RECAP: West Coast Eagles fall short of first win against Richmond by two points
West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen was a late out while Tyler Brockman could be in MRO trouble at the MCG as the Eagles fell short of victory. Follow all the action in our live blog.
However, the Eagles produced one of their best halves of the year and were in the contest all day.
Dual premiership players Jack Graham and Liam Baker started well against their former side for the first time for premiership points.
Impressive first-year midfielder Tom Gross, defender Sandy Brock and ruckman Bailey Williams replaced Jeremy McGovern (concussion), Bo Allan (suspension) and Jack Williams (omitted).
Thomas Sims also made his debut for the Tigers, with Kane McAuliffe the other inclusion.
Recap all the action from our blog.
That’s a wrap!
The Eagles were so very close to their first victory but the hunt must go on.
We will be back next week with all the action for our WA clubs.
Until then, farewell!
Three-word analysis
FULL TIME: Richmond 81, West Coast 79
The Eagles go down in a heartbreaker!
Gross had a chance to take a shot from 50 with seconds left but took a bounce and got ran down.
A mighty effort falls short for the Eagles.
McQualter cuts a broken figure in the box after that one but he can be proud of his side.
They evened the clearances 35 each and did well in the contest.
Matt Flynn was also much improved in the ruck but it just was not enough in the end.
TWO-MINUTE WARNING
There is just one point in it as the Tigers turn the match into a grind.
The Eagles are playing one extra in defence but they may need to move him to the contest now.
Edwards has been sent off with the blood rule leaving Lynch unmatched.
Who is going to stand up for the Eagles?
Clutch time
The Eagles got the ball to their end through Gross but the repeat contests have the ball at centre wing with three minutes left.
RICH 80, WCE 79
LYNCH!!!
The big forward parked himself in the square and as if in slow motion marched out and cluncked a contested high ball.
However, he gives the Eagles life after missing a 20-metre set shot.
RICH 80, WCE 79
80 the magic number
The Tigers are 0-27 when conceding 80 points or more.
The Eagles are on 79 but have been penned inside defence with scores level.
14th lead change!
Williams puts the Eagles back in front with 8.48 left!
Gross was involved in defence and then again in the middle after gut running as Duggan delivered a perfect kick onto Williams’ chest.
He slotted the set shot.
West Coast’s ruckman have both been good today with Flynn responding very well after Max Gawn salughtered him last week.
RICH 78, WCE 79
Gross on
The Eagles have activated Tom Gross for Archer Reid who has had a slow day.
RICH 78, WCE 73
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