In junior football on suburban ovals, this would have been described as a team effort.

But this was at elite level, at one of the most historic grounds in Australian sport. Still it as a committed team effort that got the job done as the West Coast Eagles scored a magnificent 22-point victory over Carlton at the SCG – 14.11 (95) to 10.13 (73).

Inspired by Liam Ryan, but with contributions from every player on the ground, the Eagles led for all but two minutes in the game.

Nic Naitanui, in his first game as captain, and other leaders across the lines – Andrew Gaff, Dom Sheed, Jack Redden and Elliot Yeo through the middle, Shannon Hurn and Tom Barrass down back and Jack Darling and Ryan up forward, they got it done.

As well, youngsters like debutant Luke Edwards, defenders Harry Edwards and Luke Foley, midfielder Xavier O’Neill and big man Bailey Williams all stamped their authority in big moments.        

The Eagles intent was clear early with a strong assault on the ball and pressure around the contest key as they kicked the first three goals of the match – two of them from Darling and Ryan, who would need to hit the scoreboard for the Eagles to win.

While the Blues wasted opportunities some of that was to the with the Eagles pressure.

Impressive in that respect were some of the Eagles younger players with Harry Edwards and Luke Foley in defence and Luke Edwards, both forward and on a wing doing some good things.

Luke Edwards had seven possessions in his first quarter at the elite level and was an important factor.

The Eagles took a one-point lead into the first change and the signs were encouraging.

Unfortunately the attrition also continued for West Coast with All Australian defender Brad Sheppard subbed out with concussion deep into the quarter. That hurt, but the pain was dulled when medical sub Jamaine Jones kicked two important goals.

At the same time Carlton lost key forward Harry McKay after a heavy fall. 

They continued to build in the second quarter, but the Blues hit the front for the first time in the match at the 23 minute mark of the term.

The Eagles responded again, kicked the last two goals of the half and led by eight points at the main break.

The third quarter started under a red sky and under the SCG floodlights and while the game ebbed and flowed, the Eagles kept their nose in front, largely because of the work of Sheed, Redden and Naitanui through the midfield, while Ryan and Darling continued to be dangerous in attack.

Shannon Hurn, Tom Barrass and Harry Edwards were solid down back with Tom Cole and they constantly held the Blues at bay.

A highlight was a goal on the run from Foley, receiving the ball just inside the centre square and launching from 50 metres for his first goal in senior football.

That took the Eagles to a 16-point advantage, which they hold on to until the three-quarter time siren.

Details
West Coast Eagles           4.1         8.5              12.8       14.11    (95)
Carlton                              3.6         6.9              9.10       10.13   (73)

Goals

West Coast Eagles: Ryan 4; Jones 2, O’Neill, Cripps, Darling, Foley, Gaff, Langdon, Redden, Sheed. Carlton: De Koning, Owies, Betts 2; Cottrell, Setterfield, Walsh, Williams.

Best

West Coast Eagles: Ryan, Sheed, NaItanui, Redden, Gaff, Barrass, Hurn.

Carlton: Walsh, Williams, Cripps, Murphy.

Injuries: West Coast Eagles – Sheppard (concussion)      

Carlton – McKay (concussion)   

At SCG