West Coast “can’t accept” the second quarter fadeout that proved decisive in Saturday’s five-point loss to North Melbourne, but disappointed coach Adam Simpson could see the positives from the second half fightback at Marvel Stadium.
The Eagles trailed by as much as 33 points, before storming back into the game on the back of Liam Ryan’s three goals and Luke Shuey’s influence around the midfield.
Ultimately, West Coast couldn’t get their noses in front and missed an opportunity to get the season off to a winning start.
“I think it was pretty obvious to everyone the second quarter was a really disappointing quarter,” Simpson said post-match.
“In particular, around the midfield and stoppages and the scramble of the game I thought we got dominated. That’s the game in a nutshell.
“It’s probably happened a little bit in recent times where we do have a quarter like that, but to have a bit of resilience, the boys look fit – they’ve worked really hard on that – and to start to see some players gel in the second half, we’ll take some positives from that.
“It is about the journey. Four debutants, probably four players who didn’t play (much) last year. Getting that synergy, we know it’s going to take time, but we can’t accept that second quarter.”
Importantly, returning quartet Oscar Allen (two goals), Dom Sheed, Tom Cole and Campbell Chesser got through their first games back after combining for just one match last year.
Allen showed some good signs in partnership with star forward Jack Darling, who made a miraculous recovery from an ankle injury to play.
“(Allen) is just one of those four guys who didn’t play last year. Tommy Cole, Chesser, Dom Sheed, they didn’t play any football, so getting a game under your belt, working with Jack and the rest of the forwards (was important), same with Dom,” Simpson said.
“Jack missed six weeks. He was a bit rusty but really happy he was out there. It will just be another step towards where we’re heading today – unfortunately we didn’t win, though.”
Simpson declared big man Nic Naitanui was unlikely to face Greater Western Sydney next Sunday as he works through Achilles soreness.
“Nic’s week-to-week, so when we get some clarity about how long that will be … he’s more unlikely than likely,” Simpson said.
