Adam Simpson promised West Coast’s first port of name could be to provide their followers one thing to smile about at residence.
And for the primary time in 276 days, blue and gold-clad followers left Optus Stadium grinning from ear to ear as a second-quarter blitz led the Eagles to a 19-point win over Greater Western Sydney.
Jake Waterman and Jamie Cripps mixed for six of the Eagles’ eight second-term targets in a surprising blitz to assist flip a quarter-time deficit right into a commanding 31-point lead at half-time.
It would finally be the distinction within the 14.16 (100) to 11.15 (81) victory, guaranteeing West Coast wouldn’t succumb to an outright membership file tenth consecutive loss.
Jamaine Jones (27 disposals and 11 inside-50s) starred throughout half-back, the place he supplied drive and his penetrating kick opened up the bottom ahead of centre.
Tim Kelly (32 disposals and 9 rating involvements) went head-to-head towards Stephen Coniglio (27 touches, 9 clearances) in an enthralling contest, whereas their ahead line was lastly given sufficient provide to shine.
Waterman, introduced in to again up within the ruck as effectively to play because the third ahead, compelled Giants defender Nick Haynes to be accountable and was rewarded with some silver service and a career-high 4 targets.
Early, West Coast had been their very own worst enemies, with all three of the Giants’ first-quarter targets kicked from the goalsquare, two because of 50m penalties.
And the injury might have been higher if Jesse Hogan (three targets) had transformed any of his three straightforward photographs.
But the Eagles responded by showcasing glimpses of the brand new gameplan they’d hoped to implement final yr.
Cripps started to show the momentum when he kicked consecutive targets after the primary break courtesy of intelligent assists by second gamer Noah Long.
The engine room took management on the clearances led by captain Luke Shuey (20 disposals and 9 clearances) and Dom Sheed (26 and 7).
It was the thrilling model of soccer the followers had pleaded for and was greeted with a standing ovation because the Eagles left the sector on the principal break.
Coming off a gruelling come-from-behind win over Adelaide in sweltering situations, the Giants had been at all times going to be hard-pressed to beat one other huge deficit.
Making it even more durable for the guests was shedding Jacob Wehr earlier than half time. The teen copped a heavy bump for the second consecutive week, this one from Liam Duggan in a good however brutal hit that injured his AC joint. Exciting teen Finn Callaghan was additionally hampered by a shoulder harm so as to add to the rising toll.
They bravely fought out an excellent third time period, however except Hogan or captain Toby Greene (4 targets) had been concerned, the Giants struggled for avenues to objective.
Jeremy McGovern (21 disposals and 7 marks) picked off nearly every thing else to maintain the Giants from overrunning one other workforce to begin 2023.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
