Gold Coast Suns claim first AFLW win over Greater Western Sydney Giants in finals race

Gold Coast has overcome a sickening head conflict which compelled Elise Barwick from the sphere within the opening quarter, to assert their first victory over Larger Western Sydney.

The Suns are a step nearer to the second AFLW finals collection within the membership’s historical past, prevailing 7.6 (48) to 2.5 (17) over the Giants at residence.

Barwick was stretchered off the bottom and is anticipated to be out of motion for not less than two weeks with a concussion, following a ugly head conflict with the Giants’ Jessica Doyle.

Barwick was left unresponsive on the bottom, with the competition being halted for a number of minutes. 

After being stretchered off, Gold Coast introduced the 24-year-old was again on her toes within the sheds.

Now with 5 wins to their title for the season, the Suns finish spherical 9 in fifth place and safe their first finals look for the reason that cancelled 2020 collection.

Claudia Whitfort (one purpose, 34 disposals, 9 clearances) was electrical within the midfield for the Suns, alongside Charlie Rowbottom (one, 24, six) and 50-gamer Alison Drennan (27 disposals).

Contemporary off kicking 5 objectives towards Carlton final spherical, 18-year-old Zarlie Goldsworthy (17 disposals, 4 clearances) was once more a shining mild for the Giants, who sorely missed Georgia Garnett (knee) and Alyce Parker (ankle).

Gold Coast wasted no time in beginning the sport on their phrases, profitable the primary centre clearance to get an inside-50 within the opening minute.

The stoppage for Barwick’s damage took all momentum out of the sport, with the perimeters buying and selling solitary behinds within the opening time period.

Gold Coast skipper Tara Bohanna opened the second time period with the primary purpose of the sport, backed up by majors to Rowbottom and Jamie Stanton.

Isabel Huntington responded to offer the Giants a much-needed six pointer, slotting her first purpose since rupturing an ACL in final season’s opening spherical.

Coming back from a one-match suspension, Rebecca Beeson tried to maintain the Suns shut with a significant within the third time period.

However Beeson’s effort to carry her facet proved wasted, with Gold Coast storming residence with 4 objectives throughout the second half — from Jacqueline Dupuy, Bohanna, Whitfort and Maddy Brancatisano.

Gold Coast (5-3) tackle fellow finals hopefuls Essendon within the final spherical of the home-and-away season, whereas GWS (2-7) make one other interstate journey to play lowly Port Adelaide.

AAP/ABC