WEST Coast recruit Liam Baker has made an early impression with his new club, slotting a 55m goal deep in the last quarter to help secure a two-point win against North Melbourne in Saturday's AAMI Community Series game in Bunbury. 

The Eagles, who were outplayed by the Kangaroos for much of Saturday's clash in WA's south-west, lifted in the final quarter to win 11.5 (71) to 9.15 (69), with Baker's goal capping an excellent performance for the dual premiership Tiger. 

In a strange match, the Eagles were ambushed in the midfield in the first quarter and struggled to get the game played in their half for long periods, entering the main break with just 12 inside 50s to 27. 

But key pillars Jeremy McGovern (15 disposals and eight rebound 50s) and Jake Waterman (four goals) drove a fightback that should give the Eagles plenty of encouragement as they work through the early rounds under a new system. 

North Melbourne, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have lapsed defensive through the final quarter and do have concerns with the make-up of their backline. 

06:24

AAMI match highlights v Kangaroos

The Eagles and Kangaroos clash in the AAMI Community Series at Hans Oval

But the Roos can also point to a midfield that was dominant early and a kick-mark style that saw them control the flow of the game for long periods. The match would have looked very different if they kicked more accurately than 7.14 across the first three quarters. 

Star midfielder Harry Sheezel was excellent, kicking a 50m running goal to highlight the type of form he will enter the season with. The young gun combined with Tom Powell (25 and a goal) and Colby McKercher (24 and four clearances) to drive the Roos' best passages. 

Jack Darling looked motivated against his former teammates and created plenty of opportunities as the Roos dominated inside 50s (16-3) and clearances (13-4) in the first quarter. 

Their backline was a major concern in the second quarter, however, as they conceded four unanswered goals to let the Eagles take a narrow lead.

After Sheezel and Powell steadied the ship in the third, Luke Davies-Uniacke provided a highlight in the fourth when he crumbed and dodged three tackles to snap a brilliant goal that gave North a 12-point lead. 

The Eagles rallied, however, and kicked unanswered goals through the brilliant Waterman, wingman Jayden Hunt, and then Baker to give their fans in the south-west something to celebrate. 

00:47

Hunt conjures stunning boundary strike

Jayden Hunt delivers this unbelievable finish from a tight angle to give his side the lead late in the final quarter

New faces
Free agent recruit Jack Graham made an instant impact for the Eagles, bringing physicality to the midfield and winning plenty of the ball. The former Tiger was instrumental in turning around the midfield after a disappointing first quarter. Fellow Richmond recruit Liam Baker and ex-Carlton small forward Matt Owies were also prominent and look like playing significant roles in 2025. Draftee Bo Allan showed composure in the backline and an ability to win one-on-one contests. Teenage tall forward Archer Reid had some good moments in the air and proved he is an agile big man who can play a support role in the ruck. 

Round one chance 
The Eagles look likely to side with Matt Flynn as their No.1 ruckman when their season launches against Gold Coast at Optus Stadium, with the big man preferred ahead of Bailey Williams on Saturday. While shaded by Tristan Xerri, Flynn competed hard, took a strong mark in attack, and contributed to an improved stoppage game through the middle stages of the match. Wingmen Jack Hutchinson played with desperation after a strong pre-season, with fellow runner Tyrell Dewar's minutes limited. Jayden Hunt still looks to be first in line for the wing roles. 

Medical room
Both teams looked to get through the game unscathed, with smart management for some players, including young star Harley Reid, who played 72 per cent game time and finished with 14 disposals and two clearances. Among those missing for the Eagles were Elijah Hewett (soreness), Oscar Allen (wedding) and Elliot Yeo (knee and ankle). 

WEST COAST                   1.0    6.0    7.2     11.5 (71)
NORTH MELBOURNE       3.6    4.9    7.14    9.15 (69) 

GOALS 
West Coast: Waterman 4, Ryan 2, Kelly, Baker, Hunt, Brockman, Flynn
North Melbourne: Curtis 2, Sheezel, Powell, Davies-Uniacke, Scott, Darling, Larkey, Zurhaar 

BEST
West Coast: Waterman, McGovern, Graham, Baker, Kelly, Ginbey, Hough  
North Melbourne: Sheezel, Powell, O'Sullivan, McKercher, Davies-Uniacke, Xerri, Daniel 

INJURIES
West Coast: Nil 
North Melbourne: Nil