Swan Districts pulled away in the last quarter to secure a 27-point win over the WAFL Eagles, 11.10 (76) to 7.7 (49), at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday.
In a historic WA Day Round clash marking their 100th WAFL game since inception, the West Coast Eagles faced Swan Districts in a battle between the ladder’s eighth and ninth-placed teams.
The match featured the debut of new draftee Tom McCarthy and the long-awaited return of Campbell Chesser from ankle surgery.
The Eagles started strongly showcasing composure and efficiency in the opening quarter.
Coen Livingstone set the tone eight minutes in with a spectacular mark that led to the first goal of the afternoon.
Leigh Kohlmann, making his return to the WAFL, quickly responded with a goal for the Swans, but the Eagles maintained control.
Caleb Datson added a second for West Coast, pushing the margin to seven points, before Loch Rawlinson slotted a third extending the lead to 14 points.
While the Swans created several opportunities, they were unable to capitalise, allowing the Eagles to head into the first break with the early ascendancy.
The second quarter turned into a gritty contest as both teams battled for control.
After an early miss from Swan Districts, Kohlmann kicked his second to narrow the gap, followed closely by William Reidy's goal to level the scores.
West Coast hit back quickly through Tom Gross before Luke Contelessa responded for the Swans to even things up once again.
As the quarter developed into a tight arm wrestle, Brad Lynch broke the deadlock late, giving Swan Districts a seven-point lead, and despite both sides pushing hard, the margin stood at five points in the Swans’ favour at the main break.
The third quarter proved crucial as both sides looked to steal the game. Swan Districts came out firing, with Kohlmann kicking his third goal extending their lead to 17-points. Relayed free kicks proved costly for the Eagles, though they held firm defensively and managed to clear their back 50 under pressure.
After some missed chances from the Swans, West Coast found a spark through Clay Hall and Harry Barnett, whose goals brought the margin back to seven.
However, the Swans responded through Jye Chalcraft to regain a 14-point buffer. With three goals to two in the quarter, the Swans held the edge, but the contest remained wide open heading into the final term.
Troy Yukich controlled the ruck for the Swans, racking up a game-high 49 hit outs to give his midfield first use. Jesse Turner was also influential for the Swans with 36 disposals, nine marks, and seven inside 50s in a standout performance.
The Swans took control early in the final quarter, breaking the game open with back-to-back goals pushing their lead out to 27 points.
The Eagles had chances to respond with set shots in front but couldn't convert. Hall gave West Coast a glimmer of hope with his second goal, but the Swans answered immediately through Lynch, whose second major all but sealed the result.
It marked Swan Districts’ first home win of the season, capping off a strong final quarter performance.
Clay Hall and Campbell Chesser were impressive in the midfield. Hall managing 29 disposals and three inside 50s. While Chesser followed closely finishing with 22 touches, five marks and seven tackles. Tom McCarthy impressed in his first outing, finishing with 26 touches and five marks.
The defeat sets up an important clash for West Coast next week as they aim to rebound against Perth at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.
SWAN DISTRICTS 1.0 5.3 8.7 11.10 (76)
WEST COAST 3.2 4.4 6.5 7.7 (49)
Goals
Swan Districts: Kohlmann 3, Chalcraft, Lynch 2, Cotellessa, Reidy, Kelly, Turner. West Coast: Hall 2, Livingstone, Datson, Rawlinson, Gross, Barnett
Best
Swan Districts: Turner, McLachlan, Chalcraft, Yukich, Clarke, Lynch. West Coast: Livingstone, Lucassen, Chesser, McCarthy, Barnett, Hall
