The result might not have gone West Coast’s way on Saturday, but rebounding defender Liam Duggan reckons the club is in good shape heading into round one.
Speaking to 6PR’s Sportsday WA program last night, Duggan said the Eagles were disappointed not to beat Fremantle but buoyed by some of the plays they executed at HBF Arena.
“As much as they are pre-season games the competitive spirit comes out in us and we wanted to win,” Duggan said.
“We thought we were okay for most of the day, but it was that 15 minutes (in the fourth quarter) where we let Freo do what they wanted a little bit that hurt us. We didn’t have enough of a score on the board to hold them off. It was a disappointing finish, but we think we’ve got a few positives to take out of that game numbers wise.
“All in all, we did implement what we went into the game knowing. But we probably missed a couple of opportunities just to break open the game and probably went a little slow there at times. We got a good look at a few things that we were trialling.”
Duggan was among West Coast’s best players on the day.
The dynamic half back amassed 32 disposals, reeled in a match-high 12 marks and pushed forward to launch the ball inside 50 on four occasions.
He was well supported by Jeremy McGovern, who made his first appearance for season 2020 after overcoming an Achilles injury that delayed his start to pre-season training.
Duggan said it was uplifting to see the four-time all-Australian back on the paddock.
“I think the big Gov is pretty good. It was good to see him out there,” Duggan said.
“To have Gov in the back line, we stand a little bit taller with him standing behind us. I think it was a good first hit-out for Gov and to my understanding he has pulled up really well.”
While the Eagles chose to field an experienced outfit at the weekend – only emerging midfielder Xavier O’Neill had not previously played an AFL game – Duggan said there was still opportunity for a fledgling to force their way into the club’s best 22.
He believed first-year rookie Anthony Treacy had the potential to be a round one bolter.
“He’s a little bit older than the other boys and he’s played senior footy at Claremont,” Duggan said of the 22-year-old small forward.
“He’s really impressed me in the pre-season, especially during our intraclub matches. I’ve actually done a bit on him playing as a high half forward as he does. He looks the goods and there’s obviously some spots there.
“Obviously his first step up to AFL level against Essendon was a bit of a tough game because we were all a little bit off there, so it doesn’t really work in their favour. He’s one that I’d look for to have an impact early in the season without putting any pressure on him.”
