1. The capacity to adjust after a shaky start was the hallmark of the game produced by key defender Tom Barrass. Without defensive cohort Jeremy McGovern, Barrass was one out with Bombers tall forward Peter Wright and had his hands full early. Traditionally McGovern would drift in and provide aerial assistance in that circumstance, be he was nursing broken ribs at home. Wright, the Bombers’ go-to deep in attack, made a dominant start but Barrass recovered superbly to control the match-up in the second half, playing an important role in the victory.

00:15

Team Song: Eagles

Watch the Eagles celebrate their round 15 win

2. Veterans Josh Kennedy and Shannon Hurn showed they still had much to offer with outstanding efforts at either end of the ground. Kennedy produced his best return of the season with five goals from 12 possessions and took five marks inside the attacking arc. Defensively Hurn was again strong with 18 kicks, three handballs and nine marks, using the ball with trademark precision to launch many attacking moves from the back half.

02:18

Kennedy's big night leads to incredible win for the Eagles

Josh Kennedy's bag of five goals led the way for the Eagles to end their longest losing streak in club history

3. It has been rare this season to have small forwards Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli working in tandem, but they were close to their dynamic best against the Dons. Rioli had 19 possessions and kicked three goals and aside from his threatening presence around the goals, he also enjoyed time through the middle. Ryan worked hard and pushed deep in defence to lend support as he collected 11 possessions and two marks, finishing off his game with two goals – one of them a classy snap with Essendon defender Mason Redman tackling him.

07:03

Rd 15 highlights v Bombers

The Eagles and Bombers clash in round fifteen

4. Two of the club’s record-breaking 14 debutants this season, defender Rhett Bazzo and wingman Brady Hough, again showed they have much to offer in the future. Bazzo played deep in defence opposed in the main to young Bombers star Harrison Jones and held the edge in that match-up. Hough, who started the year in defence, was again deployed on the wing and was prominent. He showed good composure under pressure and generally used the ball well.

07:45

Simpson post-match v Bombers

Adam Simpson's post-match press conference after West Coast's round 15 victory against Essendon

5. Hard-nosed midfielders Luke Shuey and Jack Redden again set the standard around the contest, winning enough ball to give the Eagles a chance. While the inside 50 count was again lost (42-58) they were brutes at the coalface. Shuey had 21 touches, 13 of them contested, and won six clearances while Redden had 22 possessions, seven contested, won two clearances and gained 390 metres through his disposals. Assistance came from Connor West whose 16 possessions included 10 contested.