1. It is a trait of young teams that intensity and concentration can waver and that generally creates a level of inconsistency, often seen from quarter to quarter. For the Eagles that has been evident in virtually every game and has resulted in some lost opportunities. Certainly this game against the Hawks would go down as one of them after making such a bright opening to the game.

2. Having started well with a four-goal opening term, the Eagles leaked easy goals in the second term when the Hawks had the breeze. Unable to get the ball out of the defensive half as their intensity waned the Eagles turned at the half trailing by eight points after a massive momentum shift. They found Jess Duffin a difficult opponent to keep out of the game as she became Hawthorn’s primary scoring avenue, kicking three goals.

3. Despite the points made previously, the Eagles led the count in most of the statistical categories but trailed in the inside 50s by 21-30. With so few entries the Eagles needed to be more efficient forward of centre and again wasted gilt-edged scoring opportunities. The other important number was the tackle count and Hawthorn led that convincingly 88-58. When these Eagles are at their best they out-strip the opposition in that category.

4. The West Coast Eagles have not had an all-Australian representative in their three completed seasons, but two of the team’s midfield stars must surely be building a strong case. Captain Emma Swanson has been remarkably consistent and was again at the coalface doing the grunt work against the Hawks with young cohort Bella Lewis also carrying her share of the burden. She, too, has been in stellar form particularly in the last month.

5. Speaking of individual honours, emerging ruck Sarah Lakay won a rising star nomination last week and rookie Ella Roberts must be in strong contention this week. Roberts was again among the better players for her team playing a mix or forward and midfield with 15 possessions, four marks and her first goal at the highest level.