The WAFL Eagles fell short to Subiaco in a 19-point defeat at Mineral Resources Park under Friday night lights.
While it was a competitive contest, both sides struggled to make the most of their chances in front of goal with the Lions taking the four points in the 13.14 (92) to 9.19 (73) win.
In an electrifying start from both teams, the Eagles opened the scoring early through Coen Livingstone, but a sensational play from Subiaco saw Ryan Borchet put the Lions in front.
Jack Mayo and Archer May continued the momentum for the Lions, extending the lead to 10 points, before West Coast’s youngster Jobe Shanahan asserted his dominance in the forward line, reducing the margin to six.
Another quick turn around saw Borchet kick an additional two goals, and while the Eagles showed glimpses of speed and opportunity, they failed to convert. A few easy turn overs allowed the Lions to take charge extending the lead to 16 points at the end of the first quarter.
The Lions imposed themselves in the second term, controlling the ball and keeping the Eagles under constant pressure. West Coast’s Matt Flynn continued his dominant form from round one, leading from the front for West Coast, controlling the ruck contests and making his presence felt up forward.
Flynn finished with a game-high 49 hit outs, 20 touches, a team-high eight marks and a goal, while Lucca Grego impressed with a team-high 23 disposal and managed four marks and five tackles.
In his WAFL return, Tim Kelly finished with 20 disposals, 5 tackles, a game-high 10 inside 50s and a goal, while 19-year-old Jobe Shanahan impressed with three majors.
Subiaco put their foot down in the second quarter, piling on the pressure and dominating the possession. The Eagles held strong, before May responded with his second goal, extending the lead to 25 points.
Subiaco remained slick in the midfield while the Eagles struggled to make the most of their possessions, with the momentum continuing to swing against them. A free kick to Richard Bartlett left the Eagles trailing by 30 points.
Shannon Lucassen hit back for West Coast, slotting a desperately needed goal, but multiple turnovers saw the Lions keep their lead and continue to pile on additional pressure.
A fourth quarter fight-back from the Eagles took them within 20 points, but the Lions responded through Borchet and Kody Eaton.
While the Eagles didn’t come away with the four points, there was plenty of positives to take out of the game, winning the clearances (39-31) inside 50s (54-49) and hitouts (52-22).
West Coast return to Mineral Resources Park on Saturday to take on Perth in round three.
WEST COAST 3.3 4.8 6.13 9.19 (73)
SUBIACO 6.1 8.9 10.14 13.14 (92)
Goals
West Coast: Shanahan 3; Kelly, Lucassen, Livingstone, Champion, Flynn, Petruccelle. Subiaco: Borchet 5; May 3; Bartlett 2; Mayo, Robbins, Eaton.
Best
West Coast: Grego, McCarthy, Flynn, Kelly, Long, Lucassen. Subiaco: Corbett, Schofield, May, Borchet, Savigni, Snadden.
