One week at a time has carried additional meaning this AFLW season for GWS, who are unsure where they might be heading after a breakthrough win.
Key points:
- The surface at Blacktown Oval was sodden as the Giants beat the Suns 2.6 (18) to 1.2 (8)
- GWS relocated to Albury, shifted base to Adelaide, played in Perth, then were forced into isolation after returning home
- The coronavirus cluster in Melbourne has left the AFLW fixture up in the air
The Giants adapted to slippery conditions in Western Sydney to edge Gold Coast by 10 points, banking their first victory of the year.
GWS booted two goals in the opening term at Blacktown International Sportspark, where young gun Alyce Parker and recalled midfielder Tait Mackrill set the tone in driving rain.
The winless Suns failed to kick a goal until Jamie Stanton gave her side hope of a miracle, trimming the Giants’ lead to 10 points with a tick under two minutes remaining in the game.
GWS triumphed 2.6 (18) to 1.2 (8), which was sweet reward after a nomadic start to the year.
The Giants relocated to Albury during Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak at the start of the year, before shifting base to Adelaide.
They were then forced into self-isolation after returning home from an opening-round loss in Perth, which occurred as the city went into hard lockdown.
Victoria’s current restrictions, coupled with border closures around the country, means the AFLW schedule remains in a state of flux.
“We’ve got training on Monday, that’s where the planning sits right now,” GWS coach Al McConnell said.
“When you only kick two goals, you certainly leave the door open and that’s a little frustrating. But after the eight or 10 weeks we’ve had, you take what you can get.”
The Suns have also been given no guidance on their future movements.
“It probably hasn’t bothered me until I woke up this morning and wondered where we are after this,” Gold Coast coach David Lake said.
“But it could be worse. Some of the other states have got it a bit harder than us.”
The Giants’ first home game in front of fans this year was preceded by a minute’s silence for Jacinda Barclay, whose death last October shocked GWS teammates.
“She’s in our hearts and minds, and will be going forward,” McConnell said.
“It’s really good for our fans and the crowd to acknowledge Jacinda’s passing … we’ve had lots of opportunities to celebrate her life.”
In Sunday’s second game, Carlton thumped St Kilda 6.4 (40) to 2.4 (16).
AAP
