West Coast senior coach Michael Prior lamented a disappointing second quarter following the Eagles’ three-point loss to Hawthorn at Skybus Stadium.

Match intensity and effort were key factors in the result with Hawthorn showing resolve to hold off the Eagles in the last quarter.

While the Eagles started well, the side conceded four goals in the second quarter, giving the Hawks the confidence they needed to run out the game.

“We started the game really well, we played the brand of footy that we wanted to play,” Prior said.

“The breeze helped in the first quarter but after that there were a number of things that went wrong.

“You’ve got to pay full credit to Hawthorn, they had a crack for the full four quarters and they deserved the win.”

West Coast adapted after a tough second quarter, with the match becoming an arm-wrestle in the second half.

“It came down to effort and intensity around the contest,” Prior said.

“We thought in patches we delivered, we also got beaten in many areas as well.

“We changed things up and outscored them in the second half but in the end the damage was done from quarter two.“

Skipper Emma Swanson had a standout performance for a sixth game in a row, leading her side with 28 disposals, seven clearances and a goal. 

Her dominance around the contest and ability to clear the ball out of intense situations were crucial in keeping the Eagles in the match.

“She’s been outstanding for us all year,” Prior said.

“She’s an outstanding leader and we had a few out there tonight that needed to follow her lead.

“She’s driving the group and our club really well at the moment and the team is benefiting from her effort on and off the field.”

West Coast will host Richmond next Friday at Mineral Resource Park as the team look to notch their third win of the year.