An undermanned West Coast were outclassed at Shark Park today and were convincingly beaten 22.14 (146) to 3.5 (23).
The wet and wooly conditions did nothing to stop the repeat efforts from the Sharks who cemented a top five position with the 123-point win.
But, there were some positive signs from the Eagles’ younger contingent of AFL-listed players, including Zane Trew who played his second game back from a long-term injury.
Trew did a few good things with the ball and will be better for the run, while Brady Hough (12 disposals) and Rhett Bazzo (11) also showed some signs.
Bazzo’s height also proved key in telling moments during the match, taking a few exciting marks in the Eagles’ defensive 50.
The 18-year-old was far from starved of the ball and got an opportunity to showcase his wares across the match, while further developing his craft against the hardened Sharks.
Skipper Zane Sumich also led his side admirably in a difficult day to finish with 13 disposals and six marks, while Ryan Ambrose (19, two) and Harry Creasey (17, four) also stood up in the face of adversity as two of West Coast’s best.
Highlights of the match included the Eagles’ first goal from ruck Josh Edwards, while Joshua Burke’s two majors were also a silver lining on an otherwise difficult day.
Darby McCarthy’s run down the wing in the final stanza was also impressive with his vigour and ability to weave through traffic thrilling to watch.
The decimated Eagles side were also bolstered by two Sharks before the match, in Samuel Emery and Sam Medland, who played their role well to combine for nine tackles.
WEST COAST 2.2 3.2 3.4 3.5 (23)
EAST FREMANTLE 7.1 14.6 20.9 22.14 (146)
GOALS
West Coast: Burke 2, Edwards
East Fremantle: OReilly 5, English, Montauban 4, Jansen, Monaghan 3, Baskerville, Lester-Smith, Williamson
BEST
West Coast: Ambrose, Creasey, Levien, Henderson, Burke
East Fremantle: Baskerville, Boekhorst, OReilly, Murdock, Leggett
