The Rovers gained the upper hand early, building an early lead to take a five-goal advantage into the quarter time break.

The dominance continued for the Bulldogs in the second quarter, as Carly Mitchell netted 11 goals in goal attack to extend her team’s lead out to 16 at the half time break.

The Lions reset in the third term and started to work their way back into the game, as the home team reduced the margin by two to go into the final break with a 14-goal deficit.

The visitors stood firm in the last term and ended the game in front at the final whistle 60-44.

The contest in the midcourt between Bulldogs centre Angela Brain her opponent Alanna Woods was great to watch in the first half, while Mitchell shot with impressive accuracy for the Bulldogs under the net.

Brain and Mitchell shared the honours as SMW Rovers’ best players.

Dayle Bird split her time between goal shooter and goal attack did her best to get Great Western over the line, finishing the round eight game with 31 goals to be named the Lions’ best on court alongside Woods.

Mitchell topped the Rovers’ scoring with 40 from 48 attempts at 84 per cent accuracy.

Talented shooter Annie Armstrong was shifted to goal keeper for the game and had an enthralling contest with Great Western’s shooting duo across the four quarters.

The round eight victory is a good reward for the Rovers squad which had shown glimpses during games this season but a four quarter effort would boosted morale around the group.

The win moves SMW Rovers up to within one game of the Great Western team in 10th position on the ladder with the first half of the season now complete.