The West Coast Eagles coaching staff – not to mention the fans – were looking for an early sign.

And indication the Eagles were ‘on.’ That they were ready to make a statement and to take some progressive steps after a couple of down weeks. Neither was disappointed; not initially at least.

The Eagles had lacked intensity in consecutive losses to Port Adelaide and Geelong, suffering ignominious defeats as a result. So against the Suns, it was going through the minds of most in the 47,000-strong crowd that a strong start was imperative.

That was not necessarily about hitting the scoreboard, but it was most certainly aligned to hitting the contest.

The response to a poor fortnight was evident early and largely through key forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling, among the majority of players who had not met their own expectations in the Geelong and Port encounters.

They tackled with trademark ferocity and led the charge as the Eagles established an early superiority. There was a clear intent on winning the contested football count and it reflected on the scoreboard, the hosts building a handy 15-point cushion at the first change.

It became 39-point buffer at half-time and all was good with the football world. Order had been restored. It might not have been the Eagles at their silky best, but it was definitely an improvement.

Darling, who finished with four goals, including three in a stellar third quarter, combined with Kennedy to be a constant menace while the midfield battle was won by the likes of Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed and Andrew Gaff.

After half-time, however, the young Suns, determined to not fall away to a blow-out defeat, mounted a response of their own and there were some nervous moments when the visitors closed to within 11 points in the last term.

That threat was averted when some of the quality performers in the West Coast Eagles line-up responded and imposed themselves on the game.

Most notably, Yeo and Shuey, showed their strength in contests to kick and create important goals while teammates produced crucial cameos.  

In defence Brad Sheppard was outstanding, revealing another signature moment when backing into traffic and receiving a nasty knee to the back from two metre Peter Wright. The courageous Sheppard continued to play and was an important rebounder out of the back half.

So was skipper Shannon Hurn, as reliable as always, while Jeremy McGovern was solid in the air and Liam Duggan performed his role admirably.

The Eagles won the tackle count by 30, won contested possessions and the inside 50 measure, all of which amounted to a 23-point win.


Round 7
Saturday, May 4 2019
Optus Stadium

West Coast Eagles           3.6         8.8         9.12       11.14    80
Gold Coast Suns              1.3         2.5         5.8          8.9       57

Goals – West Coast Eagles: Darling 4; Kennedy Sheed 2; Ryan, Yeo, Cripps.
           Gold Coast Suns: Wright, Powell 2; Miles, Sexton, Bowes, Holman.