Hard fought efforts from pair Jamie Cripps and Liam Ryan wasn’t enough as West Coast fell to North Melbourne

Best efforts from Mid West pair Jamie Cripps and Liam Ryan wasn’t enough as West Coast suffered a disappointing loss at home to North Melbourne. The Eagles looked to of improved in recent weeks and Optus stadium had become a hard place for opposing teams to win. Coming into the match, North Melbourne had not won a single game and Eagles were tipped to keep it that way, however that wasn’t the case as the WA side went down 8.17 (65) to 11.8 (74). Northampton product Jamie Cripps put his best foot forward during the loss, playing at a high level all game providing help on the offensive and defensive side. The forward finished with 21 disposals, eight marks, five tackles, one clearance and one goal assist, while kicking 1.3 for his 300th career goal. While teammate Liam Ryan didn’t have his usual impact on the scoreboard, he saw time in the midfield which helped provide a spark to the Eagles. Down Tim Kelly and Harley Reid, West Coast turned to Ryan for help in the guts and was able to use his speed to take off with the ball, finishing with five score involvements for the game. While he wasn’t in for North Melbourne yet, mid-season recruit Brynn Teakle saw his first action in the Kangaroo’s VFL side. Teakle had 13 disposals, four marks, 10 hitouts, and kicked 1.1 as the side won by six points in his first VFL game. Sunday night saw Carlton get up over Essendon 15.6 (96) to 9.16 (70) at the MCG. Despite not having his usual high numbers, skipper Patrick Cripps was among the Blue’s best on during the win. After the win, the captain said that the win had been a long time coming for Carlton. “When you play good sides, they’re going to come for you at different stages,” Patrick Cripps said to 7 post match. “We’ve been working on that for a good year now…This is a pretty big reflection moment for us, from this time last year.” “A lot of work to be done over a 12-month period, that’s what finals are like.” Another Mid West Blue saw action, as Chapman Valley’s Jack Carroll found himself in the starting 22 for the first time since round seven. Carroll filled a role playing up forward and finished with five disposals, two marks and one tackle. While another Mid West talent enjoyed a win with former Coorow-Latham Magpie Logan McDonald’s side Sydney getting up by 30 over Geelong at home. McDonald was kept goalless for just the second time this season, finishing with 11 disposals, one goal assist and a behind.