1.The first thing the coaches were looking for after a string of poor performances was a more competitive effort. It came but still resulted in a 75-point loss. While the Eagles conceded the contested ball just 136-139 and clearances were 37-38 they just were not as clean as their highly-regarded opponents. And after Brisbane had kicked just nine goals in the first three quarters, they kicked seven goals to one in the last 22 minutes to blow out the scoreline.
2. One of the highlights of the game was the performance of young ruckman Callum Jamieson. In the absence of Nic Naitanui (knee), Bailey Williams (hamstring) and Luke Strnadica (health and safety), Jamieson earned his second game and was impressive. A tough competitor, he had 12 possessions (eight of them contested), took four marks and won 13 hit outs. The athletic big man will likely get further opportunities to build on his experience.
3. The WAFL COVID Contingency List players who have answered the Eagles’ SOS call in the last six weeks have been rock solid. They have fitted into the cut and thrust of the AFL seamlessly and have also had a strong connection within the playing group. South Fremantle midfielder Jake Florenca was the latest to debut and he was one of the shining lights. He had 19 possessions, 13 of them contested (a team high) and had four clearances. Claremont captain Declan Mountford started his second game for the club as the medical sub and after being injected into the game in the last quarter he had eight possessions, three of them contested.
4. The match committee opted to deploy hard-nosed midfielder Jack Redden head-to-head with Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale. It was an absorbing battle with both players having an impact on the game. Neale finished with 30 possessions and 10 clearances while Redden had 29 disposals, 10 of them contested, and seven clearances. The problem for the Eagles was that while that contest was halved the class of Hugh McCluggage was telling as he kicked four goals off a wing.
5. The defensive unit has been under enormous pressure all season and this game was no exception with Brisbane leading the inside 50 count 68-33. Again, the back line held up with veterans Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn at the forefront. Acting captain McGovern has enjoyed an exceptional season, and continued racking up 21 possessions and six marks – with 12 of those possessions contested he sat behind only debutant Florenca on that count. Hurn had 23 possessions and eight marks, setting a team high 413 metres gained with the ball in his hands
