Parker, 19, is off a farm at Cookardinia, and was hell-bent on delivering for her side in the virtual home AFLW fixture. She set the standard in the middle with 24 possessions in a tough and at times fiery encounter.

"She's going to be a great player. She's going to have a long career in the competition," GWS coach Alan McConnell said.

He said it's been a steep learning curve with Parker attracting plenty of attention after making her name last season.

"She's had to learn some new skills and we've had to learn some ways to support those skills. She's had to learn also ways that she can help the team when that attention comes her way.

"All of those things are a work in progress but I thought today she was tough and hard and played her brand, and we're really proud of her."

Even one-sided, it was an entertaining affair and bright advertisement for the elite women's league. And Wagga fans won't forget the name Cora Staunton in a hurry.

The GWS forward is an icon of women's Gaellic football in Ireland after a stellar career before taking on the AFLW.

Her ability and experience were on show on Saturday, to take six marks, kick 4.1 and almost run riot in the second half.

Staunton played down her influence on the outcome but, after a badly broken leg almost ended her career 10 months ago, relief was palpable.

"The injury being a big one, both physically and mentally... I probably had a few doubts creeping in the last couple of weeks, because my performances weren't going that well but you just have to keep ticking away and believe in yourself," Staunton said.

"It's nice after 10 months of hard work to have a little bit of reward."

She too praised Parker's role along with the rest of their midfield to give the forwards time and space.

"It was good to get a lot more ball coming inside 50 and we probably grabbed a lot more marks than we usually did," Staunton said.

"As a Gaelic footballer, to get the ball in over the top and kick the easy goals, that's what you obviously want."

Staunton said four goals were nice but she's happy if the team is hitting the scoreboard and wants to focus on chasing consecutive wins for the first time this season.

The 38-year-old was an All Star in Ireland a stunning 11 times, and has won four All-Ireland finals and three Ladies National Football League titles.

She drew plenty of applause for her performance during the game and was the centre of attention afterwards but Staunton said she was just happy to be a part of AFLW's drive into Wagga.

"Obviously in Ireland, I'm a country person myself so any time you can get to the country, it's brilliant. And it's certainly, for the young kids here to have 'Parks as their idol' and any other girls from Sydney, it's brilliant," Staunton said.

"I know Al (McConnell) is passionate about growing the game in NSW and getting more girls from NSW into the Giants team and I'm sure that will be the case in the future."

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