1. It was a disappointing day out for the Eagles on Saturday, handing GWS their first win of the season in a 20-point loss at Blacktown. Coming into the clash with confidence from last week’s win over Port, West Coast were unable to get over the line on the road, dropping four crucial points in what will be a tough second-half of the season.
2. The Eagles lacked consistency on Saturday against the Giants, starting strong in the first quarter, but fading fast from the start of the second term and unable to recover for the remainder of the game. A big focus for the young team has been producing full, four-quarter efforts on a weekly basis, and after a promising display in their round six victory, they couldn’t replicate the same effort and intensity around the ball when the Giants started turning up the heat.
3. Teenage sensation Ella Roberts put on another impressive showing for the Eagles, finishing with 20 disposals, a game-high 10 marks and one goal in a game that was strongly controlled by the opposition. She impressed with high-flying marks, speed and ferocity around the ball and continues to shine through as a 2023 Rising Star favourite.
4. Experienced defender Belinda Smith played an important role for the Eagles on Saturday, managing a team-high 22 disposals, four marks and six tackles, in what was a rough day out for the Eagles backline. Smith has been in fine form this season, her leadership and guidance in the back 50 continuing to encourage emerging defenders such as Charlie Thomas and Zoe Wakfer as they develop their craft.
5. The Eagles now face the challenge of taking on the reigning premiers Melbourne Demons on Sunday at Mineral Resources Park. Melbourne come into this game on the back of their first loss since round four of season seven, their 14-game winning streak ended by Adelaide in a 10-point defeat on Saturday. The Eagles will have a herculean task on their hands this week, Melbourne will be looking to bounce back and return to the winners list, while West Coast will be hoping for an upset on their home turf.
