The West Coast Eagles’ Naitanui Academy played with spirit in their first home game at Optus Stadium for over three years, with dual All Australian Nic Naitanui watching on from the race last Sunday.

Playing as a curtain raiser – before the RAC Derby match – the Naitanui Academy 15’s took on Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy in an exhilarating clash which went down to the wire.

Coached by inaugural Eagle Steve Malaxos, the side’s work rate and effort was commendable, with fast ball movement and tackle pressure pleasing Malaxos.

Despite repeat inside 50 entries and a fierce contest around the ball, it was Fremantle who eventually came away with the win, by a heartbreaking one point.

Naitanui Academy Manger Chris Brown was pleased with the team’s pressure on the day.

“It was a really exciting match, the boys’ first home game at Optus Stadium in three years, which was fantastic for them,” Brown said.

“Also gave them some extra motivation with Nic himself watching from the sidelines.

“We kept it pretty simple, the boys had great run on the outside and the pressure was probably one of the best showings I’ve seen.

“We were able to get it forward, but it was probably our pressure and effort that kept us in the game until the final moments of the match.”

With several week’s preparation before the clash – and a number of players missing to Health and Safety Protocols – Brown was proud of the players’ efforts on the day, especially in the face of adversity.

Now, The Naitanui Academy 15's prepare to launch their term two training block before clashing again with Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy later in the season.

“The boys were up and about early, despite an unsettled preparation across the week,” Brown said.

“But we got our 22 out there against Fremantle’s 22 and had a really good crack.

“The boys represented the club really well and played with great spirit across the day.

“It was fantastic for them to be able to cheer on West Coast in the stands afterward, a great reward for their hard work and effort across term one.

“All in all, it was a good day out, a memory and experience that will stay with the boys for a lifetime.

“We’ll play Fremantle again later in the year, with the boys also pushing for selection in WAFL Development Programs.

“I’d also like to say a special thanks to Fremantle’s Graham Mills and Rodger Hayden for their assistance with getting the game off the ground, as well as WAFC Demons' Umpire Coordinator Dion Bidner, who umpired with his crew on the day.

“Thanks also to BHP for their ongoing support to keep the Naitanui Academy free and accessible to all.”