The West Coast Eagles almost let it slip, but six straight goals to finish the game has given them an upset win over the Geelong Cats as Gary Ablett copped a hamstring injury.
Final score
West Coast Eagles 14.11 (95)
Geelong Cats 11.14 (80)
The West Coast Eagles are hoping to get their first win at Optus Stadium when they host the Geelong Cats there in the final game of Round 3 of the 2018 AFL season. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match on Sunday, starting from 4:40pm AEDT.
Well the opportunity to be the first WA team to get an AFL win on Optus Stadium has unfortunately passed the West Coast Eagles by, as the Fremantle Dockers have gotten not one but two victories on the new ground.
In fact because of yesterday’s unusual scheduling, Fremantle have already achieved something that West Coast will rarely get the opportunity to do – not only have they won at Optus Stadium as the home team, but have done so as the ‘away’ side.
The Eagles will have to wait for a Fremantle-hosted derby to achieve the same feat.
They’re in relatively good form though – pushing Sydney pretty closely in Round 1, and then achieving a comfortable victory over the Bulldogs in Melbourne last week.
It’s still probably too soon to say with much certainty just how much those performances are worth, but at the very least West Coast fans deserve to feel optimisitc.
As for Geelong, their grand unveiling of the star trio of Gary Ablett, Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood last week didn’t really go to plan, ending in 1-point loss to Hawthorn.
It was the second week in a row that they’ve played in a match decided by less than a goal.
Prediction
This week, as last week, Geelong will be missing three crucial players in Mitch Duncan, Lachie Henderson and Harry Taylor – and of course, they’re on a significant road trip.
West Coast have a big out too with Josh J Kennedy still on the sidelines.
I expect the Cats to win here – but reckon it won’t be the most convincing of victories.
Geelong Cats by 12.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match between the West Coast Eagles and the Geelong Cats in Round 3 of the 2018 AFL season at Optus Stadium on Sunday, starting from 4:40pm AEDT.
Mike
Guest
Naitanui is a massive advantage. He did as he pleased against Geelong's pretend ruckmen. I think he is still underrated for what he brings to the team.
Mike
Guest
Wondering what kind of arrogance led Chris Scott to decide to go in with no ruckman against Nic Nat and Lycett. We were smashed at stoppages and our midfield had to do it all alone. Not surprised GA and cockatoo ended up injured. Our midfield with be ruined having to play without a ruckman and Blicavs and Ratugola will end up with long term injuries getting poleaxed by taller hard bodied ruckmen.
Jason
Roar Rookie
Not getting ahead of yourself much eh ? I think West Coast can make the 8 , but we shall see.
User
Roar Rookie
Can't wait for Derby, will be fierce as both teams will want that piece of history. Good to see Pearce at your mob getting a clean run, freo look a different side with him holding down a kdp. Wce recruiting dept looking quite good with recent picks and draft strategies. With brander getting good wafl form and Oscar Allen soon to return from injury last year with Ryan, ainsworth and perteculle looks great Venables, Willie and waterman gaining confidence and again special mention to gaffy and way he has transformed into a inside mid. Hurn and jets complimenting the great defensive work of gov, barras and Shep with some of the best foot skills in the game. Darling continues being the superstar he is and nic and Scott the angry man lycett reminding all if you have two good rucks play them.
Lroy
Guest
+ 10 ;-)
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
The look on Ablett's face when Naitanui ripped the ball out of his hands and spun 270 was priceless
User
Roar Rookie
Riding shotgun with you lroy. Jetta, hurn, Shep, barras, Nelson and gov forming a great defence atm.
Lroy
Guest
Upset according to who?? Redden, Sheed, Shuey, Gaff............... thats FOUR names without mentioning our All Australian backline!! Darling is tearing it up... we have 4 new guys who are all guns.... Eat it you doubters.. the top 4 sides this year will not feature a single side based in Melbourne. Crows, Port, Swans and Eagles, in that order. Forgot to mention the Flyin Fijian... genuine oversight.
Lroy
Guest
Be afraid..be very afraid... If Naitanui and Kennedy stay fit all year the Eagles will win it!!!. they've got a good lineup anyway.. but with the human wrecking ball and one of the best centre half forwards ever to play the game... its all over!!
Wheely Bin Man
Guest
Simply Wow!! What a game. Fantastic comeback by the Cats - how strong is that midfield when it cranks up!! plus Tim Kelly and Sav! So pleased the Eagles came back instead of hanging their heads and letting it slip away, showed the grit that's needed to go further this season, great experience for the young ones. Well done Cats and commiserations on the injuries. Finally, the 1st win at the new stadium on the board Eagles!! Hope Ryan not too serious?
User
Roar Rookie
Its still reverberating guys EAGLES EAGLES EAGLES
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Yeah,thanks,Josh Almost too hard to listen to Ablett going off,hoping it's a temporary problem Courageous by the Cats to outscore the Eagles after quarter time Their young defenders giving up six in a row might be a worry against Port in two weeks time
User
Roar Rookie
What was that rick? I'm sure you meant EAGLES EAGLES EAGLES Sounds as good now as 92 & 94 ;)
13th Man
Guest
Both sides look good, derby in round 6 should be a ripper! Freo do have a bloke that can handle Kennedy though in Alex Pearce, has towelled up Dixon, Daniher and Lynch. Hope Liam Ryans injury isnt bad, seeing him play AFL is good for footy regardless of who you support.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Commiserations, Rick. Your boys should savage the Saints next weekend, so all will be good again.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Congrats you mongrel Eagles. Thanks for the call, Josh.
Josh
Expert
Full Time Tom Hawkins kicks his third goal after the siren, but it doesn't matter, WEST COAST WIN!
West Coast Eagles: 14.11 (95) Geelong Cats: 11.14 (80)
User
Roar Rookie
We are coming no question, the pundits may rate freo higher but they don't have a jk waiting in the wings kids
User
Roar Rookie
EAGLES EAGLES EAGLES
Josh
Expert
Goal 3:31 - Another goal form Sheed. Eagles are going to do it easy! Cats have lost it.
West Coast Eagles: 14.11 (95) Geelong Cats: 10.14 (74)