When you think of playing football on the coast an almost idyllic temperature springs to mind, but that much could not be said for Splendid Park, Yanchep today.
Gale force winds inhibited kicking accuracy throughout the match, with West Coast 6.6 (52) falling to West Perth 19.6 (120) in a disappointing second loss.
Brayden Ainsworth (37 disposals, 10 marks), Alex Witherden (27, six, four tackles) and Zane Trew (17, three, seven) were shining lights amongst the group, toughing it out through the blustery conditions.
The first term saw both sides attempt to acclimatise to the weather, with only one goal to the Eagles from Lachlan Feeney.
Meanwhile, West Perth begun kicking with the wind, and were able to slot four goals from five shots in the first.
Things didn’t improve for the Eagles, with the gap widening after West Perth managed another five in the second.
Although Zane Trew and Cooper Nitschke managed to counter with two of their own, it was barely enough to keep the Eagles within striking distance, coming into half time 3.2 (20) to 9.2 (56).
The pace picked up again early in the third quarter, with Zac Langdon and Ethan Hanson snagging one each, but West Perth held onto their lead with both hands, claiming four goals.
Captain Hamish Brayshaw must also be commended for his efforts in quarter three, with a skilful tackle and late goal further exhibiting why he’s leading the charge.
The temperature dropped and the sky darkened for the fourth quarter, with Hansen managing another one early.
But West Perth didn’t drop the ball, booting six goals to the Eagles’ two.
Liam Robilliard had a fair match, finishing with a goal and a behind to his name.
The Eagle is well-known as being the only bird to fly into the storm, but that unfortunately could not be said considering the conditions today.
WEST COAST 1.1 3.2 5.4 6.6 (42)
WEST PERTH 4.1 9.2 1.34 19.6 (120)
GOALS
West Coast: Langdon, Trew, Feeney, Nitschke, Robilliard, Hansen
West Perth: Keitel, Antonio, Knott, Moulton, Riddoch, Rotham, Lynch
BEST
West Coast: Ainsworth, Witherden, Trew, Langdon, Marlin, Edwards
West Perth: Black, Manzone, Nelson, West, Keitel, Antonio
INJURIES
West Coast: Fitzgerald (rib soreness), Busher (nose)
West Perth: Nil
