The West Coast Eagles have cracked the WAFL’s top five for the first time since 2019, securing a tense one-point victory over a fast-finishing Swan Districts side at Mineral Resources Park.
Despite a blistering start that saw them open up a seven-goal lead, the Eagles were outplayed for much of the contest. However, midfielder Tom Gross stepped up for the second time in three weeks, swooping on a loose ball to kick a late goal that gave his side a lead they would not surrender, finishing 14.10 (94) to 13.15 (93).
Key Performances
Veteran Jamie Cripps struggled for impact in his first WAFL appearance in over a decade after being dropped from the AFL side, while small forward Matt Owies starred with five goals. The dominance of Matt Flynn in the ruck (41 hit-outs) helped Fin Macrae (25 disposals) and Gross (21 disposals, two goals) control the midfield battle, despite strong efforts from Clint Hinchcliffe (29 disposals) and Josh Cipro (26 disposals).
Fast Start
The Eagles could not have asked for a better beginning, with Caleb Datson kicking two goals in the first three minutes, sparking a run of five majors before the 11-minute mark. West Coast’s slick ball movement caught Swan Districts’ defenders off guard, and a costly holding-the-ball decision against Caleb Ernst allowed Owies to walk into an open goal.
Trailing by 40 points early in the first term, the visitors steadied with three goals either side of the first break.
Second Quarter Response
Draft prospect Leo Steed kicked two goals in an impressive second quarter, and Zach Provest sparked his side with a brilliant dribbling goal from the boundary. However, the Eagles answered with three goals of their own to maintain their buffer.
Second Half Drama
The third quarter saw a different script, with Swan Districts applying fierce pressure, locking the ball in their attacking half and stifling West Coast’s rebounds. They reduced the margin to 11 points at the final break, though they might have been closer had they fully capitalised on their dominance and not conceded two goals from rare Eagles forays forward.
Owies kicked his fifth goal early in the final term to steady, but Swans hit back through McLachlan and Luke Kelly. Jovan Petric then gave Swan Districts their first lead of the game, setting up a thrilling finish. After Gross’s crucial goal, the Eagles’ defence held firm to deny Swans, securing a third consecutive win for the first time since their standalone reserves team’s inaugural season.
Scoreboard
WEST COAST 7.6, 10.8, 12.9, 14.10 (94)
SWAN DISTRICTS 3.3, 6.5, 10.10, 13.15 (93)
Goals
- WEST COAST: M Owies 5, C Datson 3, T Gross 2, H Barnett, S Kernutt, A Watt, T Gross
- SWAN DISTRICTS: J McLachlan 4, J Petric 2, L Steed 2, J Cipro, O Harvey, L Kelly, Z Provest, W Reidy
Best
- WEST COAST: M Owies, F Macrae, T Gross, M Flynn, T Dewar
- SWAN DISTRICTS: J Cipro, J McLachlan, C Hinchcliffe, L Steed, J Pina
Umpires: M Caifano, R Shelton, N Bevan, L Jago
Crowd: About 1500 at Mineral Resources Park
