On a day when the first women’s match was held at Wayne Richards Park, the Magpies proved far too strong for Coffs Harbour in a 6.6 (42) to 1.3 (9) victory.

It was in stark contrast to their 58-point opening-round defeat to Sawtell two weeks before.

Coach Melissa Hunt said the usual suspects such as Cambridge McCormack led the way in the middle of the park.

But it was the performance of some of the lesser-known players that really pleased the coach.

“The best on ground was actually Megan Fealy who was playing her first game of AFL football,” Hunt said.

“For her first game in defence she tackled really well and managed to get the ball and send it back towards the middle.”

In a tight third-quarter it was the Magpies defence that shone through.

“The key to the win was winning the ball out of the centre and whenever Coffs had possession we won it back pretty quickly,” she said.

“The girls fought really hard in any contested ball on the ground.”

Port Macquarie returns to Sawtell this Saturday for a clash against the side that is easily the one to beat this season.

“It will be really interesting to go back there and see how the girls go,” Hunt said.

“They played really well last weekend and our main aim this weekend is to be competitive and see what happens.”