1. The dominance of Collingwood at centre bounces in the first half was the major factor in them breaking open the game. They scored seven of 11 first half goals on the way at a 55-point half-time break by taking the ball out of the middle as the Eagles battled to compete in the centre square. West Coast tightened it up in the second half, but the damage was already done.

2. There has been a focus for the Eagles around contested possessions and playing front half footy in the first stages of the season, but they were denied success in those areas by the Pies. Collingwood won the contested possession count 139-108 and that resulted in a 59-34 inside 50 advantage where they took 15 marks against the Eagles eight. Collingwood might have been missing some big names, but young players given their opportunity seized the moment and hit the scoreboard.

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Rd 9 highlights v Pies

The best moments from West Coast's clash against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium

3. Defender Alex Witherden, in his 50th game for the club, produced one of his best performances in blue and gold. In a defence that was under siege and undermanned after the loss of Jeremy McGovern he stood up and did all he could to hold up the Collingwood advances. He accumulated 20 kicks, 10 handballs and eight marks at 90 percent efficiency and was also involved in six scoring chains.

4. When the Eagles review this one, they will look at the forward half pressure which was not up to the level of the last month. While Jamie Cripps led the way with 17 forward half pressure acts – followed by Harley Reid (13), Tim Kelly (12) and Dom Sheed (11) there was only one tackle laid inside the attacking 50-metre arc. That came from Reid, who continues to build an impressive first season resume.

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Harley takes to the skies

Harley Reid shows off his aerial skills with a superb speccy against the Pies

5. Senior coach Adam Simpson always calls on the senior leaders to set an example by leading from the front and captain Liam Duggan continues to set the level. He was again the Eagles best as he split his time between half back and midfield collecting 27 possessions (23 kicks, four handballs) and seven marks. He gained 681 metres through those possessions. Key defenders Jeremy McGovern (before injury) and Tom Barrass also set an example with the way the held up in the back half.