GREATER Western Sydney has maintained its perfect record against Gold Coast with its fourth consecutive win in the head-to-head battle to close out the home and away portion of AFLW season seven.
The Giants celebrated Cora Staunton's 50th game in style, defeating the SUNS 7.2 (44) to 4.8 (32) as the sun set on Henson Park.
GWS got the fast start through the milestone woman herself, with Cora Staunton kicking an impressive goal from outside 50 less than a minute into the game and looked powerful in attack from thereon in.
The Giants wanted to play fast, attacking footy - the style of play the club indicated would be a focus before the season even began. In doing so they were able to cut through the SUNS' defences early and kick five first half goals.
The exciting, damaging Gold Coast side of recent weeks was stunned by the aggressive pressure applied by the Giants as the visitors struggled to find any systematic forward movement.
The SUNS relied on two moments of brilliance from Ashanti Bush, who kicked both of their first half goals in stunning fashion.
The SUNS gave away three 50m penalties in the second half, relieving any pressure they had built up against the home side.
Despite the loss, Gold Coast finishes its most successful season since joining the AFLW with five wins despite significant player movement during the off season.
Ashanti Bush has arrived
In her six games of AFLW leading into the round, Ashanti Bush had yet to show the classy ball use she was drafted for, gathering a total of 17 disposals in that time. On Sunday, however, Bush kicked the SUNS' opening two goals in an impressive fashion. The first, a snap from 35m out after evading Kat Smith's clutches, was good. The second, a ground ball gather near the boundary, burning Jodie Hicks off with speed and snapping truly, was great.
What's next?
For both teams it is season over and focus now switches to list management decisions and preparations for season eight.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 3.0 5.1 6.1 7.2 (44)
GOLD COAST 1.1 2.3 2.6 4.8 (32)
GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Garnett 3, Staunton, Zreika, Mowbray, Goldsworthy
Gold Coast: Bush 2, Hampson, Howarth
BEST
Greater Western Sydney: Garnett, Hicks, Parker, Lister
Gold Coast: Rowbottom, Drennan, Saad, Dupuy
INJURIES
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: TBC at Henson Park