Eagles start to find their feet after an inconsistent start to the AFL season.
It might not rank as their best win of the 2013 AFL season.
However, West Coast officials would have just been happy to see several big names make it through unscathed in their 70-point win against the Western Bulldogs.
The return of ruckman Nic Naitanui and Sharrod Wellingham gave the injury-hit Eagles some extra class as they cruised to a 21.11 (137) to 10.7 (67) victory at Pattersons Stadium.
West Coast set the tone for the clash early with Dean Cox and Jack darling booting four majors each to open up a handy buffer.
The Eagles’ accuracy in front of goal against the Bulldogs was in stark contrast with their form from set shots in recent weeks.
In the past fortnight John Worsfold’s men only kicked 17.42 as they lost by a combined 29 points to Carlton and Port Adelaide.
But the Eagles did not waste any chances handed to them to punish the Bulldogs, who played better than the final score suggested.
The visitors won key statistics including clearances, inside 50s and contested possessions, but simply could not replicate that dominance onto the scoreboard.
Adam Cooney, Clay Smith and Matthew Boyd toiled manfully for the Bulldogs, but they were outmatched by the power running game of the Eagles.
Naitanui started the game as West Coast’s substitute and was brought into the game in the third term, where he felt his way back into the top grade in grabbing four possessions and 17 hit-outs.
West Coast could push up into the top eight over the the next three weeks as they take on Brisbane, North Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney.
For the Bulldogs the next chance of their second win of the year comes in a fortnight’s time when they tackle Gold Coast, but before that, they play across town rivals North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on May 11.
COMMENTS