Suns bring the heat but Eagles get home in scorcher
West Coast gets the points but not after a huge fight against Gold Coast
IT LOOKED like one-way traffic early, but after kicking the first three goals of the match in less than three minutes, West Coast was made to fight all the way against Gold Coast before finally getting home 12.11 (83) to 8.10 (58) at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles started on fire in the 30+ degree Perth heat, but had surrendered the lead before half-time to a committed Suns outfit that lost star youngster Matt Rowell late in the first quarter.
The Rising Star favourite hurt his knee in what appeared a relatively innocuous incident, and while club officials will be hoping for the best, the site of Rowell on crutches with his knee in a large brace didn’t look good.
Most of West Coast’s scoring was through the three-pronged attack of Jack Darling (two goals), Josh Kennedy (two) and the ever-improving Oscar Allen (four), while Tim Kelly was dynamic through the midfield.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Nic Naitanui of the Eagles sets for a mark during the round one AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on March 21, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Nathan Vardy of the Eagles celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2021 AFL Round 01 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on March 21, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Jack Darling of the Eagles kicks the ball during the 2021 AFL Round 01 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on March 21, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Josh J. Kennedy of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round one AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on March 21, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
Take a look at the highlights from our first AFLW preseason clash against the Power, and hear from Lauren Wakfer after the match.
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McQualter press conference 09.07.26
West Coast Eagles senior coach Andrew McQualter talks to the media ahead of their match against Western Bulldogs.
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West Coast Eagles Academy of Sport Business
Discover how the Academy of Sport combines real-world experience, industry connections and practical learning to prepare students for a career in sport.
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Episode 3 - Young guns
Emerging Eagles and close friends Clay Hall, Jacob Newton & Bo Allan sit down to share plenty of laughs and a few war stories from their early AFL journeys. From building and maintaining their own boat to getting stuck in lifts on away trips, the trio offer a candid look at life away from the football field. They also reflect on the moments that matter most — including their first AFL wins and the experiences that have strengthened their friendship along the way
