A polished and experienced South Fremantle team proved a little too composed for the WAFL Eagles in their opening match of the season at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

The Eagles persisted against the odds and edged within nine points in the third term before the Bulldogs rallied and won by 43 points – 15.12 (102) to 8.11 (59)

At times the Eagles excited with their fast ball movement through the middle, but as a collective did not have the class or poise of their opponents after being impacted by a heavy injury toll at AFL level.

Xavier O'Neill

They missed some gilt-edged opportunities in front of goal and also paid a high price for some midfield turnovers.

Jimmy Miller and small forward Brandon Donaldson kicked seven goals between them as the Bulldogs continuously looked threatening when penetrating the attacking arc.

The Eagles were particularly tested in the key defensive posts where key forwards Miller and Zac Strom were ubiquitous, although young defender Rhett Bazzo continued to build his match fitness and had some good moments, finishing with nine marks.

Rhett Bazzo

Emerging midfielder Zane Trew had a good afternoon with 26 possessions, while Isiah Winder, Jack Petruccelle and Xavier O’Neill also worked hard along with youngster Coby Burgiel who got better the longer the game ran.

WAFL regulars Josh Browne, Harry Creasy and captain Jackson Nelson also made strong contributions.

Zane Trew

Details
South Fremantle              3.3          6.6          11.8        15.12     102
West Coast Eagles            0.4          2.9          5.10       8.11       49

Goals – South Fremantle: Miller 4; Donaldson 3; Bourne, Nield 2; Strom, Gallucci, Harbour, Kelly. West Coast Eagles: A Waterman, Nitschke, O’Neill, Browne, Eastough, Lucassen, Winder.

Best – South Fremantle: Miller, Dragovich, Main, Blechynden, Donaldson, Ah Chee. West Coast Eagles: Trew, O’Neill, Petruccelle, Winder, Browne, Creasey.