REIGNING premiers East Coast Eagles have overcome a plucky Parramatta Goannas to move to 2-0 in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier League competition after a five-point nail-biter on the weekend.

Heading into the game on the weekend, East Coast was missing eight of their top players who were playing either VFL Women’s or Coates Talent League for the Sydney Swans. Thus, it was going to be a much more even contest, which is how it ended up and it was only decided in the last 15 seconds.

It was a real arm-wrestle for the first five minutes, and it took until a 50m penalty started a first quarter dominance from the Goannas. There was a strong breeze going their way and the Eagles were unable to find any answers in quelling them. By quarter time, the Goannas had put on two goals and lead 13-0 at quarter time.

That would all change in the second term, but not just because of the wind advantage. They had a much more proactive mindset and Jessica Whelan started finding the footy on her way to a great game and coaches votes. Everything was still a battle though, every possession and contest was hard fought.

For the Goannas, Amanda Farrugia was racking up possessions, Sophie Kavanagh was bursting out of contests with run, and young Lauren O’Sullivan was showing good overhead marking skills and a long kick.

The Eagles went into the main break with a one-point lead having missed many opportunities in the second quarter, especially being drawn into the dead pocket time after time, which would come back to haunt then later in the day.

The third quarter was marred by two injuries temporarily stopping the game, and then when the Eagles scored a goal into the wind it looked like the reigning premiers would have it, especially with the breeze in the last quarter.

But the to Goannas credit, they to found the nous to play against the wind and despite trailing by six points at the final break, kicked a crucial goal to lead by a point with just minutes let on the clock. It was the Eagles’ turn to respond, and they spent a good three minutes peppering the goals.

Chances went begging for the visitors, and it looked as if the Goannas were going to cause a boilover. Then, with seconds to go, Caitlin Davidson won the ball in the middle of the ground and just went for distance with the breeze. It became a foot race which was won by the visitors and the fans who made the trek roared in jubilation as the champions had done it again, found a way to win.

Though in many ways a draw would have been deserving, both teams can come way proud of their efforts with areas to improve for next time. Renee Tomkins was best on ground for the Eagles, while Whelan was strong throughout. For the Goannas, Stacey Phillips was named best-on, while Farrugia was her usual dominant self.

PARRAMATTA GOANNAS 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 3.3 (21)
EAST COAST EAGLES 0.0 | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.2 (26)

GOALS:
Parramatta: A. Farrugia, A. Gray, S. Kavanagh
East Coast: S. Codd, M. Foscarini, M. Jones, A. Sanchez

BEST:
Parramatta: S. Phillips, A. Farrugia, E. Richards, S. Kaukiono, A. Lewis
East Coast: R. Tomkins, T. McGregor, C. Rogers, C. Arndt, J. Whelan

AROUND THE GROUNDS

UTS Bats 4.5 (29) defeated UNSW-ES Bulldogs 3.4 (22)

Last year’s grand finalists UTS Bats managed to survive a scare from UNSW-ES Bulldogs to win in another close contest, getting up by seven points. The Bats led at each break as Charlotte Owen was a crucial player for the winners, while Chaye Hartwell kicked two majors. Chloe Anderson stood out for the Bulldogs, with Emily Conlan (two goals) the sole multiple goalkicker for the Dogs.

North Shore Bombers 8.5 (53) defeated St George Dragons 1.1 (7)

North Shore took full advantage against newcomers St George Dragons to come away with a 46-point win and bank the points at Olds Park. Serena Lienert was the only multiple goalkicker for the Bombers who had plenty of chances they left out there, while Emily Cleghorn was a crucial player in the win. Caydelan Mitchell Bruce kicked her side’s only major and was named best-on for the Dragons.

Sydney University 1.6 (12) defeated Manly Warringah Wolves 1.3 (9)

The wet conditions did not help either side, with Sydney University doing enough to secure a dour three-point win over the Wolves at Sydney Uni Oval. There were repeat stoppages throughout the four quarters with just the two goals kicked for the game – both in the third term – as Mikaela Mahony (Sydney Uni) and Ashleigh Carter (Manly Warringah) were named best for their respective sides.