Lewis Jetta kicked a last-minute goal to give West Coast a thrilling win over Port Adelaide late on Sunday night.
Final score
West Coast Eagles: 8.8 (56)
Port Adelaide Power: 8.6 (54)
The JLT Community Series campaign kicks off for both the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Leederville Oval on Sunday. Join The Roar for all the action and live scores from 6:35pm (AEDT).
Both these clubs will be looking to improve on what they achieved last year. Yes, both were finalists, but no one really thought either side would go deep into September, and that is what has happened.
West Coast supporters won’t see Nic Naitanui in this fixture, but he is expected to make a return in the second fixture of this competition.
Eagle supporters no doubt will be keen to see pick 13 in Jarrod Brander from the recent National Draft out of all the draftees. One does feel the anticipation towards this game is more in favour of the Power, though.
These upcoming games gives the Power a great chance to bed in the new recruits. Port Adelaide obviously believe they are in the mix to push on, so they have recruited heavily.
The likes of Jack Watts and Jack Trengove, both recruited from Melbourne, no doubt give Ken Hinkley some more depth going into 2018. Trent McKenzie and Tom Rockliff will do the same, but the former Lion won’t feature in this game.
The one that will intrigue most is Steven Motlop. He is capable of magic moments, but can also drift out of games far too easily. He needs a solid start in these practice games to give himself a better chance of succeeding come the home and away season.
What the supporters will like most about the recruits is yes, they add more depth, but they ultimately strengthen Hinkley’s best 22.
Prediction
It is about getting a solid blowout more than anything, but when it comes to discussing the result, Port Adelaide should have too much for West Coast.
Port Adelaide by 27.
Join The Roar from 6:35pm (AEDT) for all the action from Leederville Oval.
Bob GOOCH
Guest
Great to see Watts at his brilliant best - always in favour of us getting rid of him - best decision without doubt ! Good luck at Port " sheep dog "
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Well,he's not looking,so it's negligent,it's head high,medium impact,probably three weeks. Also there's no attempt to possess the ball
Lroy
Guest
Thought Port had that one in the bag, they seemed to have WCE measure until 45 seconds to go when the Eagles hit the front with that stunning Jetta goal. I dont usually watch pre season games but Im glad I watched this one, was a good contest ;-),
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
West Coast losing McGovern should have made more of a difference.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
The West Coast Eagles have won in a thriller at Leederville Oval against the Port Adelaide Power. Very impressed with the Eagles. They played a good brand of footy and with a confidence that I didn't think they possessed after losing so much experience at the end of last season. Saying that, it is only preseason, but it is a good start. As for the Power, if they're honest, I get the feeling they will be disappointed losing that. They would have liked to set the marker early, but it isn't the end of the world. Thanks for joining me tonight guys, hope you enjoyed the coverage!
Mattician6x6
Guest
Our midfield will be fine
Mattician6x6
Guest
I don't think wce are in dire straits but will save my long form for cam's critique as the week progresses
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Also, Hinkley hasn't changed anything over the summer. Still losing games we should win due to poor execution inside 50.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
That loss is on Charlie Dixon. I could tackle Brad Sheppard in that situation.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Full Time West Coast win in a thriller! May of been a practice match, but certainly did not feel like it! West Coast Eagles: 8.8 (56) Port Adelaide Power: 8.6 (54)
TomC
Roar Guru
Haha! That's the way to win a footy game!
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 00.45 - Lewis Jetta kicks a 65 metre goal! Could be the winner for the Eagles! West Coast Eagles: 8.8 (56) Port Adelaide Power: 8.6 (54)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Being a North supporter, I hadn't haha. Could be handy if he gets going.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 04.34 - Liam Ryan takes the mark right in front of goal, but hits the post! West Coast Eagles: 7.8 (50) Port Adelaide Power: 8.6 (54)
TomC
Roar Guru
I had completely forgotten that Thomas had gone to Port Adelaide. Interesting that out of the four new Power players with previous AFL experience out there today, Dom Barry has been by far the most impressive of them.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 07.50 - Lindsay Thomas gives it off to Charlie Dixon and he walks into an open goal. West Coast Eagles: 7.7 (49) Port Adelaide Power: 8.6 (54)
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Good goal Redden
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 12.56 - Great tackle from Jack Redden. He goes back and nails it. Eagles in front! West Coast Eagles: 7.7 (49) Port Adelaide Power: 7.6 (48)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 14.14 - Minor score for the Eagles. West Coast Eagles: 6.7 (43) Port Adelaide Power: 7.6 (48)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
15.10 - Both teams looking a bit tired. West Coast Eagles: 6.6 (42) Port Adelaide Power: 7.6 (48)