West Coast's fightback fell short on home soil against Richmond on Saturday afternoon, with the Eagles beaten by the Tigers by 23 points at Mineral Resources Park.
The air outside was heavy as temperatures soared beyond 36 degrees, and after a sluggish start the Eagles took it up to Richmond and battled it out in a 10.8 (68) to 7.3 (45) loss.
Richmond struck early and slotted four successive goals in a start vaguely reminiscent of last week’s clash against Collingwood.
But the Eagles adapted after the first quarter, and went goal for goal in the second stanza, with skipper Emma Swanson opening the account and former Giants forward Aimee Schmidt also converting a set shot, due to the work of Imahra Cameron and Andrea Gilmore.
After quarter-time the Eagles kicked seven goals to Richmond's six, showing grit and refusing to throw in the towel.
It was again Swanson who stood tall, carrying a massive load on her back for the match to finish with 22 disposals, five clearances and two goals, while vice-captain Dana Hooker (24, six clearances) also impressed.
Ashton Hill (11 disposals, three tackles) was also clean with the ball, after playing her first match in 713 in round one this season due to an ACL injury, while West Coast’s younger contingent in Mikayla Bowen (10 disposals, five tackles) and debutant Emily Bennett (six tackles) showed some good signs.
Up front it was Schmidt who did the bulk of the damage on the scoreboard for West Coast, booting three goals from 12 disposals in another classy performance.
Cameron’s pressure was also important in West Coast’s forward line, while Shanae Davison’s accuracy was telling in key moments across the ground.
Hayley Bullas must also be commended for standing up last in the third quarter to boot her first goal of the season, with another highlight Kellie Gibson’s 50 metre goal midway through the fourth term.
The Tigers were led by Monique Conti (24 disposals, one goal), with captain Katie Brennan (15, two) amongst the major ball winners for the day.
Richmond proved too strong around the contest with speedy, short disposals which resulted in a number of scoring opportunities.
Richmond finished the day with 40 inside 50s to West Coast’s 25, and were also more efficient in the offensive arc with 48 per cent efficiency to the Eagles’ 42.5.
The Eagles now look to refresh ahead of their round eight clash against reigning premiers Brisbane on Sunday at Mineral Resources Park.
DETAILS
Richmond 4.2 6.5 7.7 10.8 (68)
West Coast 0.0 2.2 2.2 7.3 (45)
GOALS
Richmond Stahl 3, Brennan 2, Bernardi, Conti, Chuot, McKenzie, Macdonald
West Coast Schmidt 3, Swanson 2, Bullas, Gibson
BEST
Richmond Conti, Seymour, McKenzie, Brennan, Stahl
West Coast Swanson, Hooker, Schmidt, Hill, Bowen, Bennett
INJURIES
Richmond Nil
West Coast Collier (ankle)
Reports Nil
