Recap: Essendon break West Coast hearts to claim thrilling two point win
There’s no hiding it now for West Coast after sliding to their worst-ever start. Can they find something back on their home deck against Essendon to give their fans some hope?
Veterans Tim Kelly and Jeremy McGovern return but co-captain Oscar Allen is being ‘managed’ despite the team being in desperate need of leadership.
Essendon are heavy favourites but that’s something they have not dealt with well in the past, is there an Easter miracle in store for the Eagles?
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That’s were we’ll leave it
We’ll have plenty more from the wash-up from this game so keep across the west.com.au.
Until then have a happy easter!
Draper a ‘masssive loss’
Brad Scott speaks on Sam Draper’s potential Achilles injury.
He said it’s part of the rollercoaster of footy but had high praise for Todd Goldstein saying his time is now.
“To have a guy of his calibre wait in the VFL for when we need him is elite,” he said.
“And that time is now.”
McQualter speaks
Andrew McQualter says he was happy with the much-improved effort, praising Tim Kelly’s work to fight through his latest tag after being recalled. Was full of praise for the likes of Elijah Hewett and Jake Waterman as well.
McQualter reiterates that the Oscar Allen call was purely a body management decision and he’ll definitely play against Hawthorn next week.
Injury update
The Bombers have a toll out of tonight’s game, with Sam Draper’s injury a likely achilles setback that is likely to sideline him for some time.
Xavier Duursma has also been taken to hospital for precautionary scans following his bit collision with Matt Flynn.
Midfield analysis
At least one of this experienced duo was present at EVERY West Coast centre bounce tonight, with Andrew McQualter desperate to make sure there wasn’t a repeat of last week’s engine-room battering.
MATCH WRAP
Here’s Mitchell Woodcock’s report of how it all happened - including plenty of positives for Eagles fans despite failing to secure the four points.
What a game
How to sum it up Eagles fans?
WEST COAST GO DOWN BY TWO POINTS
Heartbreaking stuff the Eagles just couldn’t win the centre clearance and a quick Bombers kick goes to the boundary but pulls up so it can’t be deliberate.
West Coast have one last roll of the dice but Nic Martin intercepts and that is that.
Jack Williams makes it a one point game!
Jayden Hunt with the strong mark they go quick and Jack Williams guards the space to mark and goal.
It’s one point with 28 seconds left!
Hewett keeps the Eagles alive
They’ve had 11 inside 50s to six this quarter, but they aren’t generating good looks with plenty of dump kicks and choas balls.
But Hewett is given a free for a bump off the ball and he nails his second shot from 50 to bring the margin back to seven points.
He’s had a massive day today perhaps his best as an Eagle.
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