who was rested alongside Club Champion Ella Roberts ahead of facing Ireland next month.
Former skipper Emma Swanson showed no signs of slowing down in defence alongside tough nut Jess Rentsch, whose screamer in the second quarter was a highlight.
The Eagles made a fast start thanks to Keeley Skepper, who snapped near-identical goals on her left boot to get the home team out of the blocks.
With captain Bella Lewis commanding the midfield, West Coast made all the early running before ex-Eagle small forward Katelyn Pope got the Power on the board.
West Coast’s two-point quarter-time lead quickly disappeared after the restart as Gemma Houghton goaled for the visitors.
However, the Eagles’ engine room dug in and dominated the rest of the quarter, with the home team building a brick wall across half-forward and locking the ball inside 50.
Rentsch’s big hang in the centre square to intercept Port’s desperate attempt to clear their backline typified West Coast’s control.
When Franklin slotted back-to-back goals – including a beauty on the run from range – the Eagles had the advantage again, but Port kept coming and levelled the term at 2.1 apiece.
West Coast was held scoreless in the third term and lost Lewis in the dying stages after she was felled by a heavy tackle in the goalsquare.
Consecutive goals to Franklin and resting ruck Sarah Lakay in the fourth quarter closed the margin to 15 points before Port Adelaide steadied.
Sienna Gerardi produced a late highlight with her first goal in blue and gold after being recruited in the pre-season draft.
The Eagles travel to face Adelaide in another match simulation next Saturday before hosting Collingwood in their official pre-season game on Friday, July 24.
West Coast 2.2 4.3 4.3 7.3 (45)
Port Adelaide 2.0 4.1 6.6 11.6 (72)
