Smith soaks up Eagles first AFLW victory

Great Southern trio Parris Laurie, Belinda Smith and Sophie McDonald helped West Coast make more history last Saturday when they won their first AFLW match, downing Western Bulldogs in a thriller at Leederville Oval.

Laurie was named in the Eagles’ best players, producing a terrific display in the ruck as the Eagles won by four points.

Hailing from Denmark, Laurie was a dominant force with 23 hit-outs as she gave the Eagles midfielders first use of the ball.

She won 10 disposals and said it was a special moment being involved in the Eagles’ first win.

Smith, of Pingrup, provided great rebound from the back half and finished with 10 possessions and four tackles.

She said the winning feeling was an amazing one with her new club.

“I’m just really excited after the first win,” Smith said.

“It was the first time this season we’d strung together a four-quarter performance and really played the brand we’ve been aiming to all season.

“The instruction from the coaches was to enjoy it and soak it in and then be ready to get back to work on Monday and shift our attention towards round 5.”

The Eagles came from behind at half-time in their round four clash and kicked three second-half goals as they prevailed 4.6 (30) to 3.8 (26).

Albany’s McDonald was solid in defence with nine touches, three marks and three tackles.

The Eagles remain last in the conference B standings but are still in finals contention.