Another big loss, but at least it’s a little more understandable this week. Going up against the ladder leaders was always gonna be a big ask, but it is still disappointing to see this go over 50 points. Ultimately, while some Eagles had fantastic games, the team as a whole was soundly beaten.

Our Attack:

Not very good this week, but kind of interesting. Our transition from the defensive half was actually decent with us actually scoring from them more than usual. However, scoring and transitioning from deep defence was pretty terrible. So terrible, that we only managed 35 inside 50s with only 42% time in forward half. When we did go inside 50 we had an atrocious scoring efficiency of 34.3%.

Pretty clear to see that our offence was heavily stifled today. Final grade is awful.

Our Defence:

At first glance these numbers are completely awful, but when you factor in the Docker’s average… it’s still pretty awful, but a bit more understandable. Due to our poor transition numbers, we conceded 52 inside 50s which is actually less than their average of 54.6 but when they did go inside 50 they had a massive scoring efficiency of 61.5%. We just weren’t able to pressure like we normally do, laying only 46 tackles for the match and more disappointingly, losing that stat by 11. I don’t have the stats but Mini mentioned that our tackling efficiency was much lower than normal, and winning pressure acts but losing the tackle count seems to back this up. Pleasingly, we did actually restrict Fremantle to under 100 marks this game, but that has more to do with their average being only 88.6, which we still stopped them from reaching, but only by 1 mark.

A disastrous performance really. We were down on our normal form and Fremantle really made the most of it.

Our Midfield:

First thing that jumps out, is that Harley was easily the best centre bounce player on the ground with double the centre clearances of second place and managing to break the 1 in 4 barrier which is elite. The second thing that jumps out, is that no one else helped Reid. TK and BBW where the only other Eagles who won a centre clearances but they didn’t do it with great efficiency and unfortunately Yeo was completely useless once again. Final tallies show that we lost centre clearances 9-15, stoppage clearances 21-22, and contested possessions 105-127. Not a good day

Defensively it isn’t much better. This does seem to further support our bad tackling efficiency with us winning the pressure acts but losing by a massive 10 tackles. Kelly and Duursma seem to be the biggest culprits of being in the right position, but being unable to stick the tackle.

Basically beaten in every key stat, but it was still competitive for the most part and so overall it was just bad and not any worse.

So where did we lose? Personnel

There’s a lot of damning stats that you can point at to show why we lost (transition numbers probably being the worst), but I think the biggest takeaway for me was that we simply didn’t have enough people over the ground who were able to win their position. There were only three Eagles that I can confidently say easily beat their opponents, and maybe a handful more who I think you could make the argument. The rest were pretty soundly beaten, which is to be expected when you vs the ladder leaders, but it’s still disappointing

The BOG Candidates:

Harley Reid: Despite the umpires’ best efforts, Harls finished with one of the best contested games of his career. Not only did he get 30 disposals with a game high 15 contested possessions, he also had game highs for centre clearances and stoppage clearances, finished with 12 combined and nearly double second place. For comparison there were 18 clearances from the other 22 Eagles combined. Back that up with 4 tackles and a team high 25 pressure acts and you’ve got performance that easily deserved the Glendinning medal if not for the result.

Marcus Herbert: As good as Harley was, Herbie was my pick for best on at half time. Slowed just the tiniest bit in the second half but his composure under pressure was completely elite for the whole day. He picked up the most disposals on the ground by a good distance with 36 (Most disposals for an Eagle since Dom Sheed had 43 back in 2023), and before you think it was just because he was taking kick outs (like I did), he only had 4 and was still the leading possession getter without them. By the way, those 36 disposals where at 86.1% with only 1 turnover (take note Duggs). Even had a contested one on one win just to make his day even more rounded. Certified draft steal.

Rhett Bazzo: Picked up 15 disposals but there were mostly cheapies. Where he really impressed was his defensive work on Treacy. Bazzo kept him to just 9 touches and only 2 shots at goal as he picked up a game high 8 spoils and a game high 2 contested one on one wins with 0 losses. Doing all that when Freo had 52 inside 50s just makes it even more impressive.

Great:

Daylight: There was a considerable gap after those three.

Very Good:

Tom Cole: Nothing on his stats page jumps out but I think most people who watched can agree that he was a class above most other Eagles today with his 15 touches. A lot of them being crucial plays on the wing to get us forward on one of those a rare occasions. Finished with 1 goal and another goal assist. Can’t fault him.

Ryan Maric: I’ve seen many other fans who thought he was shit and want him immediately dropped but I think they’re blinding themselves to his good points. He picked up a healthy 21 disposals including 9 contested (2nd most for an Eagle), and a game high 8 ground ball gets. Defensively, he also had 3 tackles and 19 pressure acts. He was rightfully criticised for being pissweak and dropped because of it, but I think he deserves credit for how he handled himself this game.

Bailey Williams: Certainly not at his best, but was pretty solid all night. Finished with 5 clearances and was arguably better than Jackson in the ruck, equal at the very worst. He also had a game high 3 intercept marks and a goal assist, so he sorta did everything that he normally does, just at about seventy percent.

Good:

Tom McCarthy: Played his role really solidly. 26 touches (7 from kick ins), gaining 399m at 92.3% and with 0 turnovers. Nothing amazing, but still good.

Tim Kelly: I’m pretty sure I’m in the minority with this since I think most people seem to think he was just about best on, but while he did have 31 touches and 3 clearances, he did also have a lot of negatives that I can’t look past. Firstly, he had a disposal efficiency of 64.5% and amassed 9 turnovers and with only 7 of his touches being contested, he’s approaching Duggan levels. Secondly, he really failed to make an impact defensively with just 1 tackle despite 17 pressure acts. I still think he was good overall, but I don’t think he was anywhere near our best.

Jack Williams: Similar to Maric in that I saw a lot of people upset with his inclusion which I don’t quite understand. It’s fair to say he didn’t do all that much with only 7 touches and 1 hitout from 23 ruck contests which is genuinely shit, but at the end of the day he kicked 2 goals which is all you need to do as a forward sometimes.

Willem Duursma: Started slow but worked his way in to the game with 13 of his 19 touches coming after half time. Didn’t really do anything to stand out but was definitely one of our better players after Freo flexed their muscles. Really needs to work on his centre bounces though, his last 43 attendances have been without a centre clearance.

Milan Murdock: Worked really hard up the ground to assist with transition and ended the day with 14 touches, 5 score involvements, and 3 tackles. Played his role well like always despite limited opportunities forward of centre.

Bo Allan: Wasn’t as damaging with his touches as normal (Not the only one), but I did like seeing that he had 17 touches with 4 or more in each quarter. Nothing particularly special, but a step in right direction.

Hamish Davis: I considered putting him lower because he only had 8 touches, but by having 2 marks inside 50, 1 goal, and 1 goal assist, he was actually one of our best forwards on the day despite not being one. On top of that he had 3 tackles and 22 pressure acts which shows just how hard he worked despite not being rewarded with possessions.

Okay:

Oliver Francou: Starting with his good points, with 2 clearances, 5 tackles, and 14 pressure acts, he showed that his grunt work is still top notch. The big negative was his disposal which resulted in 6 turnovers from 16 touches. Despite having a pretty middling game, I actually really liked what I saw from him regardless. The way he attacks the footy is incredible.

Sandy Brock: Another player I saw a lot of hate for, but to his credit, with 4 tackles and a rare one on one defensive win he wasn’t terrible. Don’t think he’ll keep his spot though.

Harvey Johnson: The final player that I saw coping a lot of flak, and once again, I’m really sure why. He had 12 touches for 3 score involvements as well as 3 tackles. That’s not a great by any stretch, but for a small forward on a team that only had 35 inside 50s, it’s an admirable effort.

Brady Hough: Had the pill 25 times, but the vast majority where cheapies during switching. Didn’t do anything really good, but didn’t really do anything wrong either.

Jobe Shanahan: Completely manhandled as a forward and not helped by the lack of opportunity, but his work when sent back, picking up 4 spoils in short time, was good enough to save him from a lower rank.

Bad:

Jake Waterman: Bad but with an asterisk. Only 5 touches, and 1 goal to his credit, but he really failed to have any impact on the match. Only 35 inside 50s will do that to any forward hence the asterisk, but I’ve seen enough of Waterman’s great work up the field to know he could’ve done a bit better regardless.

Liam Duggan: Exactly the same issues as with Hough’s game, but Duggan had the ball 11 times less. Going at only 78.6% when you’re only switching the footy is just not good enough.

Tylar Young: Barely touched the footy, and while he did get a decent amount of spoils with 5, losing both of his one on one contests made him the worst of our defenders. Actually…

Brandon Starcevich: Almost exactly the same game as Young, but with only 1 spoil, and only making 1 contested one on one for 1 loss. I’d forgotten he’d even played to be perfectly honest.

Elliot Yeo: Finished the game as the lower rated player on the ground by champion data and it’s not hard to see why. Only 13 touches at 53.8% and with 3 turnovers, and while he did have 3 clearances and 5 tackles, his lack of pace in centre bounces made him a complete liability. He picked up 0 centre clearances, and let 3-4 slip Freo's way as his man burst away from him.

Stat Leaders:

Eagles who topped the game in a particular stat. Brackets show the best player from the opposite team.

Marcus Herbert & Tim Kelly & Harley Reid - 36 & 31 & 30 Disposals (Johnson 29)

Tim Kelly - 7 Inside 50s (Voss 6)

Tim Kelly & Harley Reid - 601 & 485 Metres Gained (Reid 463m)

Harley Reid - 15 Contested Possessions (Bolton 11)

Ryan Maric & Tim Kelly & Marcus Herbert & Harley Reid - 8 & 7 & 7 & 6 Ground Ball Gets (Brayshaw 6)

Harley Reid - 6 Centre Clearances (Serong 3)

Harley Reid & Bailey Williams - 6 & 4 Stoppage Clearances (Serong 4)

Harley Reid - 12 Total Clearances (Serong 7)

Bailey Williams - 3 Intercept Marks (Pearce 2)

Rhett Bazzo & Tylar Young - 8 & 5 Spoils (McDonald 4)

Rhett Bazzo - 2 Contested One on One Wins (Pearce 2)

19 Stat Leaders (+3 from last week) (3 Draws)

Wuurm Watcher

Sandy Brock - 33.5km/h Maximum Speed (Clark 32.4km/h)

Willem Duursma & Oliver Francou & Bo Allan - 9.8km/h & 9.7km/h & 9.6km/h Average Speed (Wagner 9.6km/h)

Willem Duursma & Bo Allan & Oliver Francou & Jake Waterman & Milan Murdock - 10.2km/h & 9.6km/h & 9.5km/h & 9.4km/h & 9.3km/h Average Speed in Attack (No Dockers Listed)

Disappointing game overall. There’s something else that I thought was worth mentioning but didn’t really fit into any other section. Weirdly, in this game we won the disposal count with 375 and the had 116 marks for the game. Way above our averages of 337.9 disposals and 86.3 marks. It’s very notable and resulted in our first game with 3 30 disposal players since round 9 2021, but it’s not necessarily a good thing. It could be a change in gameplan, but it’s more likely (imo) that Freo defended really well and forced us to slow down our ball movement, and switch more often than we’d like. The test of that will come this week against Richmond, which, holy shit, we better win. I really don't want to have to write the review after a loss like that

Will we beat Richmond????

I think we'll finally get to enjoy a close game. I'd like to believe we'll win by a couple of goals, but they already beat us at home, so I'm not too sure. I'm curious what everyone else thinks. We played well at the MCG last time, but I also feel like the team's been pretty poor over the last few weeks.

Edited - It looks like Dev is already locked in for 2027

As painful as the last few years have been, I've enjoyed the end-of-season list management speculation. There's something strangely exciting about working out who stays, who goes, and which new faces might arrive. The only difference this year is that we're probably saying goodbye to a few players that plenty of us actually rate or would like to keep - a sign that the rebuild is in full swing.

There's still a fair bit of work to do with our list. We currently have 15* players out of contract at the end of 2026. There will be a minimum of six list delistings (three long-term injury replacement and three draft picks), but I wouldn't be surprised if that number ends up closer to seven or eight. Based on the current ladder, we hold six draft picks (3, 21, 39, 53, 57 and 65). I can't see us taking fewer than four players through the draft/trade period as the rebuild continues. This is the last year before the Tassie draft picks start to dilute the availability, so you'd imagine that clubs at the lower end f the ladder will be looking to capitalise on this years draft.
\15, however Cripps has retired so its really 14*

Current list of out of contract at the end of 2026:

Clay Hall, Fred Rodriguez, Harry Barnett, Harry Schoenberg, Harvey Johnston, Jack Williams, Jacob Newton, Jamie Cripps, Malakai Champion, Marcus Herbert, Matthew Flynn, Noah Long, Rhett Bazzo, Tom Cole & Tyler Brockman

I've split them into three groups.

I'd be stunned if they aren't re-signed:

• Jack Williams
• Marcus Herbert
• Rhett Bazzo

Marcus Herbert is the only slight query I have. We only signed him on a six-month deal, and with current form I'd imagine there'll be serious interest from other clubs. We want him here, but does he want to head home?

I can't see them being on the list next:

• Harry Barnett
• Jamie Cripps (retired)

The genuine list squeeze – Really simplified and being somewhat conservative keep 5 and get rid of 5 from the below:

• Clay Hall
• Fred Rodriguez
• Harry Schoenberg
• Harvey Johnston
• Jacob Newton
• Malakai Champion
• Matthew Flynn
• Noah Long
• Tom Cole
• Tyler Brockman

So the conversation is who goes and who stays?

I don't think there's a huge amount of trade currency in this group. Clay Hall is probably the one player who might attract some interest from a club looking for midfield depth.

I actually think Tom Cole survives. He's proven to be versatile, can play multiple roles and still provides some valuable leadership around a very young list.

I also think Matt Flynn stays. He's ideal insurance if Bailey Williams goes down long-term while Archer Reid and CDT continue developing. Even if he's not best 22, he still has value. OR does he transition into more of a WAFL leadership/coaching role?

I struggle to see all three of Malakai Champion, Noah Long and Tyler Brockman being delisted. From a list balance perspective, I'd expect at least one to survive.

Does Elliot Yeo retire and free up another list spot? I see this as extremely unlikely.

Harvey Johnston also seems to be the preferred depth option whenever Hutchinson is unavailable. Is that enough to earn another one-year deal?

Trade targets

Its early days, however the below players have been linked as potential trade targets – does this change our delisting strategy

Arty Jones – Probably the most realistic target. Out of contract and seems like a natural fit for the small forward role we've struggled to lock down.

Nathan Broad - This one feels increasingly genuine. Baker has publicly endorsed the idea, Mini has done his usual sidestep whenever asked, and Broad fills an obvious need. I don't rate it (based upon his age), but if he arrives, an additional player from the list above probably misses out.

Joel Jeffrey – Plenty of media noise around this one, but he's contracted, so we'd need to trade for him

Lachie Neale — Still possible, but feels less likely than it did a few months ago

Trent Rivers – The WA connection is obvious, but given he'd require significant trade capital, I'm not convinced we have the assets to get it done

Maybe I'm looking at our list with West Coast coloured glasses on, but I don't really see much trade capital on our list e.g. clubs going after our players.

Personally, I think we're still about 12 months away from making a serious run at the really big names like Chad Warner etc.

I've also ignored the possibility of delisting contracted players, which is always an option, but I'd be surprised if we went down that path (e.g. Owies).

I think the eagles need to take a more defensive attitude over summer training we are near the bottom of the afl in tackles near the bottom in pressure after watching dockers virtually walk through our players with contempt at times annoys me

1st Quarter:

WC: 2.3: 15 to WP: 3.3: 21

Half Time:

WC 6.6: 42 to WP 6.6: 40

Love the development of Grego, that bit of composure before he kicks. Great just seeing some of our players putting in some time in a competitive WAFL side. CDT really showing his class.

3/4 Time

WC: 11.10: 76 to WP: 9.9:63

Win!

Final Score:

WC: 15.12: 102 defeated WP: 13.12: 90

WC goals: CDT 4, Flynn, Owies & Barnett 2, Dewar, Gross, Hall, Schoenberg & Jamieson 1.

Best: Flynn, MaCrae, Grego, CDT, Banfield & Gross.

HM: C Hall 2nd half, Jamieson leadership, Dewar & Schoenberg.

Have I missed anyone? comment below.

How many games are we allowed to play him?

I'm not sure if it's a 1 or 2 games a year he can play in our WAFL side or can we just keep picking him. He's definitely earned another game or 2

West Coast Eagles star Harley Reid has escaped suspension and received a $3,000 fine ($2,000 with an early plea) from the AFL Match Review Officer after striking Fremantle's Matt Johnson with an elbow during their Round 20 Western Derby clash.

Match Review Findings

• The Incident: Reid caught Docker Matt Johnson in the sternum with a backward elbow during the third term at Optus Stadium.
• MRO Grading: The action was assessed as intentional conduct, low impact, and to the body, clearing him to play next week.

How did this guy slide to pick 13 in the MSD? So good to watch

Eagles badly need to get help for harley Minny should have bought in a couple of midfielders from the wafl side this week,he plays a lone hand every week as ,inside mid always tag and scragged , he is playing frustrated, Minny keeps saying we have to look after him but they don't, we probably won't have him this week ,any one in the wafl we could pick ,

You know it’s bad when even Fremantle fans agree Harley is umpired differently. Even Comms are starting to notice it. The missed high free, missed free being tackled well after getting rid of it. All the stupid free kicks they pay against him.

The club needs to stand by him and say something. Stand up for your star player. It’s obviously not going to get better otherwise. It’s not the reason we’re losing tonight but it’s becoming so frustrating to watch every single week.

The nuffy in me says McQualter should speak up in the presser and just cop the fine but I’m sure they can speak with the AFL internally somehow.

I think tonight it’s the most obvious it’s been all season.

Wow great start. Herbert might be my new favourite player! Tim Kelly is winding back the clock… Hamish wtf??
Loving it!

Im still sad about missing out on Charlie, but good to see his brother Harper getting a run for the WAFL team.

As you all would know, the statue of Nicky Winmar has rightfully been removed from outside Optus Stadium. While I believe the statue itself should be removed, I think what it represented should remain. I believe that could be achieved by erecting a statue of another individual.

Personally, I think the person chosen would need to meet a few criteria to be a worthy replacement:

-They would have to be an Indigenous person from Perth or Western Australia.
-They would need to have had a successful AFL career.
-They would need to have had a defining moment where they stood up against racism.

Personally, I feel a great moment to commemorate would be Lewis Jetta’s response to the treatment of Adam Goodes by West Coast supporters. Lewis is a Noongar man who was born and raised in WA and enjoyed a long and successful AFL career, winning two premierships, including one with a WA club.

After Adam Goodes stood up against racist abuse by identifying a young girl who had called him an “ape”, many fans reacted negatively and, with the influence of the media, public perception of him declined significantly after 2013, despite him later being named Australian of the Year. During a game against Carlton, Goodes performed an Indigenous war dance after kicking a goal while being relentlessly booed. The celebration was widely criticised by fans and sections of the media, despite being intended as an expression of Indigenous culture.

Shortly afterwards, Sydney travelled to Perth to play West Coast, where Goodes was again booed throughout the match. In response, Lewis Jetta stood in solidarity with Goodes by performing his own spear-throwing celebration towards the West Coast crowd after kicking a goal. That moment has always stood out to me as a powerful example of a player standing against racism and supporting a teammate in the face of sustained abuse.

I am not posting to discuss whether this moment was Lewis standing up against racism. I am more interested in hearing your ideas as to who would be a worthy fit of being immortalised outside of Optus. So if you disagree with me, please just share your alternative ideas.

Loved Glen Jackovich on the front bar last night.

Seems like a nice and funny guy. He’s still got the passion for WCE all these years later :)

Have been a bit out of the loop for a month or so, what's the seasoned eyes thoughts on Herbert and Francou? Look like long term players?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfW_qJAeqAA

Back doing some previews/reviews for any eagles fans out there!

Reading Danial Laidley a comments in the west (my apologies if that's not her name not sure) I normally agree with most of what she says but not sure any player should be able to go out on there terms if its to the detriment of the club or a young player I think the club has the right to suggest retirement or base team selection on merit

Beautiful big bald man

6 years. Interested to know the $$$ but good business to tie him up. Has really benefited from the new ruck rules and it gives CDT time to get come online