Saturday’s loss to Collingwood was no exception. In front and in a winning position during the third quarter, West Coast surrendered a four-goal lead to fall short by eight points.
Adam Simpson’s team smashed the Magpies in uncontested possession and inside 50’s, but couldn’t get the job done.
At four wins and five losses, the Eagles are still somewhat of an unknown quantity. They boast quality on every line; Darren Glass and Shannon Hurn in defence, Matt Priddis, Scott Selwood and Luke Shuey through the midfield, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras and Jack Darling in attack. Throw in the ruck combination of Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui and it looks a winning formula.
But it’s consistency across four quarters that’s proven costly.
Nevertheless, with such talent at their disposal, the Eagles can’t be underestimated.
At home, it’s a whole other ball game. North hasn’t beaten the Eagles at Subiaco since 2010, and boasts just two wins in 11 outings at the venue since 2008, its most recent win against Fremantle in Round 6.
Gone are the stutters for Kennedy too. A fortnight ago he booted 11 goals against the Giants in a stunning performance.
West Coast’s off-season recruits have had a promising impact and are only going to improve; the likes of Xavier Ellis, Elliot Yeo and Jamie Bennell have all played regular football and made a difference.
The return of LeCras from suspension is vital too. With 11 goals in four games, he adds another dimension to an already dangerous forward line, while Josh Hill registered his highest goal tally (three) of last year against North.
Then there’s Naitanui, the man who so famously kicked the winning goal when the teams last met.
With a new five-year deal signed, he had arguably his best game of the season last week. In combination with Cox, it makes the task for Todd Goldstein an almighty one.
With achilles and groin issues affecting his output previously, Naitanui is fighting fit.
