The West Coast Eagles (13.8.86) have defeated the Greater Western Sydney Giants (10.15.75) by 11 points at Optus Stadium in an epic encounter that would have repercussions on the structure of the top eight teams in the ladder.
Andrew Gaff (41 disposals, 2 goals) and Jack Redden (32 touches, 1 goal) were at the forefront of an Eagles midfield that refused to relent all game, eventually running over a spirited Giants outfit.
A heavily contested first quarter saw only three goals kicked between the two teams, after Mark Hutchins opened the major scoring for the game, followed by two GWS goals separated by 11 minutes.
The most prevalent aspects contributing to such a low scoring affair were West Coast’s ability to lock down the corridor and rebound off half back, combined with GWS being unable to counter through the corridor due to the Eagles defensive structure. Albeit a low scoring affair, both sides were laying the foundations for a compelling tactical battle to ensue, with the Giants leading by six points at the first interval.
West Coast kicked off proceedings for the second term by slotting back to back goals via Scott Lycett and Brayden Ainsworth, as they sought to establish their dominance on home soil. Although the Giants replied instantly through star midfielder Stephen Coniglio, who added a goal to his 15 touches halfway through the quarter, the Eagles piled on the next three goals to lead by thirteen points at the main break.
Both teams returned from the interval with a renewed vigour and determination, as both sides went goal for goal, until Jack Redden added a goal to his 26 disposals, closely followed by a Jamie Cripps goal from the pocket to stretch the lead to 23 points.
The Giants, however, found their running game again and slotted two goals through Adam Tomlinson and Matt de Boer against the run of play, as they sought to take advantage of their momentum and seriously challenge a tiring West Coast outfit. Despite Lobb and Coniglio missing opportunities late in the quarter, the Giants headed into the break nine points down and in the ascendancy.
The final quarter began with both sides trading jabs, yet neither able to land a solid blow, with multiple behinds conceded at both ends until Harrison Himmelberg and Lachie Whitfield slotted back to back goals for the Giants, handing them a one point lead.
Both sides continued to trade both goals and the lead, with the midfield clearance battle at the epicentre of this titanic struggle. West Coast, however, gained the ascendancy via goals to Willie Rioli and Jeremy McGovern to run out 11 point victors.
WCE; 13.8.86
GWS; 10.15.75
BEST;
WCE; Gaff, Redden, Yeo, Naitanui, Hurn
GWS; Taranto, Tomlinson, Whitfield, Ward, Coniglio
GOALS:
WCE; Cripps 2, Gaff 2, Hutchinson 2, Rioli 2, McGovern 2, Redden, Ainsworth, Lycett
GWS; Tomlinson 3, Himmelberg 2, Coniglio, Ward, Whitfield, Perryman, de Boer
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