Matt Priddis, Josh Kennedy and Nic Naitanui have led West Coast to a 64-point round one AFL victory over the Brisbane Lions at Domain Stadium.
Coming off a grand final appearance in 2015, the Eagles weren’t expected to be troubled by the lowly Lions and cruised to the 26.10 (166) to 15.12 (102) victory.
Brownlow Medallist Priddis had a field day with 29 first half possessions and 43 for the day to go with 12 clearances.
Naitanui was a powerful force in the ruck opposed to Stefan Martin with 22 touches, six marks and 46 hit outs.
Josh Kennedy dominated up forward with Brisbane sorely missing an ill Daniel Merrett.
Kennedy kicked eight goals from 25 possessions and 16 marks.
Josh Hill and Jamie Cripps both kicked three goals apiece for the Eagles.
Eric Mackenzie returned from a knee reconstruction to be outstanding down back while Andrew Gaff also had 33 possessions, Luke Shuey 30 and former Lion Jack Redden 25.
Allen Christensen and Lewis Taylor kicked three goals each for Brisbane while No.2 draft pick Josh Schache kicked two on debut as did former Cat Josh Walker.
The recently re-signed Daniel Rich was terrific with his left-foot kicking a highlight. He had 23 possessions, two goals and 11 tackles.
Tom Bell, Ryan Bastinac and Tom Rockliff worked hard for Brisbane while Mitch Robinson had a mixed day, appearing to injure a calf late and also getting reported for rough conduct in the second quarter.
Col from Brissie
Guest
Paul, I think a lot of people may have changed their minds about the competivenes of both Brisbane and Carlton. They will most likely both finish in the bottom four but teams will not want to take them lightly.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I'm really happy with the result - the Eagles were always going to kick an absolute bag, but for us to kick 100 points in return is a very good effort from the guys. Shows that we can find a way to goal, and I think the team will take a lot of confidence out of the loss. Certainly would prefer to lose a game like that than what Pies or Dockers fans are feeling right now.
Gecko
Guest
Good point about clocking 100. Suggests Brisbane's forward line might be more functional this year. Not too bad a start, given they were playing last year's Grand Finalist in Perth.
Nifty
Guest
Good win for the eagles, for the first game up of the season lead by Priddis and Kennedy ,brisbane will trouble a few sides as they get things together ,i liked Bennells new position he will be dangerous around the goals I hope lycett improves on his first game But obviously a tightening up of the backline needs to happen if eagles are to threaten the hawks at all
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Massive, massive firepower from the Eagles - very impressive. A lot of good signs from the Lions as well. To kick 100 points against the WCE in Perth shows promise. At home, they should be competitive.