1. Work rate is the starting point for any successful team, and the West Coast Eagles had that in spades during Friday’s match to Geelong. Despite the heartbreaking finish – slotting a goal in the final 90 seconds of the match only to be overrun by three points – West Coast showed spirit in their performance and fought tooth and nail until the dying moments of the game.
2. If an increase in scoring shots is what senior coach Michael Prior is looking for, he should be proud of West Coast’s efforts in the forward-line during the round five clash. Increasing efficiency in the offensive arc – at 53% with 10 scoring shots from 19 inside 50s – marks their best performance since facing with Brisbane in round three 2021, where they finished the match with 58% efficiency. There’s also a lot to like from new recruit Aimee Schmidt, who stood up in the final moments of the game after converting a set shot in front of goal and handing West Coast the lead. Schmidt was also the instigator in four of the Eagles’ scoring shots, with her goal sense unparalleled in the West Coast side.
3. The Eagles’ forwards continued to work hard all day, with 16 tackles inside 50 easily surpassing season-high numbers. The only time West Coast have beaten this number was, again, against Brisbane in round three 2021, with 18 tackles inside 50. The fight shown around the contest in West Coast’s forward-line proves the Eagles are working hard to lock the ball inside 50 and create more scoring opportunities, with Andrea Gilmore (three tackles inside 50), Mikayla Bowen, Melissa Caulfield, Sarah Lakay, Bella Lewis and Schmidt (two) all amongst individual contributors for the day.
4. Youngsters Charlie Thomas and Lakay also showcased their development in Friday’s clash, both racking up season-high numbers in the Eagles midfield. Thomas finished the match with 13 disposals, eight contested possessions, three clearances and four intercepts, while Lakay bested Geelong’s rucks with 21 hit-outs – the most of any ruck for the match – five tackles and seven contested possessions in her second match of the season.
5. West Coast’s younger contingent were also led without fault by skipper Emma Swanson, who was easily the best Eagle afield for the day. Determination and grit to boot, Swanson finished the day with career-high numbers in disposals (27), as well as season-best stats in clearances (eight), marks (five), hard ball gets (nine) and contested possessions (18).
