Kuwarna broke through for its first win of 2026 after overcoming Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) in their Round Three match at Unley Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The match marked week one of Indigenous Round, and the hosts were able to hold on for a 17-point victory - the first under new Senior Coach Ryan Davis.
Davis delivered the following takeaways post-game.
Win a reward for effort
Kuwarna hadn’t produced the start to this season it would’ve liked, having fallen to Sydney in Round One, before going down to Carlton last week.
Despite the two losses, the team had produced glimpses of good form, but was unable to put it together for four quarters.
Against Waalitj Marawar (West Coast), however, the game plan came together resulting in the win.
Davis said players had continued to work hard and the result was a reward for that effort.
“We've seen really good moments and passages over the last couple of weeks, but to put it together for a good chunk today was really pleasing,” Davis said.
“Every one of our players had moments today where they really stood up in big, contested situations and big plays, and really took their chances.
“It feels fantastic, and I am really, really pleased for the girls.
“They worked really hard over the last couple of weeks, and it's just a reward today.”
Skipper leads from the front
Kuwarna Captain Ebony Marinoff was her prolific self on Saturday, and led by her on-field example.
Marinoff, who took over the role as sole Captain this season, finished the game with 26 disposals, 15 tackles, and five clearances.
“She put her head in the trough and won that contest,” Davis said.
“West Coast are a fantastic contested side, so we didn't feel like we nailed it last week, but today we brought the pressure.
“We were fantastic in our tackles as well, but she (Marinoff) really led from the front in that regard.”
Dream moments for Bown and Douglas
Kuwarna draftee Chloe Bown and recruit Jemmika Douglas enjoyed special moments, both booting their first League goals.
Bown, who was selected with Pick No.5 at the 2025 AFLW Draft, took a strong pack mark in the goal square and kicked truly.
Douglas’ moment arrived shortly after, when her checkside sailed through.
“Football is an energy sport, so when you get those moments, you just have to continue to ride the wave and ride the momentum, which we did,” Davis said.
“(Jemmika’s) lit the bench up, that was a great energy giver for the group.
“It was a bit of a tug of war there for the second quarter, but when she kicked that, the girls hit the roof in the dugout.”
Grace Kelly’s solid return
Leadership group member Grace Kelly returned to the line-up for Round Three after missing the first two matches with a hamstring injury.
The Irish forward proved to be a welcomed addition to the team, finishing with 12 disposals, four tackles, four contested possessions and a goal.
“She's (Grace Kelly) a fantastic athlete, fantastic football player,” Davis said.
“She just adds another dimension to our front half.”
Defensive duo stand tall
Kuwarna was forced to repel repeat forward entries, with the Eagles going inside attacking 50 ten times, compared to the hosts' one to start the final quarter.
Davis praised the efforts of Vice Captain Eloise Jones, who has been switched to defence this season, as well as that of Premiership back Chelsea Biddell.
“I think Eloise Jones and Chelsea Biddell back there really stood tall for us,” Davis said.
“They’re a couple of our senior players who had some massive moments and they repelled so many attacks, so we're thankful to have them in our side.
“I think our contest and our defensive work is going to continue to build over the season.
“West Coast moved the ball really really well, so they got out a bit easier at times and went end-to-end, so we will be trying to address that going into Hawthorn next week.”
Kuwarna will now turn its attention to its Round Four clash away against Hawthorn next Sunday.
