In the heart of AFLW Round 6, emotions ran high at Casey Fields as former Melbourne icon Daisy Pearce faced her old club for the first time as West Coast coach—only to witness a clinical demolition. Meanwhile, across Sydney, the Greater Western Sydney Giants ignited derby fireworks with a shock victory against the ladder-leading Swans, shaking up the premiership race in this thrilling 2025 NAB AFLW season.
Demons Deliver Crushing 51-Point Win Over Pearce’s Eagles
Melbourne roared back from last week’s shock loss to Port Adelaide with a statement performance, dismantling West Coast 10.14 (74) to 3.5 (23) in front of a vocal home crowd. Star forward Eden Zanker stole the show, booting five goals in a blistering first half that included nine marks, her dominance a poignant reminder of the Demons’ forward-line firepower.
The matchup carried extra weight: Pearce, Melbourne’s premiership captain from 2022 under coach Mick Stinear, brought her Eagles side east hoping to turn the tables on her former team. But Stinear’s side showed no sentiment, dominating clearances and punishing turnovers to lead by 42 points at the main break.
Ruck Lauren Pearce anchored the midfield with 20 hit-outs and six clearances, freeing up Tyla Hanks (18 disposals) and Eliza McNamara (24 disposals) to feast. West Coast battled through Abbygail Bushby (24 disposals) and Charlotte Thomas (25), but injuries and suspensions— including Emma Swanson’s absence—left them exposed.
Key Moments: Zanker’s Haul Overshadows Pearce’s Return
Zanker’s goals came in waves: a contested mark and set shot opened the scoring, followed by two more before halftime that silenced any Eagles comeback hopes. The wind-swept conditions at Casey Fields favored Melbourne’s pressure game, with Sinead Goldrick’s defensive wall proving impenetrable.
Pearce, post-match, praised her team’s fight but lamented slow starts: “We gave up crucial moments early, but I saw a group adapting right until the end.” This victory catapults Melbourne to 5-1, cementing their flag contender status.
Giants Stun Swans in Fiery Sydney Derby Upset
In a pulsating Sydney Derby at Henson Park, the Giants defied expectations to topple early favorites Sydney by 12 points, 5.8 (38) to 4.2 (26). The win, GWS’s first derby triumph since 2023, injects life into their season and hands the Swans their second straight loss.
Midfielder Bec Goldsworthy starred with 31 disposals and a goal, her silky ball use unlocking the Giants’ attack after a sluggish start to 2025. Forward Tarni Evans added a major, while defender Cambridge McCormick shut down Sydney’s key threats.
The Swans, who boasted a 5-0 record entering the clash, struggled without injured star Molly McDonald (suspected lower leg issue). Late rallies fell short as GWS’s pressure and contested possessions—led by Georgia Garnett’s set-shot sealer—sealed the boilover.
Derby Drama: Tensions Boil Over in Sydney Showdown
Sparks flew early, with umpires issuing multiple reports amid heated on-field exchanges. Giants coach Cam Berns hailed the “huge upset” as a turning point: “This changes the narrative for us—now we build on it.” Sydney’s loss drops them to 5-1, but coach Scott Gowans remains defiant: “We’ll learn and reload.”
Expert Takes and Fan Frenzy
AFLW analysts buzzed post-round. Gemma Bastiani of womens.afl noted on the W Show: “Zanker’s haul was Daisy-cutter poetry—Pearce’s Eagles fought, but Melbourne’s depth won out.” For the derby, Sarah Black praised GWS’s resilience: “Goldsworthy’s 31 touches flipped the script on a Swans side that looked unbeatable.”
Social media erupted. #AFLWEaglesDemons trended with fans split—Demons supporters relishing the “homecoming horror” for Pearce, while Eagles faithful lauded Bushby’s grit. The Giants’ win sparked #SydneyDerby memes, with one viral post calling it “the upset that woke up the west.”
Pearce, ever the trailblazer, drew on her 2022 premiership experience: “We know Melbourne’s secrets—they play a bit like us,” she quipped pre-game, though the result stung.
What It Means for AFLW Fans and the Race Ahead
These results ripple through the league. Melbourne’s bounce-back keeps them in the top four hunt, boosting fan morale in Victoria where attendance hit 3,500 at Casey Fields. For West Coast (3-3), it’s a tough lesson in a building season under Pearce, whose coaching nous has already lifted the Eagles to new heights.
The Giants’ upset vaults them toward finals contention, exciting NSW supporters and highlighting the AFLW’s growing parity—perfect for casual fans dipping in via apps or broadcasts. Sydney’s slip opens the door for chasers like North Melbourne, adding spice to the lifestyle of footy-mad Aussies juggling games with family barbecues.
Economically, these high-stakes clashes drive merchandise sales and TV ratings, underscoring the AFLW’s role in women’s sports growth. Politically? Pearce’s journey—from player pioneer to coach—inspires gender equity talks in sport.
Round 6 Wrap: A Weekend of High Drama in NAB AFLW
As the dust settles on AFLW Round 6, Melbourne’s dominance over Daisy Pearce’s Eagles and the Giants’ AFLW upset over the Swans stand as defining moments in a season of surprises. With Zanker’s brilliance and Goldsworthy’s guile lighting up the scoresheet, the premiership path grows twistier. Expect fiercer derbies and coaching masterclasses ahead—tune in next weekend as the chase intensifies.