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Western Australia suffer a hefty 84-point loss to South Australia in AFLW National Championships

Headshot of Eliza Reilly
Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
Captain Bella Mann has returned for another AFLW National Championships.
Camera IconCaptain Bella Mann has returned for another AFLW National Championships. Credit: Mark Brake/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos

Western Australia suffered a hefty 84-point loss in game one of their AFLW National Championships campaign, outclassed by South Australia at Thebarton Oval.

Missing five walk-up starters due to injury and health and safety protocols, the Black Swans started strongly in the first quarter but quickly fell away as SA piled on the pain to produce a 15.10 (100) to 2.4 (16) win.

Tall targets Ella Roberts and Georgie Cleaver kicked a goal each in the first and second quarters respectively but WA was held goalless in the second half.

A five-goal-to-one second quarter tore the game from WA’s reach, with South Australia dominating disposal (302-167), inside 50s (42-26) and clearances (28-12).

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For Western Australia, vice-captain Jaime Henry led the way with 17 disposals and eight tackles.

The Swan Districts product isn’t eligible to be drafted this season but impressed through the midfield and in defence.

The Game AFL 2024

Reigning championships MVP Roberts did her draft chances no harm.

Playing higher up the ground, Roberts hit the scoreboard from long-range, took four marks and she also sent the ball inside 50 seven times.

East Fremantle product Cleaver had an impact in the ruck and up forward, finishing with 11 touches, while captain Bella Mann (12 touches, four tackles) and Anjelique Raison (12 touches, seven rebound 50s) were also impactful.

But the Croweaters were constantly first to the ball and punished WA on turnovers.

AFLW academy star Shineah Goody starred for SA, winning 33 touches and five clearances. Hannah Ewings (20 touches, four inside 50s, three goals) and Georgia McKee (20 touches, five inside 50s, three goals) were both influential.

WA will look to rebound on Saturday when they face a WAFLW All-Stars side at Revo Fitness Stadium before rounding out their campaign against Vic Metro on April 22.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2.2 | 7.3 | 11.6 | 15.10 (100)WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.2 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.4 (16)

GOALS - SOUTH AUSTRALIA: H. Ewings 3, G. McKee 3, S. Syme 2, L. Boyd, E. Little, D. Williams, L. Schwerdt, S. Goody, T. Walker, P. Window

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: E. Roberts, G. Cleaver

BEST - SOUTH AUSTRALIA: S Goody, H Ewings, G McKee, S Syme, L Schwerdt, P Window

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: E Roberts, J Henry, G. Cleaver, B Mann, A Raison, A Nokes

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