Western Australia kicked off their AFL National Championships – U16s Girls campaign with a triumphant win over the Gold Coast Suns Academy in Victoria on Sunday. 

Three country players represented WA – Mia Carlshausen (Dalwallinu), Lacey McKay (Kalgoorlie) and Heidi Ireland (Collie) – who ran out 62-point winners in their first of two matches for the Championships 12.8 (80) to 3.0 (18). 

Despite a slow start, the Black Swans came from an eight-point deficit in the first quarter to kick four goals and take a six-point lead into half time. 

From there WA dominated the game keeping Gold Coast Suns scoreless for the entire second half.  

Tiama Collard kicked the side’s first two goals, finishing the game with three goals, 11 kicks and seven tackles.  

Ada Duncan (Subiaco) kicked three goals, while Bella Nelson, Summer Ajduk (and Carlshausen kicked two each. 

WA captain Lexi Strachan had a team high of 27 disposals, while Lacey McKay was a late addition and dominated stoppages with seven clearances, 10 tackles and 14 disposals.  

Rikisha Nannup performed strongly on the wing, while Avuya Nomlatyu stood out in the ruck with 13 hitouts and 17 possessions. 

WA coach Pia Faletti applauded her team’s efforts. 

“The win is a great achievement, even more so given this is the first game these players have come together on field as a collective and it was away from home, which comes with additional challenges,” Faletti said. 

“We're really proud of the way they represented the state both on and off field during the trip. 

“The players were competitive to win the football, taking risks with ball movement, and while this didn't always pay off, we hope it gives them confidence that their skills and decisions can produce some exciting football to watch. 

Faletti was impressed with her players' efforts who all played a vital role throughout the game. 

“Consistently for us Lexi Strachan was both a great leader and put herself in positions to start our ball movement chains from the midfield,” she said.  

“Our two rucks Avouya Nomlatyu and Cara Dziegielewski ensured we had first use of the football from stoppage and worked hard to follow up around the ground as well.  

“Tiama Collard sparked our forwards into gear by presenting up the ground and working hard inside 50 to create scoring opportunities and while our whole backline was very impressive, Heidi Ireland positioned well and made some great decisions with her kicking to ensure the ball didn't stay in defensive 50 too long.” 

WA will take on South Australia on Sunday in Adelaide.