The GIANTS and the Eagles will go head-to-head at Henson Park on Sunday.
Match Information:
GIANTS v West Coast Eagles
Sunday, September 29 at 3:05pm
Henson Park | Gadigal and Wangal Country
State of Play:
Registering one win and a draw from their first four games, the GIANTS will now return to Henson Park for a second consecutive week as they look to turn around the result from last week’s gripping three-point loss to the Swans.
Down by 14 points at the half, the GIANTS kicked 2.2 to one behind in a brilliant third term to trail by just a point at the final change to set up a thrilling finale.
With young gun Zarlie Goldsworthy kicking two final term goals, and Brodee Mowbray capping off her strong return from an ACL injury with a clutch goal in the final moments, the GIANTS found themselves down by less than a kick with under a minute left but were unable to pull off the comeback as the Swans held on for a 6.7 (43) to 6.4 (40) win.
While falling just short of the win, there were plenty of positives to come out of the clash, with skipper Bec Beeson (25 touches, 10 clearances, four tackles) instrumental in the middle once again, while recent AFLW Rising Star nominee Kaitlyn Srhoj (18 touches) continued her stellar debut campaign.
Goldsworthy (16 touches, two goals) also continued her strong start to the season in another brilliant performance up forward, while former skipper Alicia Eva (nine touches, two goals, six tackles) was also a key contributor.
As they prepare for a tough condensed schedule in the coming weeks, the GIANTS will be hoping to rebound with a win over the Eagles at Henson Park on Sunday.
The Opposition:
While the Eagles (3-2) have started their season strongly under first-year coach Daisy Pearce they will enter Henson Park looking to rebound from a 45-point loss to the impressive Lions in Perth last week.
As part of their mid-week football schedule, the Eagles registered a 17-point win over Collingwood last Tuesday in Melbourne before returning home to Perth for a quick turnaround clash with the Lions on the Sunday.
The Eagles were held goalless for the first three quarters against the Lions before kicking two final-quarter goals to put some respect on the 8.13 (61) to 2.4 (16) result.
Alison Drennan (27 touches, six clearances) and Ella Roberts (24 touches) were the Eagles’ best in the loss.
Recent History:
The GIANTS will enter Sunday’s clash with a 3-1 record against the Eagles in their four meetings in the AFLW competition.
In the most recent clash between the sides, it was stars Alyce Parker (23 disposals and 10 clearances) and Zarlie Goldsworthy (three goals) who led the GIANTS to a 6.8 (44) to 3.6 (24) win in Blacktown last season.
Sunday’s match-up will be the first match played between the GIANTS and the Eagles at Henson Park.
In the Mix:
The GIANTS will be forced to make at least one change to Sunday’s side, with newcomer Mikayla Pauga to miss the next two matches after being suspended for a tackle on Swan Montana Ham.
Courtney Murphy, Caitlin Miller and Annise Bradfield are the leading contenders to come into the side after being listed as emergencies last week.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their squad to take on the Eagles at 6:20pm on Thursday and their final team at 5pm on Friday at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Sunday’s clash here.
Where to Watch:
The GIANTS’ round four five with the Eagles will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 3pm on Sunday.
Social Media:
Follow the GIANTS on Instagram at @GWSGIANTSAFLW, and be part of the #BigBigSound in 2024!
