AFLW Watch: Ella Roberts and Beth Schilling shine as West Coast start Daisy Pearce era in winning fashion

West Coast’s two stars from the South West stood out as the Eagles started the Daisy Pearce era with a win over Richmond on Friday night. Margaret River’s Ella Roberts and Bunbury’s Beth Schilling were among the best players afield as the Eagles won their first game under the tutelage of the women’s football legend with a thrilling 6.4 (40) to 5.9 (39) victory over the Tigers at Mineral Resources Park. Playing mostly through the midfield, 18-year-old Roberts gathered 20 disposals and took five marks for the Eagles, being particularly critical as an outlet for long kicks late in the game as they looked to hold their lead. Carey Park product Schilling set the tone early with a crunching tackle on Richmond star Katie Brennan and was a critical component in West Coast’s defence, claiming six intercept possessions. The Eagles led by as much as 24 points in the third term but lost their lead after a run of four unanswered goals from the visitors before Kellie Gibson slotted a goal in the final minute which saw them reclaim the advantage. Former South Bunbury and Donnybrook star Charli Wicksteed was an emergency for Richmond on the night. Manjimup-raised Dana East was influential as Fremantle also started their season with a win on Saturday, beating Essendon by 43 points at Windy Hill. The 22-year-old, who will carry a greater load through the middle this season in the absence of superstar Kiara Bowers, gathered 17 disposals and laid six tackles for the Dockers. Both WA teams will be in action at home this weekend, with the Eagles looking to win consecutive games for the first time in their history when they take on Essendon at 11.05am on Saturday. The Dockers come up against one of the league’s power clubs Adelaide at 3.05pm on Sunday.