After losing a record 14 men ahead of the round two clash against North Melbourne, the West Coast Eagles produced a gutsy performance which left sidelined midfielder Elliot Yeo impressed by the team’s efforts.
In a truly unique set of circumstances, West Coast also named six debutants for the match – including five COVID Contingency List players – with West Perth captain Aaron Black and former Kangaroo Declan Mountford booting impressive goals in their first match for West Coast.
And in an even more bizarre twist to Adam Simpson’s already decimated Eagles, Mountford was called from the stands mere moments before his debut, after defender Jackson Nelson was ruled out with a knee injury during the warm up.
“I think Dermott (Brereton – Fox Footy) was saying he saw him in the lift going up, and he said, ‘mate, shouldn’t you be out there playing?’ and he said, ‘yeah, I’m racing down there now,’” Yeo told 96FM.
“So weird sort of way to get your head around playing a game of football and then trying to get yourself right mentally, so credit to him, it’s a hard job to do.
“It’s an interesting way to start the game. I thought they really dug in and had a real crack, so I couldn’t be more proud of them.
“For some, like Aaron Black, who have been waiting for their opportunities at 200-something odd games at the WAFL, it’s absolutely amazing.
“So to see him kick a goal as well, it would’ve been an awesome experience and I just wish I could’ve been out there.
“I think, looking from the outside as a supporter and as a player as well, I’m pretty proud of the boys, with what they were able to produce and put forward.”
The Eagles’ senior players also dug deep and rose to the challenge, with key defender Jeremy McGovern (11 intercepts) and classy forward Willie Rioli (four goals) amongst the most influential Eagles across the match.
Rioli booted a career-high number of majors and McGovern finished with 397 metres gained at 91 per cent time on ground.
“He (McGovern) played very well, that’s what you want to see, you want to see your senior players really standing up and taking the lead and taking charge, so it was good to see ‘Gov’ doing that,” Yeo said.
“(And) if I was a backman I’d be hating to play and line up on Willie because some of the things he can do, he’s just so skilful and freaky, so he played an absolute blinder.
“He’s an absolute freak, I was sitting there laughing at the TV because when Willie’s playing good footy he’s just impossible to stop.”
After a resilient performance against North Melbourne – falling to the side by just 15 points – West Coast are now looking to claim four premiership points in the RAC Derby against Fremantle.
Veteran forward Josh Kennedy has cleared the AFL’s Health and Safety Protocols and was back training with the team on Tuesday at Mineral Resources Park ahead of his likely return to action on Sunday in a boost to the side.
“We’ll get a few players back which will be nice this week, and Fremantle have been in terrific form over this pre-season, we played them a few times and in one they absolutely spanked us,” Kennedy told 6PR.
“We know the quality they are and regardless of where we are in the ladder, I know it’s early in the year, but it’s always a tough game against Fremantle, regardless of how good each team is going.
“So, looking forward to it, it’s another Derby, the first one for the year, so hopefully we get a few boys back and don’t lose a few this week, that would be nice.”
