The West Coast Eagles crashed to another disappointing defeat when completely out-played by Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval today, falling to a 18.9 (117) to 4.9 (33) loss.

After an arm-wrestle in the first quarter when scores were locked at 1.2 apiece, the Power dominated and the Eagles simply could not compete with their opponents.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Tim Kelly of the Eagles and Darcy Byrne-Jones of the Power during the 2022 AFL Round 06 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on April 23, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos)

It started full of hope when the opening centre clearance was won by Tim Kelly, who delivered to Liam Ryan, who in turn hit up Jamie Cripps. He converted and the Eagles had their first on the board in the first minute.

Unfortunately, the next one didn’t come until three minutes into the last quarter when Josh Kennedy was on the receiving end of some hard work and a brilliant handpass from Jack Darling.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Todd Marshall of the Power marks the ball from Alex Witherden of the Eaglesduring the 2022 AFL Round 06 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on April 23, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos)

In one of the most forgettable performances in West Coast Eagles history, Port kicked the next 11 goals and controlled every aspect of the game. The Eagles could not match their energy or will as Port built on their advantage to lead 11.8 (74) to 1.8 (14) at the last change.

To make things worse midfield bull Elliot Yeo, trying to build his match fitness, was subbed out in the third quarter after a heavy head clash.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Elliot Yeo of the Eagles in the hands of trainers during the 2022 AFL Round 06 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on April 23, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos)

Positives were few, but the performance of Kelly was a highlight as he was clearly his team’s best player.

The debut of ruckman Luke Strnadica was also a positive, while Xavier O’Neill and Connor West enjoyed their return to senior action and captain Luke Shuey tried to lift his team after a quiet first half.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Josh J. Kennedy of the Eagles is spoiled by Aliir Aliir of the Power during the 2022 AFL Round 06 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on April 23, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos)

And while the game was done and dusted at three quarter-time, the Eagles looked to finish the game reasonably well and kicked the first three goals of the last term. But even that positive was doused by Port who kicked the last seven goals of the match.

Again West Coast were beaten in all the key statistical areas, which resulted in an all-too-common lopsided inside 50 count of 64-33. 

Details
Port Adelaide                  1.2         8.5         11.8       18.9       117
West Coast Eagles           1.2         1.4           1.8       4.9          33
Goals – Port Adelaide: Finlayson, Marshall 5; Georgiades, Amon, Farrell, Motlop, Gray, Wines, Powell-Pepper, Houston. West Coast Eagles: Cripps, Darling, Kennedy, Ryan.
Best – Port Adelaide: Wines, Boak, Finlayson, Houston, Marshall, Rozee. West Coast Eagles: Kelly, West, Witherden.
Injuries – Port Adelaide: R Gray (knee) replaced by L Jones; West Coast Eagles: E Yeo (concussion) replaced by Z Langdon.