The West Coast Eagles, inspired by small forward Jamie Cripps who produced one of the best games of his career, manufactured a commanding 42–point victory over the Adelaide Crows tonight.

Cripps equalled his career-best five goals and sparked the Eagles to life with two goals in a minute early in the second term. He continued to wield a strong influence over the game as the Eagles consolidated their position in the top eight, winning 14.14 (98) to 8.8 (56).

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Jamie Cripps of the Eagles celebrates a goal with Nic Naitanui during the 2021 AFL Round 18 match between the Adelaide Crows and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on July 18, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos)

After a goal-less first quarter, West Coast found their rhythm on the back of their sublime stoppage work.

The only downside was a possible calf strain to skipper Luke Shuey who was subbed out of the game in the last quarter.  

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Elliot Yeo of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the 2021 AFL Round 18 match between the Adelaide Crows and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on July 18, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos)

The first quarter was all about defence from both teams and while Adelaide kicked the only goal of the term, the intent of the Eagles was impressive.

No goals, but plenty of tackles, spoils and smothers and a willingness to put their shoulder to the wheel. The indicators were positive.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Brodie Smith of the Crows comes in to tackle Connor West of the West Coast Eagles during the 2021 AFL Round 18 match between the Adelaide Crows and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on July 18, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos)

After a goal drought in the first 30 minutes of the match, the Eagles exploded out of the blocks in the second quarter, starting with some Jack Darling brilliance with a snap around his body the first couple of minutes.

Consecutive centre clearances orchestrated by 200 game star Nic Naitanui set up a couple of rapid-fire goals to Cripps. The first one was the result of a clean kick inside 50 from Shuey.

At the next centre bounce, Elliot Yeo charged through the middle, again finding Cripps who had two goals in a 60 seconds.

The Eagles were also receiving good service from Tim Kelly and Andrew Gaff while in defence, Shannon Hurn was sublime. He had four intercept marks and laid a big tackle in the opening minute on Taylor Walker to set the standard.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Shannon Hurn of the Eagles juggles a mark during the round 18 AFL match between Adelaide Crows and West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on July 18, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard and Tom Cole were also in good touch in the back half, making it tough for the Crows to penetrate.

At the main break the Eagles led by two points, but were leading the inside 50 count 30-20 and held a slight advantage in both contested possessions and clearances.  

The Eagles continued the domination in the third quarter, a five-goal term – built around the finishing skills of the small forwards – and they kicked out to a 21-point advantage at the final break.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Nic Naitanui of the Eagles chaired off for his 200th game during the round 18 AFL match between Adelaide Crows and West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on July 18, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Cripps kicked another two goals, while Jack Petruccelle hit the scoreboard with a couple of his own and Liam Ryan, after missing a couple of opportunities, nailed a confidence-lifting goal deep into the term.

Ryan finished with three majors in his best performance since returning from shin soreness.

Details
West Coast Eagles            0.3          4.6          9.9          14.14     98
Adelaide Crows                 1.3          4.4          6.6            8.8        56
Goals – West Coast Eagles: Cripps 5; Ryan 3; Petruccelle 2, Darling, Williams, Yeo, Allen. Adelaide Crows: Fogarty, Keays 2; Walker, Lynch, Himmelberg, Schoenberg.
Best – West Coast Eagles: Cripps, Hurn, Kelly, Naitanui, Gaff, McGovern. Adelaide Crows: Seedsman, Smith, Laird, Lynch, Keays, Kelly.
Injuries – West Coast Eagles: Josh Kennedy (calf) replaced in selected team by Bailey Williams. Luke Shuey (calf) replaced my medical sub Jackson Nelson. Adelaide – Mick Murray (concussion) replaced by medical sub Lachie Sholl.
At Adelaide Oval