By Martin Pegan
Greater Western Sydney kick-started their season with a commanding 47-point derby triumph over the Swans in the first-ever AFLW match at the SCG.
Nicola Barr was the spark for the Giants, booting two first-half goals that helped set up a 9.11 (65) to 2.6 (18) victory on Saturday.
The Giants’ Nicola Barr etched her name in history with the first goal of the match.Credit:Getty
The inaugural No.1 draft pick, Barr again put her name in the record books when she snapped the opening major of the match to become the first goalkicker in an AFLW Sydney derby.
The Swans (0-3) made a bright start but could manage only two behinds before the Giants (1-2) worked into the game and the floodgates opened.
The experienced Giants midfield proved too slick on the outside and finished on top 246-170 in disposals. Alyce Parker (22 possessions) and captain Alicia Eva (19) led the way.
Meghan Gaffney showed good signs and used the ball well in her first game for the Giants, while fellow debutant Zarlie Goldsworthy added a highlight in the third term with a clever goal and enthusiastic celebration with family and friends near the fence.
The Giants were in full voice as they celebrated their big win.Credit:Getty
Veteran Cora Staunton slotted two majors and made sure there was plenty of spice in the first clash between the crosstown rivals in a running battle with Swans defender Alana Woodward.
“Cora loves coming to the SCG and watching footy so when she had the opportunity to play here today [Saturday] , I felt sorry for whoever was going to play on her,” Giants coach Cam Bernasconi said.
“She played with a really broken nose today. She’ll go into surgery tomorrow and she’ll be sweet for next week, because that’s the competitor that she is.”
The Swans moved the ball forward often enough to trail only 35-25 in inside 50s, but failed to make the most of their opportunities near goal.
Rebecca Privitelli was one of the main culprits. She finished with 0.3 but the 27-year-old was one of the Swans’ better attacking options against her old team.
Ally Morphett was another former Giant among the Swans’ best players, the young ruck making her presence felt around the stoppages while Lisa Steane had a quieter first outing after switching clubs.
“Ally is an interesting player,” Swans coach Scott Gowans said. “She’s 18, you forget that when you look at her, but I think she’s going to be an absolute superstar.”
Alexia Hamilton was thrown forward and kicked the Swans’ only major of the first half following a strong pack mark in the goal square. Brooke Lochland added another just after the main break.
GWS head to Giants Stadium for the first time this season to host West Coast next Saturday, while the Swans will be on the road to face Port Adelaide later that day.
AAP
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