Gold Coast has stayed in the race for the AFLW finals following a commanding 34-point victory over the winless Swans in wet conditions at Sydney’s Henson Park.
Key points:
- The Suns triumphed 7.7 (49) to 2.3 (15)
- They sit in ninth place on the ladder
- The Swans are yet to record a win in their first AFLW season
The Suns set up their triumph as the rain started to fall early to lead by 22 points at half-time, then handled the slippery conditions better than their opponents to record a 7.7 (49) to 2.3 (15) win.
The result means the Suns continue their late-season charge towards a second finals appearance but the weather made it difficult to secure a significant percentage boost.
The Suns ended the match sitting outside the top eight on percentage.
Jac Dupuy looked more comfortable than most in the conditions and finished with two goals from 14 disposals, while Allison Drennan collected 19 touches and Claudia Whitford also had 19 and added an early major.
Much of the match was played in the Suns’ half as they controlled the ball with 221-167 possessions and 43-26 inside 50s.
The last two number-one draft picks, the Suns’ Charlie Rowbottom and the Swans’ Montana Ham, enjoyed an enthralling midfield battle and were both among the best on ground.
Rowbottom continued her outstanding second season with a match-high 22 disposals, while Ham fought hard against the Suns’ strong on-ball brigade to gather a team-high 15 touches.
The Swans looked determined to claim their first AFLW victory with ferocious attack on the ball and tough tackling in the first quarter.
They kicked the opening goal of the match when Rebecca Privitelli slotted a set-shot to make an early impact after returning to the side following an illness.
Privitelli shook off a heavy bump from Suns defender Ellie Hampson late in the first term to be the Swans’ main focal point and kicked their only other major with a smart snap in the third term.
Lisa Steane and Sarah Skinner also embraced the trying conditions with 11 disposals each for the Swans to prevent the margin blowing out further.
The Suns have an opportunity to stamp their finals credentials when they face Melbourne on Saturday night, with winnable matches against Carlton and GWS to follow.
The Swans will be on the road to continue chasing their first AFLW victory when they play fellow expansion side Essendon earlier that day.
AAP