Positive reinforcement that hard work reaps rewards came when the West Coast Eagles secured their first victory over the season courtesy of a 19-point triumph over GWS at Optus Stadium today.

The Eagles broke the game open with a pulsating eight-goal second term before securing four precious premiership points – 14.16 (100) to 11.15 (81).

The bold Giants clawed their way back into the contest late, their effort after playing in energy sapping heat last week, commendable.

But the Eagles found verification that a game plan that has been the subject of a lot of work in the last 12 months, is coming together. It may not yet be the finished product and there will undoubtedly be some blips along the way, but this game provided affirmation they are heading in the right direction.

They were brave their ball movement worked hard as a unit with every individual contributing to the end result.

There were some heart-warming individual stories too, with recalled forwards Jake Waterman (four goals) and Samo Petrevski-Seton (20 possessions) among them. Rebounding half-back Jamaine Jones, able to swing back to defence with the return of Petrevski-Seton, provided strong rebound run.

Tim Kelly was brilliant through the midfield in conjunction with Dom Sheed and Luke Shuey while vice-captain Jeremy McGovern was a tower in the back half.

Wingman Jayden Hunt also excited the crowd of almost 45,000 with his dash and dare and thrilled them with a clever left foot snap in the final term, for the second of his goals in the game.

The forward half chemistry in the second quarter was something to behold for West Coast fans as Waterman provided an aerial target while Liam Ryan, Noah Long and Jamie Cripps were lively at ground level.

Throw in Petrevski-Seton and the Giants defence was constantly under pressure as the Eagles rattled on eight goals for the term.

With the midfield also doing well led by Kelly, Andrew Gaff, Shuey and Sheed the supply was strong as the Eagles went inside the attacking arc 31 times in the half. They finished with 58 forward half entries to 52 but more importantly won the contested possession count 125-119.

Waterman, playing as the second ruck, had one of the most influential matches of his career, teaming with Bailey Williams and winning a couple of important centre bounces.

The defensive run was also important from Jamaine Jones while Liam Duggan provided the physical edge.

After trailing by seven points at the first change the Eagles took solid 31-point advantage into the main break.

The victory means GWS has not won in four outings against the club at Optus Stadium.

Details
West Coast Eagles           2.3         10.6       13.10    14.16    (100)
GWS Giants                      3.4         5.5          8.10     11.15      (81)
Goals – West Coast Eagles: Waterman 4, Cripps 3; Allen, Hunt 2; Ryan, Kelly, Darling. GWS Giants– Greene 4; Hogan 3; Hamilton, Himmelberg, Daniels, Lloyd.
Best – West Coast Eagles: Kelly, Waterman, McGovern, Jones, Cripps, Hunt, Ryan.  GWS Giants: Greene, Coniglio, Hogan, Ward, Green, Hamilton.
Injuries – West Coast Eagles: Nil               GWS Giants: Wehr (shoulder)
At Optus Stadium                   
Attendance: 44, 649