RECAP: West Coast Eagles beaten in Gather Round clash with Geelong
AFL: After copping a 128-point humiliation from Sydney last weekend, West Coast fans got a more competitive performance in their Gather Round clash with Geelong.
The Eagles were bolstered by the return of Deven Robertson from suspension, but remained without Elliot Yeo after the veteran was not able to overcome a groin injury.
Meanwhile, the Cats came into the clash with plenty of motivation as they bounced back from their thrilling one-point loss to Hawthorn on Easter Monday.
Recap all the action below!
That’s a wrap
A better performance from the Eagles but they are still way off the mark of a team like the Cats.
It doesn’t get any easier next week either with a huge clash with Fremantle.
So, we will be back for the derby!
Until then, farewell.
Coach’s say
McQualter said he was happy with his side’s first 50 minutes but added they “got bullied” after that.
Also said he was happy with Bailey Williams but revealed he still needs to get his fitness back.
McQualter flags his young key players, such as Cooper Duff-Tytler and Jobe Shanahan, are ready for a rest.
MATCH REPORT
West Coast’s 46-point loss to Geelong at Norwood Oval on Sunday was decided during red time.
THREE-WORD ANALYSIS
FT: Geelong 122, West Coast 76
It ends in a blowout but it is still an improved effort from the Eagles.
Their young guys get some gains and valuable experince playing against the likes of Bailey Smith.
Shanahan boots four from nine touches while Reid looked better, baring some ill disipline, with six clearances, a goal and more than 20 touches.
McCarthey led the Eagles’ ball winners from defence while Ginbey did well despite Cameron nabbing three majors.
Crowd record
This hame has drawn the biggest-ever Gather Round Norwood crowd.
9434 have packed in.
GEE 114, WCE 69
Brutal knock
The Eagles will hope Deven Robertson is okay after this heavy knock.
GEE 113, WCE 69
He’s got four!
The Eagles get a moment to get excited about.
Hewett takes a strong mark on the wing and gets the ball to Williams who takes another strong mark on the edge of the square.
He hands the ball to Robertson running passed who nails Shanahan all alone out the back.
He strolls in for his fourth.
GEE 110, WCE 68
Another poor start
Geelong slot the first of the last with less than a minute gone.
It’s been the story of the game for West Coast who are struggling to stem the clearance bleeding.
GEE 103, WCE 62
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