Women’s Premier Division Match of the Round – East Coast Eagles v Inner West Magpies

Written by Lucas Holmes

 

The East Coast Eagles defeated Pennant Hills by 68 points in round 6. The Inner West Magpies looked to rebound after a 64-point loss to Manly Warringah.

 

First quarter

It didn’t take long for the Magpies to open the scoring.

From a ball up on the half-forward flank, Jasmine Smith’s dominant tap was met in congestion by Lael Kassam. Kassam’s running attempt at goal fell into the goal square where Darcy Elliston kicked off the ground from close range.

Inner West would’ve had two goals in less than a minute if not for a last-ditch tackle from Bryany Parker on Deanna Darwall.

The football had been camped inside the Magpies’ forward 50 in the opening 8 minutes of the contest.

However, they were unfortunately down a player on the interchange after 11 minutes of the first term. Georgina McDonnell came from the field with a hand injury.

The Eagles finally had a time in their forward half as the 15-minute mark of the quarter approached and had their first major as the rain started to fall.

Sarah Burns won a free kick and took the advantage on the half-back flank, her driving pass made it to the attacking side of the centre square. Erin Naden played on quickly and found an unmarked Emily Hurley 25 metres out from goal.

Hurley kicked truly off two steps and easily had the distance. For Inner Wests’ dominance, the lead was trimmed to four points.

Gillian Behan kicked the Magpies second in the last minute of the term to finish off a strong opening quarter.

Quarter time East Coast Eagles 1.0.6 Inner West Magpies 2.4.16.

 

Second quarter

Inner West wasted no time to start the second term. Eilish Sheerin was held off the football from the centre bounce.

Sheerin took the advantage and sent the ball to Darwall who marked uncontested deep inside the forward 50.

Darwall converted from 30 metres out and the Magpies had another early goal.

East Coast didn’t have to wait long to open their account on this occasion.

From a free kick on the half-forward flank, Burns sent the ball into the forward pocket looking for Rylee McGartland.

The ball skidded past and towards the goal square where McGartland got a boot to ball on the ground for the Eagles’ second goal.

Despite the treacherous conditions, the football went from one end to the other making for an entertaining contest.

The Magpies were gifted their second goal of the quarter from a 50-metre free kick.

A scuffle broke out on the half-forward flank which followed a free kick.  Jordan Magee was positioned outside the goal square and converted the set shot as the rain tumbled.

The Eagles paid for a lack of discipline once more less than a minute later.

East Coast sent Alexandra Huynh to the electric Sheerin who was tackled after she disposed of the football. The downfield free kick ended up in the safe hands of Behan who made no mistake from 20 metres out on a slight angle.

The Magpies gave away a 50-metre free kick of their own in the latter stages of the first half.

The impressive Abbey Martin kicked from inside the goal square as the Eagles kicked a much-needed goal.

Half time East Coast Eagles 3.1.19 Inner West Magpies 5.5.35.

 

Third quarter

Both sides traded minor scores in the opening three minutes of the third term as the rain had subsided.

Hurley kicked her second with eight minutes of elapsed time.

A downfield free kick was paid with a tackle applied after disposal. Hurley was the beneficiary and converted the set shot from 20 metres out, directly in front of the goal.

Despite the conditions, the Magpies continued to showcase their slick ball movement. Smith, Sheerin and Madeline Convery linked up through the centre corridor with only Renee Tomkins stopping what would’ve been a fantastic team goal.

Behan kicked her third with three and a half minutes remaining as the Magpies racked up repeated entries inside the forward 50.

Three quarter time East Coast Eagles 4.2.26 Inner West Magpies 6.7.43.

 

Fourth quarter

The football was camped inside the Eagles forward 50 at the beginning of the fourth term

Ally Dallaway one of the Eagles’ best, had a running shot on goal in the opening minutes. Her low kick skidded through for a minor score.

Parker had another opportunity soon after. Parker smartly tapped the football to herself on the far half-forward flank. She collected the ball in stride in the forward pocket as her kick at goal rattled off the right goal post.

Inner West kicked their seventh goal of the contest after five minutes of elapsed time.

From a boundary throw-in deep inside their attacking 50, Sheerin extracted the football from a pack of players. Her quick handball to Behan (who smartly waited on the outside of the contest) enabled Gillian just enough time to snap across her body with the kick just having the required journey.

Sheerin capped off an excellent performance with a long-running goal two minutes later as the Magpies handed the Eagles their first loss since the 2020 season.

Full time East Coast Eagles 4.6.30 Inner West Magpies 8.7.55.

 

Renee Tomkins was outstanding for East Coast across the half backline. Her Intercept marking and ball use was particularly important in the wet conditions. Bryany Parker started deep in defence before her speed around the contest was utilised as the match wore on.

Eilish Sheerin was outstanding for the Magpies as she racked up possessions all over the ground. Jasmine Smith played an important role around the ground backing up her ruck work. Whilst Lael Kassam in her 100th match in AFL Sydney was crucial in contested situations.

 

East Coast Eagles 4.6.30

Goal kickers: E. Hurley 2, A. Martin, R. McGartland

Best: R. Tomkins, B. Parker, A. Dallaway, S. Hall, B. Hourigan, S. Burns

 

Inner West Magpies 8.7.55

Goal kickers: G. Behan 4, D. Darwall, D. Elliston, J. Magee, E. Sheerin

Best: J. Smith, E. Sheerin, L. Kassem, G. Behan, A. CausleyTodd