Adam Simpson called for a response. He got it.
The West Coast Eagles senior coach was not happy with the output or the effort a week ago in a practice match against Fremantle and he demanded a response from his troops.
He could cope with being out-played, but being completely dominated and off key, that’s different. While the stakes were only marginally higher in an AAMI community series match against the same opponent today, Simpson was far happier.
It wasn’t just the result – a 9.13 (67) to 8.9 (57) victory – that brought a more content mood from Simpson. It was the method, intensity and commitment to the game that was most satisfying.
After trailing early in the game, in a highly competitive opening the Eagles nudged clear in the closing minutes of the second quarter and were never again headed.
West Coast was in control thereafter and held sway, the final margin a little closer than it should have been with Fremantle kicking two goals in the last three minutes of the contest.
With livewire forward Liam Ryan setting the standard with his work rate, seemingly coasting up and down Optus Stadium that drew 20,000 into it, the Eagles were on top in the last 70 minutes.
Ryan finished off his game with three goals, while Oscar Allen and Jack Darling were also formidable, kicking two goals apiece. If Simpson was to be critical it would centre around the missed opportunities, especially in the third term.
The Eagles kicked 1.5 for the quarter and should have put the game to bed given the control they enjoyed.
They failed to capitalise on the exceptional work rate of midfielders Dom Sheed, Andrew Gaff, Luke Shuey and Jack Redden while Liam Duggan also cumulated plenty of the ball,
Down back Tom Barrass was a pillar, taking 12 marks and in conjunction with Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern and Tom Cole stood firm in the face of the Fremantle assault.
Ruckman Nic Naitanui was managed out of the game in the third term, while Zac Langdon received a solid head knock in the same quarter. Other than that the Eagles appeared to come out of the game in good shape.
They will now enjoy a week off match play before confronting Gold Coast in the season opener on March 21 at Optus Stadium.
Details
West Coast Eagles 3.3 6.6 7.11 9.13 67
Fremantle 3.3 5.4 5.5 8.9 57
Goals – West Coast Eagles: Ryan 3, Allen 2, Darling 2, Jones, Petruccelle. Fremantle: Schultz 2, Frederick 2, Fyfe, Aish, Banfield, Crowden.
Best – West Coast Eagles: Barrass, Sheed, Gaff, Ryan, Hurn, Shuey, Duggan. Fremantle: Fyfe, Cox, Brayshaw, Hughes, Mundy, Young.
Injuries - West Coast: Langdon (concussion), Sheppard (head), Shuey (ankle). Fremantle: Lobb (knee), Walters (hamstring), Banfield (leg) .
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 20,116 at Optus Stadium