The West Coast Eagles endured another tough day at the office against one of the best outfits in the AFL when Greater Western Sydney out-pointed them in a comprehensive 65-point victory.
While the Eagles competed throughout the day they did not have the class to match it with their opponents who eventually won 16.12 (108) to 5.13 (43).
While victory was well beyond reach at three-quarter time, the Eagles gave their loyal legion of members and fans something to cheer about with a three-goal final term. Unfortunately, GWS surged again and with two goal in the last 30 seconds blew the margin out.
Most of the 42,401 fans saw it out to the end and offered strong support to the end. They would have enjoyed some of the efforts too, particularly from youngsters Reuben Ginbey and Harley Reid who are building their careers.
Brady Hough also did some good things down back, at times matched up on GWS star Toby Green.
Experienced trio Elliot Yeo and key defenders Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass as well as captain Liam Duggan and the energetic Jayden Hunt did all they could to lift their teammates.
The Eagles took the game up to GWS in the first term with midfield trio Yeo, Reid and Tim Kelly setting the tone, but skill execution going forward proved problematic.
It was, however, an exciting brand of football and they played a fair amount of football in their front half. Unfortunately they could not get maximum return for their work and the GWS defence led by Sam Taylor stood up well.
When the Giants were able to find time and space they looked slick especially through the agency of Tom Green, Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly.
The Eagles trailed by 19 points at the first change but on balance of play should have been closer.
Jack Petruccelle started in a lively manner, Hunt and Jamaine Jones provided strong run and rebound while McGovern and Duggan were resolute.
Perhaps sensing the opportunity to put the game to bed in the second term, the Giants found another gear and dominated play.
Having handled the intensity and pressure from the Eagles and absorbing some early shots they started to play with greater freedom and ran in waves.
The Eagles team defence which was improved on last week and the Giants were locked out of the corridor, but they moved the ball precisely and put the hosts under duress.
But going goal-less in the second and third quarter was soul destroying with little to show for their energy and spirit.
Details
GWS Giants 5.4 8.8 11.11 16.12 108
West Coast Eagles 2.3 2.5 2.7 5.13 43
Goals – GWS: Cadman 3; Hogan, Bedford, Kelly 2; Thomas, Greene, Callaghan, Daniels, Riccardi, Peating. West Coast Eagles: Waterman, Kelly, Hunt, Cripps, Yeo.
Best – GWS: Green, Taylor, Kelly, Whitfield, Coniglio, Briggs. West Coast Eagles: Yeo, Duggan, Ginbey, McGovern, Barrass, Hunt.
Attendance - 42,401 at Optus Stadium
