The West Coast Eagles paid a heavy price for a flat period in the second quarter as they fell five points short of victory in their season opener at Marvel Stadium today.

The Eagles slipped as far as 33 points behind in the third term as North surged in a 15-minute period either side of the main break but fought back strongly to have momentum in their favour as North held on for a 12.15 (87) to 12.10 (82).

Ultimately the Eagles left themselves too much work do and ran out of time as they finished with great energy.

The game changed in the third quarter when skipper Luke Shuey went to half-back and he provided energetic run and rebound. The Eagles midfield also did better around the contest and with better supply the forward line looked more efficient.

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Rd 1 highlights v Roos

The best moments from West Coast's opening game of the 2023 season against North Melbourne

Those to find another gear in the midfield included Tim Kelly and Dom Sheed while Andrew Gaff began to have a strong influence on a wing and Jayden Hunt in his first game for the club also provided spark and drive.

Liam Ryan kicked three goals and always looked dangerous while Jamaine Jones returned to the attacking half and kicked two goals. 

Outside of the result and that sub-standard period there was much to like.

All of the club’s debutants had good moments, with Reuben Ginbey the best of them after 15 possessions and 12 tackles. Noah Long kicked his first goal and applied good forward pressure while Campbell Chesser also worked his way into the game.

The efforts of several senior players after missing all or virtually all of the 2022 season was encouraging. Key forward Oscar Allen offered a presence in attack, Tom Cole offered good rebound out of defence, Sheed was at his trademark best and Jeremy McGovern imposed himself in the air.

McGovern and Tom Barrass took 20 marks between them, 10 of them intercepts to be important in defence along with enduring defender Shannon Hurn and Liam Duggan.

It wasn’t the start the club was looking for, but it was a step towards the future.

Details
North Melbourne           3.4         7.7         10.9       12.15    (87)
West Coast Eagles           3.3         4.4         8.6         12.10    (82)

Goals – North Melbourne: Larkey 6; Curtis, Zurhaar 2; Comden, Davies-Uniacke.

West Coast Eagles: Ryan 3; Allan, Jones 2; Darling, Cripps, Shuey, Kelly, Long.

Best – North Melbourne: Davies-Uniacke, Simkin, Larkey, Sheezal, Ziebell, McDonald.

West Coast Eagles: Shuey, Ryan, Hurn, Sheed, McGovern, Kelly.