West Coast Eagles have pulled off a shock 10-point win in a thriller away to Port Adelaide Power, with the game ending Eagles 11.12.78 to Power 10.8.68.
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Matt Priddis led the way for the visitors, collecting 31 disposals and providing the grunt in midfield needed to win the physical battle against Port Adelaide. For the home side, Robbie Gray kicked three goals and had 25 touches, but despite his best efforts Power couldn’t deny an inspired Eagles outfit.
The first quarter was a joy to watch, with both teams playing high tempo football. The West Coast Eagles clearly came to play and this mercurial effort from Josh Hill was a highlight of the first term.
Reigning Brownlow medalist, Priddis laid a super tackle and converted (see below) to push his side out to a deserved seven-point lead.
Despite the visitors’ dominance they couldn’t establishment at lead at the first break. This clinical set shot from Chad Wingard was enough to see Port level the scores.
The second quarter began in similar fashion with both teams trading blows on the scoreboard. Port Adelaide then began to dominate through the midfield and that typically wide and expansive football came to the fore.
This blistering counter-attack ended with Jay Schulz kicking his first goal of the game to extend the lead to three goals.
The remainder of the term was a tug-of-war with neither side able to register a goal in the final 10 minutes of the quarter as Power held a handy 17-point advantage heading into the main break.
Eagles burt out of the blocks in the second half, with Dom Sheed slotting through this goal and getting his side within five points.
Mark LeCras’ class was on show for all to see with this fine snapped effort from the boundary line as the Eagles continued to apply the pressure.
They then hit the lead through Hill and Josh Kennedy on the three-quarter time siren took a strong grab (see below), but unfortunately his errant kick meant that their lead would be five points.
The final stanza was electrifying as both teams put their bodies on the line and scored some truly wonderful goals.
West Coast’s drive and determination saw them kick out to a 12-point lead through Jamie Cripps (see below), who rounded off a swift attacking move.
With a major upset on the cards, the onus was on Power to respond and they manufactured a route to goal through sheer will before Angus Monfries supplied the finishing touch (see below) to edge his side back to within a goal of the lead.
But it was the Eagles day and when Shuey sealed the match with this fine running goal wild celebrations ensued.
Next week Port Adelaide Power travel to face lowly Brisbane Lions in the Sunday twilight match, while for an in-form West Coast Eagles they are at home to an inconsistent Gold Coast Suns on Saturday evening.
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