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The West Coast Eagles have returned to the winners list, beating the Collingwood Magpies by 62 points at Domain Stadium.
REPORT: EAGLES POWER PAST PIES IN PERTH
Collingwood fought back to within 10 points in the third term and looked like causing an upset before the Eagles shifted up a gear to slam home 8 last quarter goals and win comfortably.
It was a first quarter to forget for the Magpies, seemingly helpless as the Eagles got off to a 34-point lead, weaving through opposition midfielders with ease and hitting the scoreboard at will. Mark LeCras dominated early, with two goals and a tonne of influence around the ground. Collingwood responded in the second quarter, breaking even as they began to curb the influence of key Eagles playmakers.
It was in the third quarter that the Pies really came to play, bringing the margin back within two goals on the back of monster efforts from Adam Treloar and Jack Crisp. American import Mason Cox also showed what he is capable of, with a brilliant term in which he showed poise in traffic as well as being a reliable forward target. Awkward murmurings fell over the Perth crowd during the last break, as the game looked well and truly alive.
Luckily for West Coast fans, the Eagles came out all guns blazing in the fourth, snuffing out any chance of an upset with relentless pressure and gut running, finding goal after goal as Collingwood were left to lick their wounds. Josh Kennedy ended the day with a strange 3 goals and 6 behinds, off target in front of goal but busy nonetheless.
Along with LeCras, the win was set up brilliantly by Brad Sheppard and Jeremy McGovern in defence, while Luke Shuey was his usual workhorse self in the middle. Ruckman Scott Lycett had what was probably his best game to date, contributing 2 goals and 7 tackles to go with his 14 touches.
The win for West Coast sets up a gargantuan clash against Geelong next week, while Collingwood will look to rebound strongly in their match against traditional rivals Carlton – lose that and it could be curtains for Buckley.
Final score
West Coast Eagles 18.16 (124)
Collingwood Magpies 9.8 (62)
The Collingwood Magpies may have impressed on ANZAC Day, but they’ll need to lift again when they travel to meet the West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium on Sunday night. Join The Roar from 4:40pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
After copping a beating from a tougher and smarter Sydney Swans team last week, West Coast are sure to be fired up and desperate to reinstate their claim as a legitimate contender this weekend.
Collingwood are coming off a huge ANZAC day victory, but given the circumstances surrounding their opponent, the entire football world is taking that with a grain of salt.
Nathan Buckley has stood firm with his winning team, the only change being the loss of Travis Varcoe through injury.
Travis Cloke will spend another week in the VFL, and you have to wonder if the decision to not recall the experienced power forward could backfire, especially when Jamie Elliot is still out. The West Coast defence is much stronger than Essendon’s and the highly inexperienced duo of Darcy Moore and Mason Cox could find it very difficult to work into the game.
Scott Pendlebury regained some form in a superb showing last week, while Steele Sidebottom took out best-on-ground honours. Both will need to contribute on the scoreboard and around the ground if the Pies are to spring an upset in the west.
The Eagles struggled with the wet ball last week, and seemed bereft of confidence once the game began to slip away. Their arsenal of forwards all struggled to have an impact, the entire team only producing 7 goals for the day. Do not expect to see this two weeks in a row. Josh J Kennedy, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras – they’re simply too talented to be down like that again.
Fraser McInnes has been dropped for the clash, while Scott Lycett is a handy inclusion.
Nic Naitanui is possibly the Eagles’ most important player, and will have a huge say in his team’s fortunes this evening. With Matthew Priddis and Andrew Gaff at his feet, the Magpies’ defensive skills will have to be sharp from siren-to-siren if they are to curb his influence.
West Coast at home on the rebound is a frightening prospect, and they will certainly pull no punches in their attempt to get back on the winners list.
Both teams are choc-full of gun players in the midfield, but the Eagles certainly have an edge at either end of the ground, with All-Australian defenders and forwards sure to trouble the Magpies.
All eyes will be on the Pies and their effort, with media and fans alike noting their apparent lapses in concentration and dedication. If they can take a brave fight to the Eagles, or even pinch a shock win, it will go a long way to restoring some of the respect they lost earlier this season.
Was last week just a prime example of flat-track bullying or have Collingwood turned a corner? There’s almost no tougher test than the Eagles in Perth, and many questions will be answered come the final siren.
Prediction
Can’t see the Pies kicking anywhere near the same amount of goals as the Eagles.
West Coast by 48.
The West Coast Eagles are set to ravage the Collingwood Magpies, but can the black and white army fight their way to a famous upset? Join The Roar from 4:40pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary, and join in the discussion!
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