Despite a less than impressive game from West Coast, they have scraped home with a six-point win over the Demons. Melbourne led at every change and also led in inside 50s, but some poor goal-kicking let them down.
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The first quarter was a wet and sluggish affair with rain hanging over Domain stadium, the wet and slippery conditions favoured the Demons early, with them taking the early lead but West Coast hit back to only be down one point at the end of the quarter.
The second was very similar with Melbourne taking the early ascendancy before again West Coast hit back through two quick goals from Josh P Kennedy. However Melbourne again responded and continued to lead going into half-time.
The third was all Melbourne with them controlling the majority of the ball and the inside 50 count however they could not convert the goals and scored three goals and six behinds for the quarter, West Coast were looking like taking a one-point lead into the third quarter break but a behind to Melbourne and a terrible kick from Sharrod Wellingham turned a one-point lead into a six-point deficit.
West Coast started the fourth with an early goal and scored another one not long after for the only two goals of the quarter.
Melbourne again controlled the majority of the play but were unable to break through the West Coast defence for scoring chances.
With West Coast in front by just 4 points in the dying minutes of the game, Melbourne tried to push for the win but a rushed behind to the Eagles and a deliberate out of bounds call going the way of the Eagles all but sealed the deal for West Coast.
Melbourne despite the loss can leave Western Australia with their heads held high for pushing the Eagles all the way and if they had have kicked straight they would have walked away with the win.
West Coast on the other hand will have a lot of questions being asked of them after being comprehensively beaten everywhere but the scoreline.
With a push towards the finals in full swing for most of the top eight, West Coast will want to find some sort of gear to stop them from being an afterthought in the finals.
Final scores
West Coast 10.6.66
Melbourne 8.12.60
The Roar’s AFL MVP votes
Matt Priddis 3
Nathan Jones 2
Max Gawn 1
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Good points. Maybe I am too glass half empty when it comes to the WCE. I have been thinking about what Simpson could do to get the side firing before the finals come around and here are my thoughts: I would bring Jetta back into the side and slot him in a back pocket and tell him to concentrate on his defensive game and bring a lot of pressure to the contest. This is what Petrie said he did to get his form back believing that if he brought pressure to the contest he would start to find the ball more often. Also it would be easier for Jetta to learn the running patterns of the side if he was actually on the ground watching them unfold during a real game with real pressure, rather than on the training track. With his elite kicking skills, and he is fantastic with his boot, he should take the kick-ins and free up McGovern to provide a target beyond the 50m arc. If Gov can take a grab beyond the 50m arc and then with his boot spear into our forward 50, then that takes a lot of pressure of our midfield to provide our forwards with supply. We need to find someone to sit on Rosa's wing until Jetta finds some form. I reckon either Jackson Nelson or Tom Lamb. Lamb has been playing really good footy lately off the wing so maybe give him a go and see if he can give the midfield another avenue in transition. Other than that I would slot Darling on the wing and let him run havoc. That would be a very hard match-up for any opposition coach if Darling had a license to run at will through the midfield and use his pace and marking ability to break some lines. Then you could slot Lamb at CHF because he is 195cm and has some pace as well. Le Cras has to be a stationery forward pocket. He is a goal kicker and hasn't offered the side much when he plays high half forward coming off the back of the square at the CBD. He is great in a pack, as we saw just a couple of weeks ago. So he should be the crumber on the full forward line. Lycette and Nic Nat need to rest in the pocket rather than go to the bench. They are both good marks and with them resting in the pocket it will cause havoc for the opposition defenders and likely result in a lot of free kicks, especially to Nic Nat if they try and block his run in a marking contest. Anyway, just my musings on what I would do if I were coaching the WCE.
boneyard bob
Guest
i've started to wonder about Simpson as a coach, after listening to the same theories and excuses and remedies trotted out weekly, yet nothing appears to change. However, after complaining about their performance against Dees, maybe its a sign of how good they are, to sustain that level of attack, with all stats against them, and survive!? the backline withstood 66 entries and conceded 8 goals, 2 of which were kick out blunders - thats without question, a sign of a very classy backline!! It also says a lot about the Dees as an emerging force, how good they are. Its such a close competition this season. next season promises a real shake up of the ladder. the Eagles may be just getting by, just getting enough done and priming themselves at the right time of the season. We know when theyre all on song, it can be a powerful unit...maybe the best is to come, soon. Nicnat and Dom Sheed back will be big 'ins', within next 2 weeks. The Pies game at the MCG might see the Eagles finally shift up another gear in readiness for whats to come. The Hawks at Domain and the Crows at Adelaide will be the real signposts for the finals.
Justin Ahrns
Roar Pro
West Coast were lucky to escape with a win, which could be crucial for ladder positioning. Far from convincing though!
KingKongBundy
Guest
Yes Simmo is a bit of a worrie at times.the fact is there playing terrible football and still winning and are knocking on the door of a top 4 finish. Maybe just maybe they will find form at the arse end of the season and start beating better teams you can only dream
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
If ever there was a coach that goes missing on game day, its Simpson. Has he ever make a positional change during the game that anyone can remember? The guy is strategically challenged!!! Time to start looking for a new coach.