West Coast gave a spirited effort, but the Falcons handled the slippery conditions better to claim the 15.11 (101) to 11.6 (72) victory.
In a game that marked the continuation of NAIDOC Week celebrations, both teams proudly wore their First Nations guernseys and battled not just each other, but also the elements, with heavy rain falling just before the opening bounce at HIF Health Insurance Oval.
The Eagles welcomed star midfielder Tim Kelly back into the line-up for valuable game time, and the experienced campaigner made a strong impact.
West Coast started brightly with an early goal to Jacob Newton, but the Falcons responded with a string of majors including two to Keegan Knott to open up a 32-point lead.
A settling goal from Harvey Johnston late in the term helped reduce the margin to 26 at quarter time.
The Eagles lifted their pressure in the second term and looked more composed with the ball.
Goals to Josh Burke and Orien Kerr narrowed the gap, but West Perth continued to capitalise on their opportunities to maintain a 24-point lead at the half.
Momentum swung briefly the Eagles’ way early in the third quarter.
Kerr kicked his second and Kelly added a brilliant goal to bring the margin back to just 12- points.
But West Perth responded sharply, piling on three goals in four minutes through Tyler Keitel and Kane Bevan, regaining full control before the rain returned and slowed the pace.
Harry Barnett provided a spark late with a goal right on the three-quarter time siren.
Still within reach, the Eagles came out swinging in the final term. Burke’s second and a classy finish from Loch Rawlinson cut the margin to just 17-points.
Kelly’s second goal soon after kept hope alive. But West Perth steadied through Dixon and Bevan, whose third goals sealed the final result.
Kane Bevan led from the front for West Perth, racking up a game-high 31 disposals and slotting three goals in a standout performance.
Despite the loss, there were promising signs for West Coast. Coen Livingstone showed flashes of class, Sandy Brock was solid down back in the testing conditions.
Kelly’s leadership and quality were a clear highlight across four quarters. His composure shone through as he finished with 27 disposals and two goals.
The Eagles battled to the final siren in tough conditions and showed signs of growth against a well-drilled West Perth side, setting the foundation for continued development in the back half of the WAFL season.
WEST PERTH 6.2 7.8 11.9 15.11 (101)
WEST COAST 2.0 4.1 7.4 11.6 (72)
GOALS
West Perth: Dixon (3), Bevan (3), Knott (2), Keitel (2), Galjaardt, Page, DeMarte, Swadling, Hinder. West Coast: Kerr (3), Burke (2), Kelly (2) Newton, Johnston, Rawlinson, Barnett.
BEST
West Perth: Keitel, Bevan, Nelson, Black, Dixon, Rigoll. West Coast: Kelly, Petruccelle, Brock, Davis, Datson, Lucassen, Kerr.
