West Coast coach Adam Simpson can see “a little spark” the Eagles can work with after a fighting backs-to-the-wall effort against AFL ladder leaders Collingwood on Saturday.
Reduced to two fit men on the bench by the second quarter after Shannon Hurn (hamstring), Elijah Hewett (concussion) and Connor West (medial) were ruled out, the Eagles pushed the Pies with some ferocious contested football.
During the third term, the home side was in the match until a late flurry gave Collingwood breathing space and the Magpies kicked on to a 63-point win.
Despite the scoreboard blowing out, West Coast took positives from winning clearances (+10) and contested possessions (+8) and being in the fight until late after giving up a four-goal-to-nil opening term.
“For three quarters, we were really proud,” Simpson said post-match.
“We played with spirit. We just got knocked around again with availability pre-game with (Tom) Barrass (hip) and then obviously during the game we lost three in the first quarter, which I just haven’t seen it happen, let alone twice (including the RAC Derby).
“Both games, the Fremantle game and the one today, we did everything we could to stay competitive to the point where we were in the game. (Andrew) ‘Gaffy’ missed a shot to put us within eight points, maybe (in the third quarter).
“They’re top of the ladder, we’re bottom. They’re a very professional side and stuck to their system and they’re always a good finishing side as well.
“The last quarter we just couldn’t maintain what we were doing for the first three, but we’ll take a lot of positives out of that.”
The Eagles were superbly led by engine room stars Dom Sheed, who dominated his 150th game with 43 disposals and a goal, Tim Kelly (29, nine clearances) and Elliot Yeo (26, seven).
Stand-in captain Oscar Allen (three goals) and Liam Duggan (33 disposals) were also outstanding.
“Our good players played well. Our leaders – Oscar once again stood up as captain, Yeo back in the side for the second week, I think we’ve all underestimated how important he is for us,” Simpson said.
“Then Tim Kelly working with him and Dom (Sheed), Luke Shuey is back next week so hopefully that will complement that even more.
“Important players haven’t been playing with us and when we get them back it makes a difference.”
The Eagles will head to Adelaide to face the Crows next Saturday before the bye, with Simpson hopeful Barrass might return and expecting captain Luke Shuey to resume.
