1. Jack Darling joined an elite and exclusive club in becoming the third West Coast Eagles forward to kick 500 goals. He follows on from Josh Kennedy (712) and Peter Sumich (514) and is in rare company. He kicked his milestone major in the third quarter after a strong mark, snapping a goal around his body from about 35 metres. Coincidentally his 500th came on the day he joined Kennedy in equal fourth position on the club’s all-time games played list with his 271st. 

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Darling post match v Tigers

We spoke to Jack Darling after kicking his 500th career goal tonight

2. While the Eagles were a little lucky to still be in the game at quarter timer after Richmond led the inside 50 count 18-6, they stuck to their task and were within reach in the last term if they had been able to nail a few more opportunities. In the end the inside 50 differential was just one (50-51) while the Eagles won the contested possessions 126-124 and the clearances 41-38. The Tigers were just a little cleaner with the ball.

3. Veteran wingman Andrew Gaff made a solid return to form after being listed as the substitute. He received his opportunity early in the match when rookie Reuben Ginbey succumbed to a hamstring injury after a heavy and awkward fall in the first term. It wasn’t a vintage Gaff performance but it was a positive step forward as he had 24 possessions, five of them contested as he played on both the inside and outside as a midfielder.

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Simpson post-match vs Tigers

Adam Simpson spoke to the media after tonight's loss to Richmond

4. After struggling to get into the game early – and suffering a bone-jarring knock to his shoulder after a worrying fall in the second quarter – Oscar Allen continued a solid season. When he kicked his first goal in the third term he had kicked a goal in every game of the season, an achievement he shares with Carlton’s Charlie Curnow and Aaron Naughton for the Bulldogs. Allen eventually finished with three goals against his name.

5. The return of Tom Cole, one of the unheralded players in the line-up, was a highlight of the contest. With youngster Brady Hough continuing to build, Cole provided strong run and a commitment to the contest. He and Hough both boast speed and penetration with the ball and their presence allows the coaching staff to deploy Jayden Hunt’s aggressive run on a wing.