Darling boots six as Eagles thrash Tigers

West Coast forward Jack Darling booted a career-best six goals to lift his team to a crushing 47-point victory over Richmond in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at Optus Stadium.

Darling kicked 6.2 and snared 15 marks (six contested) to inspire West Coast to the 20.10 (130) to 12.11 (83) win in front of 57,616 fans – a new record for the venue.

Josh Kennedy and Mark LeCras chipped in with three goals each, while Jeremy McGovern starred in defence to help extend West Coast’s winning run to eight matches.

Elliot Yeo shook off an early knee injury to finish with 29 disposals and 10 clearances.

West Coast are now a game clear on top of the ladder, putting them in prime position to launch an assault on the flag.

The Tigers were left to rue a series of missed chances in the second term, when they won the inside-50m count 23-4 but could only manage 4.5 for the term.

Scores were level at half-time, with West Coast sealing the win courtesy of a seven-goal third quarter.

Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt toiled hard for five goals, while Dustin Martin finished with 26 disposals and eight clearances

But the Tigers were outclassed for most of the match against a hungry West Coast outfit.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin finished with just 14 disposals and gave away a costly 50m penalty in the third term.

Tigers ruckman Toby Nankervis shook off a wrist injury from last week to take his place in the side.

And Richmond swung a late change to give Nankervis some extra ruck support, recalling pinch-hitter Shaun Grigg in place of Jack Higgins.

Grigg was hopelessly outclassed whenever he had to go up against Nic Naitanui, with the Eagles ruckman doing as he pleased in the centre bounces.

Darling booted two goals and set up another for Kennedy to give West Coast a 22-point lead at quarter-time.

Richmond dominated play in the second term, but a host of poor errors in attack cost them dearly.

One passage of play summed it up best.

Dustin Martin dropped an absolute sitter 40m out from goal, before Trent Cotchin sprayed an easy shot just moments later.

A freak soccer goal from Riewoldt late in the quarter and Jason Castagna’s close-range effort ensured Richmond levelled the scores by half-time.

But from there it was all one-way traffic as West Coast flexed their muscle.

With Darling unstoppable up forward and Yeo dominant through the midfield, West Coast surged to a 49-point lead.

West Coast’s tackling pressure was immense, with Richmond unable to handle the heat.

Any hopes of a Richmond comeback were snuffed out early in the final quarter as West Coast went on another goal blitz.