Eagles ROCKED! First-ever finals match one to forget
West Coast's seven-season wait to fulfill their AFLW dream ended in a nightmare as Carlton delivered a stunning 10-minute surge, knocking them out in the elimination final. The Blues scored four goals within the first 10 minutes of the second half and six for the quarter, transforming an eight-point half-time lead into a commanding 45-point victory.
Match Highlights
In wet, windy, and wintry conditions at Ikon Park, Carlton dominated with a final score of 9.6 (60) to 2.7 (19). The game slipped away quickly for West Coast, with Carlton securing five consecutive possessions early in the third quarter before Sophie McKay kicked the opening goal. McKay went on to kick another goal, assisted a third, and collected eight possessions in a game-breaking performance.
Carlton’s Strong Performance
- Their ability to win the ball, handle it cleanly, and capitalize on scoring opportunities set them apart.
- Carlton's skill and teamwork contrasted with West Coast’s challenges handling the pace and pressure of finals football.
Impact on West Coast
The loss marked the end of an era for retiring West Coast star Dana Hooker, who played a key role in guiding the club through tough seasons. The young Eagles experienced a harsh lesson in the step up from home-and-away matches to finals intensity.
Even in the first quarter, Carlton showed superior skill by moving the ball into space effectively and converting half chances into scoring opportunities. Mia Austin broke free from Zoe Wakfer’s tackle to deliver the ball to Erone Fitzpatrick, who nailed the opening goal of the match.
"Carlton’s class was clear as they won 9.6 (60) to 2.7 (19) in wet, windy and wintry conditions at Ikon Park."
"The ability to win the footy, handle it cleanly and then hit the scoreboard was the clear difference between the two teams."
"The loss ended retiring West Coast star Dana Hooker’s outstanding career."
Author’s summary: Carlton’s dominant 10-minute stretch in the second half crushed West Coast’s AFLW finals ambitions, ending an era for Dana Hooker and exposing the gap between regular season and finals football.