Pingrup’s Belinda Smith stars for West Coast in round one AFLW loss to Fremantle

Pingrup-raised defender Belinda Smith stood out for the West Coast Eagles in their 28-point derby loss to the Fremantle Dockers in round one of the AFLW at Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

The Dockers finished comfortable winners but Smith was outstanding across half-back in front of more than 5000 people.

She is one of three Great Southern players on the Eagles AFLW list and the rebounding defender was among their best contributors.

The 26-year-old finished the match with 13 disposals, nine intercepts, four marks and two tackles.

The Dockers led by five points at quarter-time and extended that margin to 17 by the long break before the Eagles hit back in the third term.

The Eagles kicked two goals after half-time, through captain Emma Swanson and then Aimee Schmidt as they pulled the deficit back to five points at the final change.

However, the Dockers had the breeze in the final term and kicked three unanswered goals to seal the 6.7 (43) to 2.3 (15) triumph.

Denmark product Parris Laurie worked hard in the ruck for the Eagles with 25 hit-outs to go with her six touches and one mark.

Dockers pair Kiara Bowers and Ebony Antonio shared the honours in the derby best-afield medal.

Bowers had 24 disposals and 14 tackles and Antonio kicked 3.1 from 12 possessions.

Albany’s Sophie McDonald was an emergency for the Eagles.

The Eagles travel to Whitten Oval in Victoria to tackle the Gold Coast Suns in round two on Sunday.