The West Coast Eagles matched Melbourne for spirit, but could not measure up to their class as the reigning premier marched to a 74-point victory at Optus Stadium tonight.

After a competitive effort for three quarters, the Eagles again fell away late as the Demons rammed home seven goals in the final term to win 16.16 (112) to 5.8 (38).

After leading by 44 points at the last change, they continually pumped the ball forward and their potent forwards including Tom McDonald, Bailey Fritsch and Kysaiah Pickett cashed in on the opportunities.

The Eagles kicked two of their own but could not finish off the match, falling away in the last 10 minutes.

What West Coast lacked in polish, they made up for in endeavour in the first quarter and capitalised on an early opportunity when Jake Waterman slotted through the opening goal of the match.

But Melbourne responded and kicked six goals in succession for the rest of the quarter as they took advantage of West Coast skill errors and led by 35 points at the first change.

Had it not been for the effort of the defence led by acting captain Jeremy McGovern, Liam Duggan and Tom Barrass, the margin would have been greater.

At quarter time the Eagles re-grouped, were better  organised around stoppages and achieved better field position for their effort, deserving a better return than just three behinds for the quarter.

Young midfielder Connor West provided plenty of energy to support Tim Kelly who was outstanding while Greg Clark and Luke Foley also enjoyed time through the cauldron.

Again the inside 50 count was lop-sided at 14-31 at half-time and the Eagles cause was not helped by the late withdrawal of champion forward Josh Kennedy. He was replaced in the selected team by Hugh Dixon.

But the pleasing aspect for the Eagles despite a 42-point deficit, was the tackle count that saw the Eagles leading it 34-27. While low on talent given the 18 unavailable players, effort can still be applied and that was the case.

The Eagles maintained their defensive discipline in the third quarter, continued to play with high levels of enthusiasm and should probably have won the quarter.

Melbourne kicked their first of the term from star midfielder Christian Petracca, when he probably should have been retreating 50 metres up the ground after McGovern had taken another strong intercept mark.

Petracca came from the side of the mark to stand it and was not in position when the umpire called McGovern to play on.

Jamie Cripps had earlier kicked a wonderful checkside goal in play while Bailey Williams kicked another from a set shot after a good mark deep in attack.  

Details
Melbourne                       6.5         7.9         9.12       16.16    112
West Coast Eagles           1.0         1.3         3.4           5.8         38
Goals – Melbourne: McDonald 4; Pickett, Fritsch 3; Brown, Petracca 2; Spargo, Neale-Bullen. West Coast Eagles: Waterman, Cripps, Williams, Darling, McGovern.
Best – Melbourne: Oliver, Gawn, Jordan, Petracca, McDonald, May. West Coast Eagles: Kelly, McGovern, Barrass, West, Duggan, Cripps.
Injuries – West Coast Eagles: Ryan (calf) replaced by Naish. Foley (head knock).  Melbourne: Harmes (thigh) replaced by Chandler in the last quarter.