When the West Coast Eagles travelling contingent left Perth on Friday evening, it was uncertain as to what the weekend would hold; whether victory would propel the club into final eight, or its fate would be determined the night before.
Richmond had to beat Sydney in Sydney to eliminate West Coast from the finals race.
The Swans rested Buddy, Richmond kicked the first five goals in the opening term and then hung on to win by three points, effectively consigning West Coast to thoughts of 2015.
It was then a question of how the Eagles would front for the final round against Gold Coast. What mental shape they would be in for what was effectively a “dead rubber”.
As soon as the Richmond result had been determined, coach Adam Simpson summoned his players to a meeting and reminded them of the challenge at hand. Regardless, they were representing a proud club and a professional performance was expected.
In the first half, 18 goals were scored in a fast-paced, free-running style of game and the Eagles held a two-point advantage. A shootout probably wasn’t at the forefront of Simpson’s mind going into the game, but the Eagles were lively.
Then, in the second term, they exploded with a remarkable 11-goal term.
On the back of some outstanding ruck work from Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett, the West Coast midfield excelled. Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Chris Masten maintained their incredible back-end form and Matt Priddis willed his way into the contest.
As well Scott Selwood, who had missed half the season with an ankle injury, did a remarkable job. Just to be out there was testimony to his durability and commitment to his recovery.
Selwood played the best part of three quarters before being subbed out and replaced by another man who had worked hard to return after missing a big portion of the season, Elliot Yeo.
With the midfield controlling play, opportunities were abundant up forward and Josh Kennedy made the most of the flood, kicking eight goals and even threatening for a moment to push towards the Coleman Medal.
He would have needed a club-record 14 goals, but that was looming as a possibility at one stage.
In the end, the Eagles finished with a 52-point win, five wins from the last seven games and reason for some optimism casting forward.
LAST TIME
Round 23: Sunday, August 31 – Metricon Stadium
West Coast Eagles 6.2 9.8 20.10 23.13 (151)
Gold Coast Suns 6.3 9.6 11.8 15.9 (99)
Goals: West Coast Eagles – Kennedy 8, LeCras 4; Naitanui 3; Cripps, Darling, Hill, Shuey, McGinnity, Butler, Selwood, Lycett. Gold Coast Suns – Martin 4; Lynch 3; Matera 2; Sexton, Swallow, Bennell, Lonergan, Rischitelli, Day.
HEAD TO HEAD
Played: 5 Won: 5 Lost: 0
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2014, West Coast 23.13 (151) d Gold Coast 15.9 (99) at Metricon Stadium
R13, 2014, West Coast 15.13 (103) d Gold Coast 15.10 (100) at Subiaco Oval
R19, 2013, West Coast 20.10 (130) d Gold Coast 17.11 (113) at Subiaco Oval
R14, 2012, West Coast 25.16 (166) d Gold Coast 5.10 (40) at Subiaco Oval
R11, 2011, West Coast 13.7 (85) d Gold Coast 10.7 (67) at Subiaco Oval
