Western Australia has survived an epic encounter with Queensland to post its second win at the 2013 AFL Youth Girls National Championships.
In the most thrilling game of the carnival thus far, WA snared three late goals to post a hard-fought 19-point win.
Elusive forward Kira Phillips was the hero for the winners with three goals, the final two coming in the last five minutes of the match. Jessie McDonald added another to help WA clinch victory 6.5 (41) to Queensland 3.4 (22)
It was the girls from the sunshine state that started the better, taking a 7-point quarter time lead.
With Tayla Harris dominating like Harry Taylor across half back, and Emily Bates and Jordan Zanchetta winning plenty of the ball, Queensland looked headed for an upset.
WA captain Emma Swanson and forward Ashley Sharp led the fightback and, with Phillips goaling after a courageous mark, the Sandgropers enjoyed a 6-point lead at the main break.
Courtney Ugle was another to impress out of the back half, while at the other end Zoe Lattanzi and Tala Zanotti were having a significant impact on proceedings.
A goal to each side in the third quarter set up a tantalising final term and neither would disappoint.
It was Qld who struck first through a second goal to Naomi Simpson after a 50m penalty, and suddenly scores were level.
But WA refused to buckle and with some staunch defence Philips was able to pounce and seal the match with two goals in two minutes.
WA meet NSW/ACT in their final preliminary round match, while Queensland tackles Victoria County/Tasmania looking for their first win of the championships.
