The WAFL Eagles have suffered a 53-point loss to South Fremantle on Saturday at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.
While the rain held off, the two teams faced blustery conditions for the round 12 clash, a strong sea breeze playing a part in the 13.11 (89) v 5.6 (36) result.
Young Eagle Jordyn Baker opened the scoring for the game within the first minute of bounce-down, and the team showed some positive signs early with consecutive inside 50s.
South Fremantle responded through Lewis Rayson, before Aaron Drage added their second goal on the back of unforced errors and some scrappy play from the Eagles.
West Coast were doing well to stay in the contest, holding a lot of the ball in their forward half, but struggled to convert and make the most of their opportunities.
The Bulldogs added another two goals to finish out the quarter, taking a 17-point lead into the first break.
The momentum continued in South Fremantle’s favour in the second term, with Robert Turnbull kicking their fifth goal for the game within the opening minute.
Harry Barnett added some relief for the Eagles, taking a strong mark inside 50 and finishing with his first goal for the afternoon.
While the Bulldogs had taken control of the game, the Eagles continued to hold on, Trey Ruscoe setting up a Coen Livingstone goal, kicking deep off some good running in an impressive passage of play for the visitors.
South Fremantle continued to produce quality football, making the most of the Eagles defensive struggles and taking a number of uncontested marks inside 50 to add to their lead.
Matthew Parker (40 disposals) had a huge impact for the Bulldogs through the midfield, and the home side had increased the margin to 41 points at the main break.
The strong wind conditions may have been a factor, but the Eagles had trouble hitting targets by foot all game, and while it was a relatively uninspiring third term, West Coast won the quarter and managed to shave down the margin to 38 points heading into the fourth.
The Eagles did well to limit a scoreboard blowout, but another three goals to the Bulldogs resulted in a final margin of 53 points and a win to the third-placed South Fremantle.
SOUTH FREMANTLE 4.1 9.7 10.8 13.11
WEST COAST 1.2 3.2 4.6 5.6
GOALS
South Fremantle: Winder, Main 2; Rayson, Drage, Turnbull, Graham, Schloithe, Parker, Harbour, Kelly, Z Strom. West Coast: Baker, Barnett, Livingstone, Reid, Ruscoe
BEST
South Fremantle: Parker, Winder, Boullineau, Strom, Turnbull, Z Strom. West Coast: Trew, Rawlinson, Hall, Baker, Gaff, Sparks, Jamieson
