Laurie’s bright start for Dockers

Denmark’s Parris Laurie enjoyed a win on debut for the Fremantle Dockers in front of family and friends at Casey Fields in the opening round of the AFLW on Sunday afternoon.

Laurie, a former State basketballer, was drafted by the Dockers late last year and, after an impressive pre-season, was rewarded with a first round debut by new coach Trent Cooper.

Playing mostly in the ruck, Laurie and the Dockers came from behind at three-quarter-time to beat Melbourne by four points in Cranbourne.

The Dockers kicked three goals to nil in the final term as they ran out victors, 9.5 (59) to 8.7 (55) over the Demons to hand Laurie a debut to remember.

With her parents and friends watching, Laurie collected 10 disposals in her first AFLW match to go with one mark and six tackles.

The 24-year-old, wearing No.11, went at 70 per cent disposal efficiency and did some nice things around the ground.

“It was a great experience,” Laurie said.

“I absolutely loved it.

“So good to get a win on the road.

“It’s a great way to start the season.

“It was amazing to have my family and teammates from Claremont make the trip over to cheer me on.”

Pingrup’s Belinda Smith played in the Western Bulldogs’ opening-round win over Adelaide on Saturday night. Smith had one possession in defence as the Bulldogs won by a point, 18-17, in a low-scoring affair at Norwood Oval.

Former Mt Barker resident Kirby Bentley also featured in round 1 of the AFLW, gathering eight disposals, one mark and two tackles for Carlton.

She went at 88 per cent disposal efficency as her Blues lost by 36 points to North Melbourne at North Hobart Oval on Sunday afternoon.