The West Coast Eagles claimed their second victory in 24 hours when the WAFL team eclipsed South Fremantle by 41 points at Mineral Resources Park tonight.
After the Eagles locked away their second win of the AFL season against Essendon on Friday night, the WAFL team clinched their first premiership points of the season when they led from start to finish, beating the Bulldogs 13.12 (90) to 7.7 (49).
The sub-plot to this story, if not main thread, was the return of champion ruckman Nic Naitanui after being sidelined for three months with a knee injury.
He had not played since the round four victory against Collingwood but took little time to impact this contest.
Naitanui aided the first clearance out of the middle, pushed forward, received a free kick for a ruck infringement at a stoppage near the top of the square and kicked the opening goal.
From there the Eagles kicked the first three goals of the game with midfielders Greg Clark, Xavier O’Neill and Patrick Naish winning plenty of football and in turn creating opportunities up forward.
Developing key forward Jack Williams kicked three goals in a solid display and was well supported by WAFL squad player Jayden Johnstone who kicked two and also created a presence.
But best afield was key defender Harry Edwards who racked up amazing numbers.
He took a remarkable 23 marks and had 30 possessions in a dominant display down back where Josh Browne, Ethan Hansen and Alex Witherden also combined to repel many Bulldogs important wins.
After a competitive first half, when the Eagles held a 13-point advantage at the main break, the hosts put the game to bed with a dominant third quarter when they held the Bulldogs scoreless.
Details
West Coast Eagles 4.3 6.7 9.9 13.12 (90)
South Fremantle 1.3 4.6 4.6 7.7 (49)
Goals – West Coast Eagles: Williams 3; Naish, Johnstone, Naitanui 2; Winder, Clark, Foley, Nelson. South Fremantle: Headland, Ah Chee, Main, Miller, Donaldson, Schlensog, Z Strom.
Best – West Coast Eagles: Edwards, Clark, Naitanui, Hansen, O’Neill, Browne, Naish. South Fremantle: McQuilken, Main Verrier, Z Strom, Hall, Schloithe.
