The WAFL Eagles recorded a thrilling eight-point victory over West Perth at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.

Senior coach Kyal Horsley said he was impressed with how the team played with resilience and maturity to get the win.  

“While it’s really pleasing to get the win, I was even more proud of the players ability to compose themselves after giving up the first five goals,” Horsley said.

“They stayed connected and kept working as a team to stay in the game, and managed to go into the first break only four points down.

“It was a tight tussle until the third quarter when it all clicked for the group, and we played our best football for the year, kicking seven goals.

“To West Perth’s credit, they really hit back in the last quarter and took the lead on multiple occasions, and to our players’ credit, they showed real resilience and a maturity beyond their years to be able to respond and take the lead back late.”

Top Performers

Archer Reid

“Continuing to build strongly, builds his game off his defensive work and his teammates appreciate him for it, and he got his reward this game with three goals.”

Dom Sheed

“Strong return and the best mid on the ground, his leadership was crucial and his teammates always learn a lot when they play with Dom.”

Harley Sparks

“Continued his strong form down back, had a huge last quarter with the game on the line and made some crucial plays for us.”

AFL Listed Players

Campbell Chesser 

“Played as an inside mid and played with a real edge. His competitiveness and explosiveness was on show, even with an interrupted game due to a blood nose that kept bleeding throughout.”

Harry Barnett

“Played his role well all game and battled hard for us, it was great to see him get the reward with arguably the individual play of the day that finished with a goal from a tough spot.”

Jack Darling

“His leadership was crucial on the day, he helped a young forward line stay connected all game and had a big impact with two goals and multiple assists.”

Rhett Bazzo

“Great to see Rhett back and it was  strong return after a long layoff. His voice and leadership were crucial along with his ability to win or half all contests, it was a testament to all the work he’s put in.”

Harvey Johnston

“Developing well in the backline, his instructional voice has been crucial for us, he made some big plays defensively and gave us some good drive with the ball. Great to see him get forward and kick a goal.”

Jordyn Baker

“Probably his most complete game of the year, his work defensively set up his offensive game and his third quarter was a real standout. It was great to see him kick a long running goal.”

Tyrell Dewar

“Ran extremely hard and at high speeds all game and was rewarded with two goals and four shots at goal, as well as setting up multiple others.”

Jai Culley

“Continued his strong run of form, was impressive as an inside mid and dangerous as forward, he kept us in the game early with the first two goals of the game.”

Clay Hall

“For his growth and development he played mainly on the wing, and his running power was on display. He gave us good drive and kicked a long running shot at goal from outside 50.”

Loch Rawlinson

“Ran hard all game and led the way with forward pressure with six tackles in our front half, didn’t get the individual reward on the scoreboard but his pressure allowed others to get their chance.”

Coby Burgiel

“Came to life in the second half and was a real point of difference, showed his class with two goals and multiple assists as well as four front half tackles.”

Coen Livingstone

“He’s developing strongly in the ruck and had one of his most complete games, strong reward for all the work he’s putting in.”