The WAFL Eagles overcame a determined West Perth outfit to record a valuable win at HIF Health Insurance Oval on Saturday twilight, prevailing in an entertaining contest to remain in the race for a finals berth.
Harry Schoenberg opened the scoring before Falcons spearhead Tyler Keitel kicked two first-quarter goals to help the home side take a six-point lead into the first break.
The Eagles responded in the second term through an influential Cooper Duff-Tytler, who continued to dominate with three first-half goals. Tom Gross also hit the scoreboard as West Coast gained the upper hand around stoppages, but West Perth refused to go away, repeatedly finding answers through Connor West, Harvey Spawton-Guy and Jayden Rigoll. After an evenly fought opening half, the scores were locked at 6.6 apiece at the main break.
Duff-Tytler added his fourth goal immediately after halftime before Matt Owies, Matt Flynn and Harry Barnett helped the Eagles establish a handy buffer.
Keitel and Zac Sprigg kept the Falcons within striking distance, but West Coast carried a 12-point advantage into the final term.
The visitors put the game to bed with their best football of the night in the final quarter. Goals to Owies, captain Callum Jamieson, Clay Hall and Barnett helped the Eagles break away, while Tyrell Dewar capped off a strong performance with a goal of his own.
Late majors to Rigoll and Spawton-Guy reduced the final margin, but West Coast remained in control to secure an important road victory.
West was outstanding for the Falcons finishing with 30 disposals, while Keitel proved a constant threat inside 50, finishing with five goals for the home side.
For the Eagles, Duff-Tytler was exceptional with four goals, while Fin Macrae continued his strong season with a prolific performance through the midfield with 31 touches.
Flynn once again gave his side first use around stoppages and impacted the scoreboard with two goals and 28 hit outs.
Hall worked tirelessly throughout the evening, finishing with 28 disposals and a goal, while Harper Banfield impressed on debut in a memorable first appearance for the Eagles.
The Eagles play South Fremantle in round 17 at Mineral Resources Park from 11.10am on Sunday.
WEST PERTH: 3.3, 6.6, 9.9, 13.12 (90)
WEST COAST: 2.3, 6.6, 11.10, 15.12 (102)
GOALS
West Perth: Keitel (6), Z. Sprigg (2), Spawton-Guy (2), West, Gallen, Rigoll.
West Coast: Duff-Tytler (4), Flynn (2), Barnett (2), Owies (2), Schoenberg, Jamieson, Gross, Hall, Dewar.
BEST
West Perth: West, Nelson, Michael, Rigoll, Keitel.
West Coast: Duff-Tytler, Gross, Macrae, Banfield, Dewar.
