Eagles go down in AFL Women's opener

Adelaide has handed West Coast a comprehensive first up defeat in the 2021 AFL Women's competition, winning by 38 points at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.

Midfielders Erin Phillips and Ebony Marinoff (only cleared to play after having her three match rough conduct charge thrown out on Thursday) starred for the Crows, who led at every change on their way to an impressive round one win.

The visitors started the better with two goals to none in the opening term in sweltering conditions, before West Coast responded with two goals to one in the second stanza to only trail by only five points at the major break.

Adelaide booted four unanswered goals in the third term in to open up a match-winning 32-point lead, allowing them to cruise to the 8.8 (56) to 2.6 (18) win in front of a crowd of 1929.

Phillips, who stepped down as captain earlier this month, finished with 23 disposals, five clearances, and two goals in a best afield display.

The 35-year-old was underdone last season in her return from a knee reconstruction, but she looms as a key player for Adelaide in 2021.

Eagles captain Emma Swanson was her side's best player with 17 disposals and 11 tackles, while Dana Hooker had the most disposals for the team in blue and gold with 19.

West Coast are set for a trip to Adelaide to face the GWS Giants in round two, the Crows to meet Fremantle at the same venue the following day.

IMAGE: Fox Sports.