1. It was another disappointing round for West Coast, suffering an extensive 53-point loss to Carlton on Sunday at Mineral Resources Park. It was the Eagles’ first home game of the season and it was unfortunate to not be able to put on a competitive display in front of the home fans. Carlton came into this game with fire in their bellies, having suffered a considerable 60-point loss to North Melbourne the week prior. The Eagles showed promise in the first quarter, but Carlton took control from then on, and West Coast were unable to respond around the ground or on the scoreboard.

2. Veteran skipper Emma Swanson continues to lead the developing Eagles side by example, finishing with a game-high 27 disposals, including a game-high 16 kicks and five tackles. The inaugural Eagles captain, now in her fifth season as leader, plays a crucial role in setting the standards for the team to aspire to. Following in Swanson’s footsteps, newly appointed vice-captain Bella Lewis showed heart around the ground on Sunday, managing 21 disposals and four tackles, in what was a tough day out for West Coast.

3. In what has been an inconsistent start to the season by the Eagles, one reliability from week to week is Ella Roberts. The 18-year-old continues to deliver in each game, her skills are outstanding, she holds the football IQ of a far more experienced player, and she is a pleasure to watch in action. The round one Rising Star nominee again showed strokes of brilliance against the Blues, finishing with 18 disposals, four marks, four tackles and a goal.

4. Evie Gooch was a welcome inclusion back into the lineup against Carlton, having spent the entirety of last season on the sidelines recovering from a wrist injury. The experienced defender showed composure and fight around the ball, and despite coming off the ground with a knee complaint, returned to the field and played out the remainder of the game, finishing with 11 disposals and three marks.  

5. West Coast travel to Sydney this weekend to take on the Swans in their first-ever meeting since Sydney entered the league in 2022. This will be West Coast’s third away game in four weeks. Sydney sits 13^th on the ladder, having won their round one clash with GWS, before falling to Geelong in round two and Brisbane in round three. The Eagles will remain hopeful going into this game but will need to bring their A-game if they are to ensure their first win of the season.