REIGNING premiers East Coast Eagles flexed their muscles in the second half against UNSW-ES Bulldogs after the crowd was left shellshocked at the main break. The Eagles were tipped to comfortably take care of the Bulldogs in the Round 12 AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division match, but instead were kept goalless and trailed by 12 points at half-time.

However order was restored in the second half when the Eagles piled on a massive 10 goals to one to run away with an eventual 46-point victory and remain sitting pretty at the top of the ladder. However the first half of that game will give other sides plenty to ponder considering how the struggling Bulldogs were able to quell the premiership favourites.

The Bulldogs simply outplayed the Eagles in the first half, not just with effort or pressure, but impressive and eye-catching football. a couple of key inclusions helped spark the Dogs, and despite the East Coast Eagles having an incredibly strong side, were on the ropes against a side determined to cause a boilover.

Hayley Stanford was among the most impressive Dogs, as the visitors played measure and deliberate football to be able to use the ball in transition and hit targets down the ground. However it was a different story after the break as East Coast took its game to another level and simply outplayed the Dogs en route to a big win.

All of the recent VFLW and representative football experience across the group left them with the ability to not panic when under pressure, and lift their intensity when they needed to, and they did just that. Caitlin Davidson slotted a long set shot goal from close to 50m out and provided the spark the Eagles needed to get the ball rolling and consistently score in the second half.

Renee Tomkins was crucial for the Eagles, while top-age talent Amelie Prosser-Shaw also got involved in quite a few important acts across the ground. Summer Hall and Jessica Whelan were also among the best, with the latter showing great calm and composure around the inside of the contests, while the former played great proactive football.

In the end, Davidson finished with three goals, one more than Rylee McGartland, while there was a total of seven individual goalkickers for the Eagles.The likes of Swans Academy members Amelia Martin and Ellie Veerhuis were crucial for the home side.

EAST COAST EAGLES 0.3 | 0.3 | 5.5 | 10.7 (67)
UNSW-ES BULLDOGS 1.2 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 3.3 (21)

GOALS:
East Coast: C. Davidson 3, R. McGartland 2, M. Foscarini, E. Hurley, A. Prosser-Shaw, A. Sanchez, C. Arndt
UNSW-ES: E. Conlan, E. Summer-Hawes, A. Martin

BEST:
East Coast: R. Tomkins, J. Whelan, M. Foscarini, L. Watson
UNSW-ES: A. Martin, E. Veerhuis, R. Scheffer, E. Summer-Hawes, H. Stanford

AROUND THE GROUNDS

UTS Bats completely dismantled Pennant Hills to the tune of 134 points in a dominant display. The reigning grand finalists got back to their best and were able to run all over the field and link up well on their way to a 21.9 (135) to 0.1 (1) victory against the inexperienced Demons.

Ella Parker did as she pleased, finishing with four goals, though both Jessica Quade and Sophia Gaukrodger bested her by one with five majors apiece. Aoife Berry also impressed in the win. For Pennant Hills, Sheridan Baker was clearly the standout, while Natalie Pajor tried hard all day.

Manly Warringah Wolves won a nail-biter against a fast-finishing North Shore Bombers. The Wolves looked to be in control at the final break leading by 13 points, but only managed one behind to the Bombers’ 1.3, holding on by five points, 3.4 (22) to 2.5 (17).

The influence of Elle Carroll and Zoe Hurrell across half-back kept the Bombers in the game, while Zara Hamilton And Ashleigh Carter were among the stars for the Wolves in cementing the five-point victory. A set shot after the final siren to tie the game just missed leaving the Wolves breathing a sigh of relief post-match.

The other match was another one-sided contest with Parramatta Goannas keeping St George Dragons scoreless as they went on to win by 82 points. The Goannas had 22 scoring shots to nil in the 12.10 (82) to 0.0 (0) victory at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Brea Trevitt booted three goals and was names best on ground, while Lauren Easton and Amanda Farrugia both kicked two apiece. Kaitlyn Eisenhuth was named best on for the Dragons.