Where and when: Mineral Resources Park, Sunday, September 6, 3.05pm
Last time we met: Naarm 10.14 (74) defeated Waalitj Marawar 3.5 (23), round six, 2025.
Naarm claimed a comprehensive 51-point win over the Eagles when the sides last met, with Eden Zanker booting five goals in a dominant display. The Demons controlled the contest around stoppages and capitalised on turnovers, building a commanding lead before the Eagles showed fight late through goals to Sarah Lakay, Kayla Dalgleish and Lauren Wakfer. Abbygail Bushby (24 disposals), Charlotte Thomas (25) and Ella Roberts were among the Eagles' best performers, while Bella Lewis worked hard through the midfield before a hip injury curtailed her influence.
What it means for the Eagles: With three rounds gone, Waalitj Marawar remain in search of a breakthrough win in 2026 and will be eager to seize the opportunity on home turf this Sunday. A victory over Naarm would not only get the season underway but also provide a significant confidence boost heading into the weeks ahead. The Eagles will be keen to respond after their loss to the Demons when the sides last met and turn their hard work into four premiership points in front of their home crowd.
The stat: A round one tag hasn't stopped Ella Roberts, who is averaging 22 disposals across the opening three rounds.
Oppo in focus: Naarm midfielder Olivia Purcell has been one of the competition's standout players this season, driving the Demons with her toughness around the contest and ability to impact both inside and outside the stoppages. A consistent ball winner, Purcell combines strong clearance work with damaging ball use and regularly gets involved on the scoreboard. If she gets her hands on the footy, Purcell can quickly shift momentum, making her a key player the Eagles will need to contain on Sunday.
It’s a big week for: Kayla Dalgleish
Hard-working forward Kayla Dalgleish is set for her first appearance of the 2026 season after overcoming the hamstring injury that sidelined her for the opening rounds. Damaging and crafty in the forward half, Dalgleish's return provides Waalitj Marawar with an important boost as the side looks to break through for its first win of the year. She'll be eager to make an immediate impact in front of the home crowd on Sunday.
Big call: Returning midfielder Kayla Dalgleish makes an immediate impact in her first game of 2026, finishing with 20+ disposals and a goal.
