The Gold Coast Suns have won their second game of the season after defeating the Eagles 33-8
THE Gold Coast Suns have kept their AFLW finals dream alive with a bruising win against the West Coast Eagles in Perth on Sunday.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Gold Coast Suns have kept their AFLW finals dream alive with a bruising 25 point win against the West Coast Eagles in Perth on Sunday.
Played in front of a select number of family and friends at Mineral Resources Park after the AFLW banned crowds due to coronavirus fears, the Suns didn’t need much support to gain ascendancy as they cheered themselves onto the field.
AFLW rising star and Suns leading goal kicker Kalinda Howarth had a day out and kicked four of the Suns five goals to lead them to the 5.3 (33) to 1.2 (8) win, their second of the season, as the Suns climbed into fourth spot on the Conference A ladder.
The Suns must now win their two remaining games to give themselves a shot at finals.
Debutant Taylor Smith had a nervous first moment early in the first quarter, giving away a push in the back free kick but she improved as the contest went on.
Lauren Bella copped a knee to the ribs early and left the ground gasping for air but returned late in the first quarter and played the game out.
Goal sneak Kalinda Howarth provided the first break through with a snap across her body in congestion as the Suns took an eight-point lead into the second quarter.
Hard-nosed midfielder Jamie Stanton was the next victim early in the second, copping a heavy hit to the shoulder and leaving the ground in pain.
The Eagles relentlessly locked the ball inside 50 but without much reward as defender turned forward Jordann Hickey broke the home sides heart with a late goal on the back of some fancy footwork from Howarth.
Leading by 13 points at half time, Kalinda Howarth was the undisputed star of the third term.
Kicking two goals in as many minutes, both from snaps, it was hard to wipe the smile of Howarth’s face as she gave her side a 25 point lead heading into the final term.
Hayley Bulla of the Eagles finally broke through for the home side late in the fourth quarter before Kalinda Howarth added her fourth for the match just after the final siren to assume the mantle of best on ground.
Kate Surman was impressive with 20 disposals and three tackles as was Jamie Stanton with 16 disposals and six tackles.
Serene Watson impressed off half back as did defensive duo Jade Pregelj and Lauren Ahrens.
Every vote: Cripps obliterates Brownlow record in wild count
Patrick Cripps has smashed the votes record with 45, seven ahead of Nick Daicos on 38, to claim a second Brownlow Medal. See every vote from every game here.
Werribee v Southport VFL grand final: Paul Amy’s ultimate guide
The Bees and Sharks both have history on the line in the VFL grand final. PAUL AMY looks at the state of play for both clubs, names the key players and reveals who the experts are tipping.