West Coast coach Adam Simpson lamented a ‘missed opportunity’ but was proud of the Eagles’ spirited effort following a one-point heartbreaker against Essendon on Saturday.

The Eagles hit the front in the dying stages at Marvel Stadium courtesy of mid-season rookie pick Ryan Maric’s clutch set shot, but the Bombers surged the ball forward for Kyle Langford to kick the match-winner from the restart.

West Coast’s backline held the team together early and the visitors won the first quarter on the road, before fighting back from 30 points down in the third quarter to almost snatch victory.

“It’s a missed opportunity, yeah absolutely. No doubt about that – we hit the front with one-minute-forty to go,” Simpson said.

“We haven’t been in that position a lot, for a long time. So we’ll learn. From a coaching point-of-view as well it was just good to be in the game for two weeks in a row.

“Guys (were) really fighting hard for the victory and unfortunately we couldn’t ice it.”

Simpson said the Eagles would review how they turned the match around after a stirring comeback as a learning tool for their younger generation.

“Our leaders really did a good job today and the young guys are starting to get that belief they are part of our team and the spirit they bring and energy they bring during the week I’m starting to see on gameday,” Simpson said.

“Ryan kicking that goal to put us in front, some special efforts from a lot of our players, but our younger players were part of that.”

The Eagles could regain skipper Luke Shuey (hamstring) and retiring veteran Shannon Hurn (managed) for Saturday night’s RAC Derby.