West Coast’s fans were at the forefront of the players’ minds when they went toe-to-toe with Melbourne on Sunday, according to Brendon Ah Chee.
The athletic utility told westcoasteagles.com.au that the Eagles spoke about playing for their passionate blue and gold army after they learned their round one clash with the Demons would be the last game of footy for at least two months.
Most of West Coast’s playing group found out about the AFL’s pending shutdown while they were making their way to Optus Stadium.
The others were informed during a meeting with Adam Simpson when they arrived at the ground.
Ah Chee said during that gathering the players vowed to lay it all on the line for the West Coast Eagles faithful.
“I think the win was probably bigger than the four points today, to give the fans something to cheer about for a little while before we go into hibernation,” Ah Chee said.
“We had JL (Australian cricket coach and West Coast Eagles board member Justin Langer) come and speak to us [on Saturday] as well and say it’s an opportunity to put smiles on people’s faces and that gave us a bit of drive going into today.
“It was good to play one last game of footy, but that’s it for a little while.”
Ah Chee gave West Coast fans plenty to cheer about with an inspiring performance against the Dees.
The 26-year-old booted two goals in a matter of minutes and attempted to take an early contender for Mark of the Year late in the fourth quarter.
He finished the game with 12 disposals, three marks and two tackles – on top of his two majors – in his first round one appearance since 2016.
“It’s always good to play round one; I haven’t done it too many times in my career,” Ah Chee said.
“Personally to get out in the first game of the season is always good for me and to play that new role, playing forward, is something I worked on over the pre-season.
“To get a bit of reward was really good, knowing I can play it.”
Unfortunately Ah Chee will have to wait a while to build on the momentum he generated in round one.
Until it is deemed appropriate for him to Eagles HQ with his teammates, Ah Chee will be striving to stay fit and healthy from the comfort of his home.
“I guess it’s just doing what everyone else is doing, following the rules from the Government: Self isolating and social distancing and all that sort of stuff to make sure we stay healthy,” he said.
“Even though we’ve got a bit of a break now we still don’t want to get sick. Whatever happens with the sports science guys, how we’re going to approach the training over the next few weeks, we’ve just got to listen to them as well.”
