West Coast Eagles suffer sixth loss of season as Richmond run out 23-point winners in Perth

The West Coast Eagles fell to their sixth loss of the 2022 AFLW competition, with Richmond running hot in the warm Perth weather on Saturday to prevail by 23 points. Both the Eagles and Tigers entered the competition in 2020 and had only one win next to their name heading into the round seven clash at Mineral Resources Park, but the visitors were a class above. The Tigers took the honours in their first trip to Perth, running out 10.8 (68) to 7.3 (45) winners. Great Southern duo Belinda Smith and Parris Laurie were part of the Eagles side that went down on their home deck. Smith, who hails from Pingrup, finished with nine touches, three marks and three tackles. Denmark ruck Laurie had 12 hit outs to go with seven disposals, two marks and one tackle. The Tigers midfield put on a first-half masterclass as they stormed to a 27-point lead at the main change. Four unanswered goals helped the Tigers lead by 26 points at quarter-time before both teams kicked two majors in the second term. Both sides kicked two goals in the third term and despite the Eagles booting three goals to two in the final term they fell short. Smith has accepted a reprimand for Rough Conduct against Richmond’s Tayla Stahl, which was a dangerous tackle during the third term.