After a disappointing result in Launceston, the GIANTS will be looking to bounce back when they return home to Blacktown International Sportspark to host another of the NAB AFL Women’s competition’s expansion sides in the West Coast Eagles.
The Details
GIANTS v West Coast Eagles
Sunday, February 23 at 1.10pm AEDT
Blacktown International Sportspark
Entry is free
The Game
The GIANTS have had a mixed bag to start the season, getting the points in a slog against the Gold Coast Suns before missed opportunities in front of goal proved costly against flag fancies North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos.
In both of their games so far, the GIANTS have won plenty of the ball, but have come up against strong defences and struggled to hit the scoreboard as often or as accurately as they would’ve liked.
Against an Eagles defence that has conceded five and nine goals respectively in the first two games, the GIANTS will be looking to see some reward for effort.
Early wins on the board are vital in AFLW and the GIANTS will be eager to get back on the winners’ list in front of a proud home crowd at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Against an Eagles’ outfit that has had similar struggles getting on the scoreboard, early goals will provide a valuable confidence boost.
The fledgling Eagles, featuring former GIANTS Emma Swanson (captain) and Maddy Collier, are searching for their first ever AFLW win after tough opening clashes against Collingwood and Fremantle, but the GIANTS won’t want to concede any ground in Western Sydney.
The Key Points
1. Keep an eye on the ruck battle on Sunday. The GIANTS (68 hitouts) and Eagles (62) are ranked first and second respectively for hitouts in the league. The GIANTS’ three-pronged approached – with Erin McKinnon and Jess Allan sharing ruck duties around the ground, while Ingrid Nielsen controls the contest up forward – has worked well so far.
2. Despite being the GIANTS’ AFLW home in Western Sydney, Blacktown International Sportspark hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground for the GIANTS. But a round one win – also coach Alan McConnell’s first win at Blacktown – sets the GIANTS up to turn their fortunes at the venue around.
3. Dynamic midfield duo Alicia Eva and Alyce Parker have seen plenty of the footy already in 2020. They’re proven ball-winners, and have been the GIANTS’ top two possession-getters in the opening fortnight, with 38 disposals apiece.
4. Sunday’s game will have a distinct Mayo flavour to it – no, we’re not talking about mayo in the culinary sense. West Coast recruited Niamh and Grace Kelly from Mayo in Ireland, the same Gaelic footy club that Cora Staunton hails from.
Who to Watch
Against a firing Kangaroos attack last week, Elle Bennetts stood tall in defence. She looked composed under pressure as she rebounded from half-back and will be determined to deny the Eagles at every opportunity this weekend.
For the Eagles, their star so far has undoubtably been former Fremantle Docker Dana Hooker. Hooker collected 18 disposals and kicked the Eagles' only goal in round one, but was well held by her former club in round two. Considered elite by Champion Data, Hooker will be looking to bounce back in Blacktown.
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on 7Mate in NSW, the ACT and Perth, and can be watched on Foxtel or the Kayo App with a subscription.
All AFL Women’s matches will also be streamed live via womens.afl and the AFLW Official App.
