Swans blitz Eagles in last game to break losing streak
Sydney have ended their season-defining losing streak with a thumping 46-point AFLW win over West Coast.
The Swans dominated after half-time at home in the only final-round game that did not have a bearing on the top eight, winning 10.14 (74) to 4.4 (28).
After winning a final last season and starting 2-2, the Swans had a run of six losses that sent them plummeting out of top-eight contention.
Scores were level at quarter-time on Saturday, but a three-goal burst from the Swans in the first seven minutes of the second term was a sign of what was to come.
West Coast only managed one goal after half-time at Henson Park and failed to score in the final quarter, ending Daisy Pearce’s first season as coach on a sour note.
West Coast closed out their season of great potential with five straight losses.
Still, the Eagles managed four wins this season – as many as their previous two seasons combined.
Sydney’s Bella Smith had a career-best haul of five goals, but will probably be among several players out of pocket after she sparked a melee at three-quarter-time.
Tempers had been fraying in the wet conditions when Smith goaled after the siren and pushed an Eagles player. Smith was then pushed over herself, prompting the scuffle involving a big group of players.
Brooke Lochland kicked a goal in her retirement game, then had another shot after the final siren. The 64-game veteran at the Western Bulldogs and Swans sprayed the kick to finish with 1.2, but no one cared as teammates mobbed her.
Sydney star Laura Gardiner racked up a game-high 26 possessions and Rebecca Privitelli kicked three goals.
Abbygail Bushby and Bella Lewis (23 possessions apiece), Charlotte Thomas (581 metres gained), Amy Franklin (three goals) and ruck Sarah Lakay (38 hitouts) shone in the gloomy conditions on a dirty day for the Eagles.
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