Jamie Cripps boots five behinds in Eagles loss while other Mid West stars enjoy more successful outings

West Coast’s scoring woes continue, highlighted by six scoring shots for just one goal from Northampton’s Jamie Cripps in the crunching loss. Cripps was the hero against the Bulldogs last year, after he booted a career-high five goals during the upset win. This time around, the 31-year-old had plenty of opportunity in front of goal, but poor accuracy was the story for Cripps and the rest of the Eagles during the blowout 76-point loss against the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium. Cripps sprayed shots early and finished with 1.5 on the day. The team’s end score was a measly 3.12, its lowest tally at Marvel. Despite the scoring issues, Cripps still played a high-effort game, racking up 18 disposals, taking five marks and making two tackles. Tyler Brockman is still yet to boot his first goal as an Eagle, the young forward put in his submission for mark of the year, bringing in a hanger off the back of teammate Bailey Williams and Bulldog Sam Darcy. Unfortunately, Brockman’s efforts were cut short as he was subbed out of the game in the third quarter with concussion. He finished with seven disposals, three marks and one tackle. While on the other side, Northampton’s Patrick Cripps’ side has been rolling with a third straight victory, as the Blues picked up a 56-point win over North Melbourne. The Carlton skipper had another stand-out performance, with a team-high 28 disposals, along with three marks, five tackles, nine clearances and a goal to his name in the win. He was supported by emerging star, Geraldton’s Jack Carroll, who held on to his spot in the 22, and managed to also slot a goal in the win, while dishing off 16 disposals and laying three tackles. With more Blues coming back from injury, including fellow Geraldton product Jack Martin, Carroll continues to push his case to retain his spot in the side going forward. During Melbourne’s nailbiter against Port Adelaide, former Rover Judd McVee’s streak of 20-disposal games was broken, with the young defender gaining 10 on the day. It was still enough to help the Demons get over the line with the side winning after the siren and helping them improve to 3-1. Another game that came down to the wire was the clash between Richmond and Sydney, but the Mid West talent was unlucky to not grab the win this time around as Logan McDonald’s side fell late. The former Coorow/Latham forward led the way in scoring for the Swans, booting three goals in the loss, putting McDonald’s total at nine over his first four games. While at Optus Stadium, Fremantle continue to climb the ladder with a home win over Adelaide. Dongara’s Jaeger O’Meara was the sub for a second week in a row as he works his way back into the side from an injury. O’Meara was activated at the start of the fourth term, totalling seven disposals while playing half-forward and some time on the wing.