EAST Coast Eagles have got back on the winners’ list with a comprehensive 108-point belting of last placed Parramatta Goannas for the relocated AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Round 7 match. Despite the lob-sided 18.6 (114) to 1.0 (6) scoreline favouring the three-time reigning premiers, it was not all doom and gloom for the Goannas who performed much better than expected.

In conditions that could be considered the perfect winter’s day – though still wet under foot which made any kind of bouncing tricky – the Goannas seemed to have improved their linkages around the ground with their kicking, marking and overall skills far better than earlier in the year.

Having really struggled to put any sort of score on the board this year, it came as somewhat of a shock that Stacey Phillips nailed a major in the opening term against such quality opposition. While the Eagles kicked three and lead by 12 points at the first break, many would have been expecting closer to an eight-goal margin considering past results.

Brea Trevitt made a huge difference in the match and was able to take the game on at every opportunity. However for all the positive moves, the Goannas were still no match for the Eagles who showed off their superior skills and an ability to consistently hit targets and transition the ball well. Caitlin Davidson slotted five goals, and was just too experienced for her opponents and the beneficiary of some very easy goals.

The Eagles rotated their ruck personnel as well, giving star Renee Tomkins a break at times and experimented with different formations that could be used in the future. Another key highlight was Annaleise Barton who played the style of game that the Eagles have in past years, running and executing by hand or foot every opportunity she got.

The scoreboard was reflective of the current development phases each side is currently in, but it was a pleasing performance from Parramatta who really had a crack. Trevitt, Skyla Seal and Megan Ashford were named the best for the Goannas, while Savannah Codd, Taylah Canobie and Grace Tracey were standouts for the visitors.

Davidson’s five majors were a game-high, though the Eagles had five multiple goalkickers – and nine in total, with Marley Kozak (three) also feasting on her opportunities. The win moved East Coast Eagles above UTS Bats on percentage, while still having two games in hand with a 4-2 record. Parramatta Goannas are still winless, but remain clear of last placed Pennant Hills.

Speaking of Pennant Hills, the Demons played on Friday against third placed North Shore Bombers, and were completely blown away once more with the Bombers coming out 27.15 (177) to 0.0 (0) winners. Adrienne Keeffe slotted four goals, but a host of either Swans or Giants Academy members all filled their boots as well.

Heidi de Saxe, Ava Horneman, Lila Micheletti and Amelia Rainbow all kicked three goals in the win, with de Saxe, Keeffe and Rainbow named among the best with another young Swan in Lucinda Watson. The victory moved North Shore back up to second on the ladder with the most points scored and the best percentage of 592.19, though the Bombers do have two losses and sit adrift of Sydney University (7-0) and one less game in hand compared to Manly Warringah Wolves (5-1).

ROUND 7 RESULTS:

St George Dragons 1.2 (8) def. by UTS Bats 7.10 (52)
Sydney University 9.7 (61) def. UNSW-ES Bulldogs 4.5 (29)
Pennant Hills Demons 0.0 (0) def. by North Shore Bombers 27.15 (177)
Parramatta Goannas 1.0 (6) def. by East Coast Eagles 18.6 (114)