The result didn’t matter … but then again it did.

There were no premiership points at stake when the West Coast Eagles competed in a match simulation exercise at Mineral Resources Park tonight, but there was an opportunity to validate a summer of preparation.

Consider it franked if competing, working and grinding out each quarter were the prerequisites as the Eagles eked out a satisfying eight-point victory.

Down by 18 points in the middle of the third quarter and struggling to find a way through the defensive structure of Port, they kicked seven goals to three thereafter to win 13.6 (84) to 11.10 (76).

We will temper the enthusiasm to a degree because it was well short of qualifying round intensity, but there was much to like and the Eagles came through apparently unscathed.

After an interesting first half, when the Eagles pegged back Port as the visitors looked to be in control, the margin was just five points – 6.3 (39) to 6.8 (44) – at the major interval.

When the Power dominated former Eagles ruckman Scott Lycett was having a profound influence but the young West Coast pairing Bailey Williams and Callum Jamieson fought back to help the midfield compete.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: Scott Lycett of the Power contests a ruck with Callum Jamieson of the Eagles during the 2023 AFL match simulation between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Mineral Resources Park on February 24, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

Elliot Yeo, both through the middle and off half-back, was a factor while Tim Kelly, Andrew Gaff and Dom Sheed won their share of the ball.

Up forward Oscar Allen was a lively target while Liam Ryan was instrumental in most of the meaningful forward thrusts.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: Liam Ryan of the Eagles is tackled by Lachie Jones of the Power during the 2023 AFL match simulation between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Mineral Resources Park on February 24, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

Youngsters Campbell Chesser and Noah Long also had some impressive moments while the experienced defenders, Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass held things together.

McGovern and Hurn sat out the second half but had made their point.

Premiership defender Tom Cole also enjoyed his time back in the thick of the action and with Jayden Hunt provided some back half run.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: Tom Cole of the Eagles and Sam Powell-Pepper of the Power chase the ball during the 2023 AFL match simulation between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Mineral Resources Park on February 24, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

Junior Rioli, in his return to Mineral Resources Park, kicked two first half goals when the ball got behind the Eagles defence and he took advantage from the goal square.

Details
West Coast Eagles 2.1 6.3 9.3 13.6 (84)
Port Adelaide 3.5 6.8 8.9 11.10 (76)

Goals 

West Coast Eagles: Kelly 2; Gaff, Culley, Ryan, Clark, West, Duggan, Allen, Hunt, Petruccelle, Hewett, Waterman.

Port Adelaide: Powell-Pepper, Fantasia, Rioli, McEntee 2; Marshall, Visentini.

Best

West Coast Eagles: Ryan, Yeo, Kelly, Hunt, Gaff, Sheed, Barrass.

Port Adelaide: Horne-Francis, Wines, Aliir, Powell-Pepper, Farrell, Duursma.