1. The statistics told a familiar tale in this clash with Port Adelaide. Just as the Eagles had been  down in some areas against both Gold Coast and Brisbane, so too were the numbers telling in this one. Port won the total possession count comfortably, were +25 in uncontested possessions had 13 more inside 50s than the Eagles and doubled the number of marks inside the arc – 12 to 6. The good news was that West Coast was down just one in contested possessions and won the clearances by 11.

2. When the Eagles surged at the start of the third quarter, clawing their way back to within 11 points, there were some signs that the team we know was showing what it could do. Unfortunately, they could not sustain that level and when Port responded, the Eagles could not find the next gear as the Power controlled the last 30 minutes of play.

3. While the performance was disappointing club debutant Jamaine Jones provided some life and certainly vindicated his selection. He had 11 possessions and took three marks and was involved in 14 pressure acts – the same as Jamie Cripps and three behind Tim Kelly. He harassed and tackled as he attempted to keep the ball forward of centre for his team.

4. Champion forward Josh Kennedy provided a focal point up forward with a strong performance as he led from the front. The Eagles vice-captain kicked 4.1, clunked seven marks – four of them inside 50 and did all he could to carry his teammates with him. Unfortunately, West Coast has not been as productive as they need to be in three games on the Gold Coast, kicking just six goals in each of them.   

5. Consistency of out-put has been an issue for West Coast in the last three games, but two players who have maintained their standards – set across long careers – have been Brad Sheppard and Andrew Gaff. Again Sheppard completed a wonderful shut-down role on star Power forward Robbie Gray and along the way picked up 15 possessions and six marks, while Gray did not impact the scoreboard. Gaff was again the team’s highest possession winner with 27 touches and he continues to set the bar for work rate.