WA takes women's footy bragging rights
The balance of power in women’s football shifted west at Domain Stadium this afternoon, with a four-point win to WA ending a century of Victorian domination.
The Black Swans, who had never beaten the Big V at open women’s level, were up by less than a goal in the final minutes of the game when Victorian Emma Kearney threatened to pinch the game after finding space in the forward line.
It was a desperate defensive effort from Tayla Bresland on the goal line which saved the game and saw the home side win their first open-level State game against Victoria in the history of women’s football.
WA captain Kara Donnellan was voted best on ground in the 8.4 (52) to 7.6 (48) victory, adding to her best afield from last month’s AFL women’s game.
“What a win. A real gutsy win from the girls I thought,” WA coach Michelle Cowan said.
“It was an opportunity today to create history and write their own story.
“They went out and did that.”
The result completes a trifecta of drought-breaking wins for WA’s girls after wins over the Vics at under-16 and under-18 level in the past two years.
“What does that say about the talent we’ve got here in WA?” Cowan said.
“I think we are the benchmark in female footy in the country, so if we can keep raising the bar then that would be great.”
Young midfielder Brianna Green was awarded WA’s best and fairest, with inaugural women’s draft No.1 pick Daisy Pearce named Victoria’s best.
The Big V took an eight-point lead into the first break after two goals from Moana Hope.
But it was the home side who dominated in the second term, holding their opponents to just one behind to grab the lead and take plenty of confidence into the second half.
