Pingrup product and AFLW star Belinda Smith shines in West Coast Eagles loss to Greater Western Sydney

Pingrup’s Belinda Smith continued her stellar form in the AFLW competition, playing a strong role in the West Coast Eagles’ 20-point loss to Greater Western Sydney at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday. The 28-year-old defender was prolific in the Eagles’ defensive half, amassing 22 disposals, six tackles, four marks and 293m gained. West Coast kicked the first two majors of the contest and led by 16 points at the first change but the Giants bounced back to outscore the Eagles six goals to three in the remaining three quarters. The Giants gathered four more contested possessions and 10 more uncontested disposals in comparison to West Coast’s in the third term. Three majors to Giants’ Zarlie Goldsworthy and one from skipper Alicia Eva in the second half increased the margin to 26 points. Despite a fourth-term goal to Dana Hooker, West Coast slumped to their fifth loss of 2023. Albany-raised Sophie McDonald also finished with five disposals and 91m gained in the 6.8 (44) to 3.6 (24) defeat. Eagles’ coach Michael Prior lamented the swing of clearances in the Giants’ favour after a promising first term. “I was really pleased with the first quarter,” Prior said. “Our intent around the contest and our tackle pressure was right up there. “Then they really got on top around clearances and when that happens the ball is obviously going their way and it lives in their front end more than ours, which makes it really hard for us to score. “When we get things right, we look ok. “It comes back to our contest, and our pressure inside the stoppage and if we deliver on that for longer, we’ll be in games.”