The West Coast Eagles had a strong start against Greater Western Sydney in round six, but a lack of consistency and multiple missed opportunities allowed the Giants to take control of the game, resulting in a 20-point defeat on the road.

Eagles coach Michael Prior said despite an increase in pressure in the final term, a key focus continues to be producing a full four-quarter effort on a consistent basis.

“It was exactly what we were after, the start of the game, we thought our first quarter was outstanding,” Prior said.

“Some of the things that we spoke about during the week with our pressure around the contest and the amount of tackles that we wanted to lay in that game, we were right on track.

“We’ve just got to make the most of our opportunities when we go inside 50, we could have been another two goals in front at quarter time, we didn’t take our opportunities.

“And then the second and third quarter got away from us a little bit around clearance, so the GWS girls got on top in that area, and we were able to fix that in the last quarter, but the damage had been done before that.

“I really like the way we start but consistency is a massive thing for us at the moment.”

With just four games remaining in West Coast’s 2023 campaign, Prior remains positive that the team will see some more success before the end of the season.

“I think we can cause some havoc, I think, in the back half of the season with four games to go,” Prior said.

“I think there’s a couple of games in there that are really winnable for us, and it comes back to the attitude of our group and whether we want to keep competing and chase those wins, which I think we do.

“I really look forward to the next four weeks, I think we’re a real chance to upset a few teams on the way home.”

Prior outlined the importance of the final four games, and what winning will do for the developing Eagles squad, and the club going forward.

“Everyone loves winning, that’s what we play footy for and that’s what we’re in coaching for, to win,” Prior said.

“Along with winning comes confidence, and that’s a massive thing in any sport, and it would help drive our girls over the summer months in their pre-season into next year.

“I see the next four games as really important in not only this season, but the future of our footy club.”

Exciting young defender Charlie Thomas has had an impressive season so far, showing continuous improvement from week to week.

Thomas said the team is looking forward to the challenge of facing one of the tougher opponents in Melbourne this weekend.

“We did have an opportunity to get two wins in a row but I think it’s just back to the grind,” Thomas said.

“We’re looking forward to Melbourne this weekend and will really step into the challenge and see how we are against one of the best teams in the competition.

“They’re the benchmark of where teams need to be, we can lineup directly against them and see how we’re tracking so it should be a good game, we will definitely have to bring our best for four quarters and I’m confident that we’ll do that.”

The AFLW will celebrate Indigenous Round this weekend and next, and Thomas said wearing Indigenous Round jumpers designed by injured teammate Krstel Petrevski is extra special.

“We’re really fortunate that ‘KP’ was the one who designed our jumpers, I think it just makes it a little bit more special,” Thomas said.

“We’re representing the jumper for her when she obviously can’t take the field, and a couple of us girls are also getting our boots painted by her so that’s even more special as well to have that part of her on the field out there with us.

“It’s a really special couple of rounds so looking forward to that and it adds a little bit extra.”