WEST Coast has solidified its spot in the top eight with a club record fifth AFLW win, responding to a slow start to overpower Collingwood by 45 points at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday. 

One week after a club record 42-point win against Greater Western Sydney, the Eagles set a new benchmark for themselves, kicking eight unanswered goals on their way to an outstanding 8.14 (62) to 2.5 (17) win. 

It was a significant step on the road to what the club hopes can be its first ever AFLW finals campaign this season, moving to seventh on the ladder with four games to play.  

The impressive win could come at a significant cost, however, after much-improved midfielder Courtney Rowley went down with a knee injury in the second quarter, with the Eagles yet to confirm the extent of damage. 

West Coast’s full scoring power was on display again, with Lauren Wakfer and Amy Franklin each booting two goals as part of a multi-pronged and dangerous forward line. 

The array of scoring options allowed superstar Ella Roberts to control the midfield, finishing with a game-high 27 disposals, six clearances and a goal, turning the game late in the first quarter and through the second.  

Defender Georgie Cleaver was strong in defence and continued a terrific year, with Jessica Rentsch setting the standard with her physicality after the Eagles conceded the opening two goals. 

Collingwood had the game on its terms early and was well on track to winning its first opening quarter since round one after Eliza James and Kalinda Howarth converted early opportunities. 

The Magpies had more numbers at the contest, moved the ball slickly from half-back, and applied relentless pressure when the Eagles had the ball, getting out to a 12-point lead. 

Rentsch laid a crunching tackle on Ash Centra moments after the opening bounce, while Charlie Thomas led from the front with a courageous intercept mark at half back. 

Rowley’s injury was deflating for the home team, but the Eagles kept their heads in the game and went on a three-goal run to finish the quarter, with Wakfer booting her second and Roberts and Franklin converting chances. 

Roberts was brilliant during the critical quarter, winning 13 disposals and driving a 14-5 advantage in forward entries as the Eagles responded in the best possible way and kept the Magpies to just 0.1 for the term. 

The Magpies needed to make a move in the third quarter but couldn’t, with Cleaver and the Eagles’ backs holding up well and keeping the visitors scoreless, while at the other end Franklin booted her second goal. 

West Coast led by 28 points at the final change, with Charlotte Riggs extending that to 34 in the opening minutes of the final term after marking against two opponents inside 50. 

West Coast faces a big challenge against Adelaide next Saturday and will look to continue the winning form starting at 10.05am AWST at Norwood Oval. 

WEST COAST        2.2   5.5   6.7   8.14 (62)
COLLINGWOOD    2.2   2.3   2.3   2.5 (17) 

GOALS 
West Coast: L.Wakfer 2, Franklin 2, Kavanagh, Riggs, Roberts, Western 
Collingwood: Howarth, James 

BEST
West Coast: Roberts, L.Wakfer, Rentsch, Cleaver, Franklin, Riggs
Collingwood: Bonnici, Centra, White, Williamson 

INJURIES
West Coast: Rowley (knee) 
Collingwood: Nil 

Crowd: 2,216 at Mineral Resources ParkÂ