AFL: West Coast produced an improved effort at Marvel Stadium but it wasn’t enough to see them past Western Bulldogs in Elliot Yeo’s 200th Eagles appearance.
The WA club had dropped their past 11 games at Marvel Stadium, failing to come within four goals of a single opponent there since late 2023.
And while their losing run at the venue will extend into next season, there were positives on Sunday.
Recap the action here.
That’s that
That ends another round of action for the WA teams.
Fremantle’s epic win on Thursday night against Sydney sets them up for a big finish while the Eagles will take some belief from their efforts against the Dogs.
We will be back next week!
ANALYSIS
It was the old one-two against the new one-two. Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards. Harley Reid and Will Duursma.
MATCH REPORT
West Coast’s Marvel Stadium hoodoo will continue into another year, but the plucky young side lost no fans after a spirited 16-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
THREE-WORD ANALYSIS
It wasn’t a win but it was a brave performance from the Eagles.
FT: Western Bulldogs 86, West Coast 70
The Eagles had three easy chances in the final five minutes that had they converted, they could have tied the match.
But their composure failed them and that will be the difference.
Bontempelli nailed the clutch moments when his side was behind but in the last term, Reid was the only one who really lifted to impact the game for his side.
However, it is still a much-improved performance on their last nightmare trip to Marvel and it will give the side and fans hope of another victory before the end of the year.
Ed Richards was very strong for the Dogs and Bailey Dale got away from the visitors in the end.
Reid was West Coast’s best by miles but Kelly and Duursma alongside Waterman and Shanahan were strong.
The Eagles also finished with nine goals 16 which is costly.
Last hope?
Shanahan was running back all alone in the square and Reid gave him the perfect kick.
But the youngster dropped it and the Dogs escape.
WB 86, WCE 68
Aaron air!
The Eagles had a huge chance to go end to end after Waterman and Jack Williams spread high up the field but Graham running forward missed a simple quick.
The turnover lands at the other end in the hands of Naughton who jumps and takes a strong mark.
Will be very difficult for the Eagles from here.
Yeo and Kelly need to lift at the clearances.
WB 86, WCE 68
All on Harley
The young Eagle is carrying the team in this quarter.
He has a spectacular goal and 25 disposals to go with nine clearances.
No other Eagle is even close to him but the Dogs have a couple rising with him.
WB 80, WCE 68
Poster!
Waterman gets a shot from wide on the 50-metre arc and thunders it into the post.
There is still eight minutes left and the Eagles are coming!
WB 80, WCE 67
Big Blow
Naughton has goal number four and the Eagles have some issues.
Starcevich is still off the ground while Murdock has had some running repairs on his right shoulder.
Williams is dominating the ruck battle for the Eagles but it is not resulting in clearances.
And losing the next one allows Jones to put the Dogs 14 points ahead.
WB 80, WCE 66
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