Great Southern duo Sophie McDonald and Belinda Smith help West Coast Eagles win in first round of AFLW season

West Coast Eagles started the new AFLW season in winning fashion, as they came from behind at three-quarter time to beat expansion side Port Adelaide by 12 points at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday. Pingrup defender Belinda Smith and Albany key position player Sophie McDonald were part of the Eagles’ successful round one team. The Eagles led early in the contest but trailed by 11 points at three-quarter time as the Power chased a fairytale win in their first game in the competition. However the home side kicked four unanswered goals in the final term to snatch a 12-point victory to start the new season in great style. Captain Emma Swanson (21 disposals) and emerging star Aisling McCarthy (18 disposals, six clearances) were terrific for the Eagles as they prevailed 6.4 (40) to 4.4 (28), just their second win in the past 13 matches. Smith was rock-solid in defence with 11 touches, three marks and three tackles, while McDonald collected six possessions and laid one tackle. The Eagles, who had a big turnover of players from a horrible last campaign that ended earlier this year, will be on the road in round two as they face Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Sunday afternoon.