Another stern test, another tick.
That was the outcome after the West Coast Eagles answered the challenge against reigning premiers Richmond at Optus Stadium to win their eighth consecutive game.
As the passionate West Coast fans created another record crowd for a sporting contest in Perth (57,616), the Eagles produced a stunning second half performance to march to an emphatic 47-point victory.
The Eagles exploded out of the blocks with a captivating first term that saw them hold a 22-point advantage at the first change. Predictably Richmond responded in the second quarter, their running game coming together as they completely dominated that stanza.
An indication of the Tigers’ dominance came via the inside 50 count. For the quarter, Richmond ventured inside the attacking arc 23 times to four and it was a credit to the Eagles’ defensive unit that they scored only four goals in that period.
Led by Jeremy McGovern, who marked everything in his vicinity, Shannon Hurn and Liam Duggan, the back six held firm in the face of the onslaught and the Eagles were able to regroup at half-time.
It was a matter of how the Eagles could respond because the Tigers’ trademark ball movement, speed and intensity were key factors in the second term and certainly momentum sat with the visitors at the long break.
Someone at West Coast needed to own the moment, to inspire their teammates and lift the energy levels.
It came from three players in particular – ruckman Nic Naitanui, midfielder Elliot Yeo and forward Jack Darling – all of whom had already enjoyed an outstanding first half.
Naitanui imposed himself in the first few minutes of the third quarter, Yeo, who had left the ground in the opening term after jarring his right knee, and Darling were spectacular when the Eagles needed a spark.
Naitanui not only dominated the ruck, but won a couple of important clearances, while Yeo won plenty of ball, but was equally influential with his tackling pressure. Darling was marking everything that came his way and finished with a career-high six goals.
In conjunction with Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras, Jamie Cripps, Willie Rioli and Jake Waterman the Eagles were more efficient and dangerous in the forward half – winning by 47 points despite losing the forward 50 entry count 45-58.
Round 9 v Richmond
Optus Stadium
West Coast Eagles 6.1 7.2 14.6 20.10 130
Richmond 2.3 6.8 9.8 12.11 83
Goals – West Coast Eagles: Darling 6; Kennedy, LeCras 3; Cripps, Redden 2; Rioli, Gaff, McGovern, Yeo.
Richmond: Riewoldt 5; Short 2; Caddy, Grigg, Castagna, Conca, Houli.
