Gold Coast has overcome a sickening head conflict which compelled Elise Barwick from the sector in the opening quarter, to claim their first victory over Greater Western Sydney.
The Suns are a step nearer to the second AFLW finals collection in the membership’s historical past, prevailing 7.6 (48) to 2.5 (17) over the Giants at residence.
Barwick was stretchered off the bottom and is anticipated to be out of motion for not less than two weeks with a concussion, following a grotesque head conflict with the Giants’ Jessica Doyle.
Barwick was left unresponsive on the bottom, with the competition being halted for a number of minutes.
After being stretchered off, Gold Coast introduced the 24-year-old was again on her toes in the sheds.
Now with 5 wins to their identify for the season, the Suns finish spherical 9 in fifth place and safe their first finals look for the reason that cancelled 2020 collection.
Claudia Whitfort (one purpose, 34 disposals, 9 clearances) was electrical in the midfield for the Suns, alongside Charlie Rowbottom (one, 24, six) and 50-gamer Alison Drennan (27 disposals).
Fresh off kicking 5 targets towards Carlton final spherical, 18-year-old Zarlie Goldsworthy (17 disposals, 4 clearances) was once more a shining mild for the Giants, who sorely missed Georgia Garnett (knee) and Alyce Parker (ankle).
Gold Coast wasted no time in beginning the sport on their phrases, successful the first centre clearance to get an inside-50 in the opening minute.
The stoppage for Barwick’s harm took all momentum out of the sport, with the edges buying and selling solitary behinds in the opening time period.
Gold Coast skipper Tara Bohanna opened the second time period with the first purpose of the sport, backed up by majors to Rowbottom and Jamie Stanton.
Isabel Huntington responded to provide the Giants a much-needed six pointer, slotting her first purpose since rupturing an ACL in final season’s opening spherical.
Returning from a one-match suspension, Rebecca Beeson tried to maintain the Suns shut with a significant in the third time period.
But Beeson’s effort to raise her aspect proved wasted, with Gold Coast storming residence with 4 targets throughout the second half — from Jacqueline Dupuy, Bohanna, Whitfort and Maddy Brancatisano.
Gold Coast (5-3) tackle fellow finals hopefuls Essendon in the final spherical of the home-and-away season, whereas GWS (2-7) make one other interstate journey to play lowly Port Adelaide.
AAP/ABC
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