A fast-starting West Coast were unable to hold on for four quarters against a gallant Giants on Saturday, falling by 20 points at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Eagles coach Michael Prior said GWS got on top of the clearances after the first term, with West Coast unable to bounce back in the 3.6 (24) to 6.8 (44) defeat.
“I was really pleased with the first quarter,” Prior said.
“Our intent around the contest and our tackle pressure was right up there.
“Then they really go on top around clearance and when that happens the ball is obviously going their way and it lives in their front end more than ours, which makes it really hard for us to score, which happened in the second quarter.”
After a competitive showing in the first term, followed by a drop of pressure for the remainder of the game, Prior said the team needs to find more consistency for a full four quarters.
“The pressure and intent we have around the contest, we need to do it for four quarters,” Prior said.
“We thought we were able to do that last week, and we played some good footy.
“We did it for a quarter this week, and to only be able to do it for a quarter doesn’t get anyone a win in this game so that consistency around effort if key for our group.”
Young guns Ella Roberts (20 disposals, 10 marks) and Charlie Thomas (19 disposals, three tackles) continue to show what they are capable of around the ground.
“It’s really please for those younger players to play well,” Prior said.
“We’re still seeing a lot of growth in a lot of our players, but I just thought today there was too few carrying the load, and you’re not going to get across the line when that happens.
“But our young girls are playing some good footy, and we just need the majority of the group to come along with them.”
Defender Sasha Goranova was ruled out of the game after suffering a knee injury in the final quarter, and Prior said she will require scans during the week.
“I’m not sure, she’s going to have aa scan on her knee, and we’ll hope for the best and see how it is,” Prior said.
“It didn’t look good, the incident, but we will just have to wait and see what the scans say.”
West Coast now look ahead to their clash with reigning premiers Melbourne in round seven, and Prior said the team is looking forward to the challenge.
“When we get things right, we look ok,” Prior said.
“It comes back to our contest, and our pressure inside the stoppage and if we deliver on that for longer, we’ll be in games.
“We’re coming up against a really tough opponent next week and we can’t wait for the challenge.”