West Coast coach Adam Simpson believes his crew’s skill to persist by means of one other sport with a number of sport ending accidents exhibits the crew has taken steps ahead regardless of their 63-point loss to Collingwood.
The Eagles endured one other horror day of accidents with key defender Tom Barrass withdrawing earlier than the match with a hip flexor damage, veteran Shannon Hurn injuring his hamstring, Connor West damaging his knee and Elijah Hewett being knocked out from a Jordan DeGoey excessive bump.
That left West Coast with solely two match gamers on the bench after quarter time, but they have been solely 14 factors down late within the third quarter. Collingwood then took benefit of the tiring Eagles by kicking the final eight objectives to win 18.12 (120) to eight.9 (57).
It was the second time this yr the place the Eagles rallied after struggling a spate of early accidents. They had the identical factor occur within the western derby earlier than they have been over-run. While the defeat prolonged West Coast’s dropping run to a membership document 10 video games in a row, Simpson stated there have been indicators of life.
“For three quarters we were really proud,” Simpson stated.
“We played with spirit. We just got knocked around again with availability pre-game with Barrass and then obviously during the game we lost three in the first quarter. I haven’t seen it happen, let alone twice. And in both games, the Fremantle game and the one we played today, we did everything we possibly could to stay competitive.
“I don’t think this side is too dissimilar to the side we played against Hawthorn. I think the spirit which they played with an energy intent and effort was there. That’s what we wanted from a few weeks ago. The last two weeks, despite the fact there’s been blow outs in both games, we can all see there’s a little spark there we can work with.”
Dom Sheed, Elliot Yeo and Tim Kelly led the way in which for the Eagles within the midfield. Sheed had 43 possessions, 10 clearances and one purpose, Kelly completed with 29 disposals, 9 clearances and one purpose whereas Yeo produced 26 possessions and 7 clearances.
The Eagles ought to be bolstered by the return of captain Luke Shuey for subsequent week’s sport in opposition to Adelaide, whereas a bunch of senior gamers will return after the bye.
DeGoey’s bump is anticipated to see him referred on to the tribunal given Hewett was concussed. Players have been banned for 3 weeks for related incidents this season.
“It will be determined to be whatever it is and we’ll just deal with it,” Collingwood coach Craig McRae stated.
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“I hope the young lad is okay. That’s where our concern goes to. I hope he’s okay. Jordy is a fair player and the rules will be the rules.
“It’s a split second. Do I go in and tackle? Do I bump? Do I smother? Things happen so many times in a game. These are split second decisions that you make. It’s hard to practice for those.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
