Daisy Pearce’s West Coast already face an uphill battle to make the AFLW finals after a five-goal haul from second-game forward Alannah Welsh lifted Gold Coast to a stunning 35-point win in Perth.
The Suns entered Saturday’s match featuring nine players who made their AFLW debuts last week, and their youthful exuberance proved hard to stop in the upset 10.9 (69) to 5.4 (34) win.
Welsh was the biggest star of the day, with the 18-year-old kicking 5.0 from 10 disposals in a dominant effort in attack.
“It’s awesome,” Welsh told Fox Footy after the match.
“But we just wanted the result at the end of the day. I’m super excited for the rest of the year. It shows the rest of the comp: look out, we’re coming.”
Charlie Rowbottom was a force in the midfield for the Suns with 26 disposals, six clearances and nine tackles, while second-gamer Ava Usher chipped in with two goals, including a three-bounce effort on the run.
For West Coast, former skipper Emma Swanson battled hard with 26 disposals and 471m gained, while star midfielder Ella Roberts racked up 24 possessions, seven clearances and 301m gained.
But the Eagles, finalists last year, are now 0-2 after starting the season with upset losses to GWS and Gold Coast.
Welsh was a star in the air and at ground level, with her neat dribble goal from the pocket in the second quarter showcasing her quality.
AAP
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