WEST Coast has won its first game of the season, accounting for a fast-finishing Brisbane 6.10 (46) to 6.5 (41) at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday afternoon.

While the result could act as a firestarter for Daisy Pearce's Eagles, it may also be damaging for the Lions' campaign as they slip to 2-3 on the win-loss ledger in a league where it doesn't serve well to slip off the pace early.

EAGLES v LIONS Full match coverage and stats

The contest served as a masterclass from West Coast's emerging superstar Ella Roberts who dominated all statistical categories by game's end as well as laying what was arguably the match-saving tackle.

The two sides went goal-for-goal through the first quarter and into the second before Brisbane managed successive majors that handed it the lead for the first time in the contest.

It wasn't held for long though as Isabella Lewis put the home team back in front at half-time, Amy Franklin stretching the gap slightly with the only goal to either side in the third quarter.

An 11-point advantage at three-quarter time wasn't a dominant difference, but when Lewis kicked her second West Coast had a 17-point lead which they held into the last few minutes.

That's when the Lions lifted, first with Shanae Davison and then Shannon Campbell goaling and bringing the gap to five points with plenty of time on the board, but while they kept attacking they couldn't get the final chance needed to pull off what would have been a stunning comeback.

06:15

AFLW Highlights: West Coast v Brisbane

The Eagles and Lions clash in round five of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season

Published on Sep 12, 2026

Roberts was a clear best on ground, racking up 33 disposals and the only player to go beyond 20 touches. Roberts also had game-highs in clearances (11), tackles (eight), marks (six) and a whopping 696 metres gained.

Lewis and Franklin were also good for the Eagles with two goals apiece.

Charlotte Riggs and Tahlia Hickie played out a tight and tenacious battle in the ruck with both amongst their side's best.

03:42

AFLW last two mins: Eagles hold off late Lions charge

The thrilling final moments between West Coast and Brisbane in round five of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season

Published on Sep 12, 2026

Pearce praised Riggs post-match, acknowledging the important part the 19-year-old played in the win.

"To have a ruck who can get her hand to it and also be effective and creative when she has the ball. She's still developing her ruck craft as well and will only get better," Pearce said.

00:36

Stunning Skepper bends ridiculous Goal of the Year contender

Keeley Skepper dribbles a magnificent finish from the pocket to wow the home crowd

Published on Sep 12, 2026

"We let ourselves down last week with our second quarter but this week was a four-quarter effort. We were much better today being able to soak up their momentum and go back at them.

"I can't fault the mindset and drive of the team, you can’t beat winning though and I’ve been saying for a few weeks we’re not far off and today proves that."

00:42

Dazzling Dalgleish delights with super snap to start

Kayla Dalgleish fires the first major within seconds of the opening bounce as West Coast begins perfectly

Published on Sep 12, 2026

Last-gasp tackle tops off Ella-ctrifying performance
If Ella Roberts hadn't already done everything she could to win the game, she found herself in a match-saving situation in the dying moments. With the Lions within a goal and bursting forwards, Roberts chased down Jade Ellenger and dragged the Brisbane gun to the ground. Ellenger and teammates argued she got boot to ball, but the umpire didn't see it that way, choosing instead to reward Roberts for yet another sensational play.

00:47

Tenacious Roberts tackle halts Lions in contentious call

Shannon Campbell fires the Lions within a kick, before Ella Roberts is rewarded for her desperate chase despite Jade Ellenger getting ball to boot

Published on Sep 12, 2026

And this is why Lion thought she was uncatchable
It wasn't unreasonable for Ellenger to think she had the jets to outrun Roberts, not after the Olympic-level sprint she rolled out in the second quarter. The fast-footed Lion picked up the ball as it spilled on the wing and took off. One handball inboard, a handball receive back, another back in to Sophie Conway and Ellenger called for it back. However, Conway had a different fairytale finish in mind and sank the goal from 45. 

00:43

Electric Ellenger dashes for days to bring huge finish

Sophie Conway flushes a terric goal from range to reward Jade Ellenger's scintillating running assist

Published on Sep 12, 2026

Up next
West Coast will be hoping to make it back to back wins when it goes on the road to face St Kilda at RSEA Park next Sunday afternoon, while Brisbane will be facing Adelaide at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday evening as the two former league Titans fight to keep their seasons alive.

WEST COAST    3.3   4.6   5.9   6.10 (46)
BRISBANE        2.1   4.3   4.4   6.5 (41)

GOALS
West Coast: Lewis 2, Franklin 2, Skepper, Dalgleish
Brisbane: Mullins, Hartill, Davison, Davidson, Conway, Campbell

BEST
West Coast: Roberts, Franklin, Lewis, Riggs, Skepper
Brisbane: Hickie, O'Dwyer, Mullins, Dunne, Conway

INJURIES
West Coast: Bushby (adductor)
Brisbane: Mullins (TBC)

LATE CHANGES
West Coast: Nil
Brisbane: Lily Postlethwaite replaced in selected side by Asher Fearn-Warren

Crowd: TBC at Mineral Resources Park