Great Southern trio solid as the Eagles fall

The West Coast Eagles have suffered a fourth loss in their inaugural AFLW season, falling to Melbourne by 59 points at Casey Fields on Sunday.

Featuring Great Southern trio Belinda Smith, Parris Laurie and Sophie McDonald, the Eagles trailed by only 11 points at half time but were outclassed in the second half as the Demons piled on seven unanswered goals.

Laurie, who hails from Denmark, was again named in the Eagles best players after an enthralling battle with Demon Eden Zanker in the ruck.

Zanker was one of the winners best contributors but Laurie was very sturdy for the visitors, finishing with 10 disposals, 17 hit outs and five tackles.

Pingrup-raised Smith played in defence and collected 12 touches and two marks in a solid display as the Demons ran out big winners, 10.6 (66) to 1.1 (7).

Also in defence, Albany’s McDonald gathered 10 possessions for the Eagles who have a 1-4 win-loss record after the first five rounds of the national women’s competition.

The loss ended the Eagles slim finals hopes, as they sit at the bottom of the conference B standings.

The Eagles are at home to Gold Coast this Sunday, bouncedown is 2.10pm at Mineral Resources Park.