The WAFL Eagles suffered a disappointing 68-point defeat to Peel Thunder in the curtain-raiser to West Coast’s upset RAC Derby victory at Optus Stadium on Saturday.

“While it was a disappointing final result there was a lot to take out of it,” WAFL Eagles coach Kyal Horsley said.

“As a young team we couldn’t stop momentum in the third quarter, conceding nine goals and letting the game get away from us.

“To the players’ credit they reset at three-quarter time and showed resilience to hang on in the last quarter and not give up.”

Best three players:

1. Harvey Johnston

“A shining light on a tough day, worked tirelessly for his teammates all game in team defence and opened the game up in Eagles ball.”

2. Zane Trew

“Continued his good form with another strong game on the inside with nine clearances, six tackles and 16 contested possessions and never stopped trying for us.”

3. Trey Ruscoe

“Trey led the group well, his effort and intensity was on show the entire game both offensively and defensively, he was rewarded for his effort with two goals.”

AFL listed players:

Liam Ryan

“Solid performance highlighted by some team lifting chase down tackles and spoils.” 

Andrew Gaff

“Used the ball well and tried hard to help the team when the momentum was against us.” 

Archer Reid

“Really exciting to see Archer play his first game for the club and had a nice moment kicking his first goal. While he was starved for opportunity with a lack of supply it was evident how hard he worked for us when they had the ball.” 

Clay Hall

“Worked hard all game against a really strong Peel midfield and never stopped trying new things to combat them, will take a lot from that type of challenge.” 

Harry Barnett

“Big challenge against a quality ruck in Liam Reidy. While he didn’t have the game he hoped for, he would have learnt a lot from the experience and did battle hard at ground level with five tackles.” 

Jamaine Jones

“Worked hard in the contest with five tackles and gave us some drive with ball in hand.” 

Loch Rawlinson

“Linked the ground well for us both defensively and in Eagles ball, played a real team game and had impact with ball in hand, kicking a goal and setting a few more up for us.”

Jordyn Baker

“Strong game defensively and worked hard against an avalanche of football in the back half, gave us some drive with ball in hand.”

Coen Livingstone

“Tough day up forward with limited supply and learnt a lot from his battle in the ruck against Reidy. Gave us some support at ground level with three clearances.” 

Harry Edwards

“Tried his hardest to stem the flow and lead the group in the back half.” 

Tyrell Dewar

“Worked hard all game with limited supply, took his opportunities when they came.” 

Coby Burgiel

“First game back from injury for Coby, tough day with amount of football coming in, will take a lot out of the game and look forward to seeing him grow over the coming weeks.”

Jai Culley

“Took his chances off limited supply and worked hard for his teammates when Peel had the ball. Another step forward off the long layoff from injury.”