The West Coast Eagles' AFLW finals campaign came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday as they fell to Carlton in a hard-fought elimination final. Despite showing promising signs throughout the season, the Eagles couldn't overcome their opponents in what proved to be a challenging contest.
Key Performers in Defeat
Several West Coast players stood tall despite the disappointing result. Defender Bethany Lynch received high praise for her outstanding performance, earning a perfect 10/10 rating from expert analyst Danielle Laidley. Lynch's composure under pressure and ability to read the play made her one of the Eagles' most valuable players on the field.
Midfielder Ella Roberts continued to demonstrate why she's considered one of the competition's rising stars, putting in another impressive shift that earned her strong marks. Her ability to win contested possessions and drive the ball forward provided crucial momentum for the Eagles throughout the match.
Areas for Improvement
The match revealed some concerning trends that the Eagles will need to address during the offseason. Several players received ratings below 5/10, indicating significant room for growth. The team struggled with consistency across all four quarters, particularly in converting opportunities into scoreboard pressure.
Forward line efficiency emerged as a key issue, with multiple players failing to make their mark on the scoreboard despite creating chances. This has been a recurring challenge for West Coast throughout the season and will undoubtedly be a focus area during training.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
Despite the elimination final loss, there are positive signs for West Coast's future. The development of younger players throughout the season provides a solid foundation for growth. The experience gained in finals football, even in defeat, will prove invaluable for the team's development.
The Eagles now enter an important offseason where they'll need to address specific weaknesses while building on their strengths. With several promising talents emerging and experienced players providing leadership, West Coast appears well-positioned to make another finals push next season.
The final score of Carlton defeating West Coast Eagles marks the end of their 2023 AFLW campaign, but the foundation has been laid for future success. Coach Michael Prior and his team will now turn their attention to player development and strategic improvements during the break.
