RECAP: West Coast Eagles go down to Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium
West Coast battled hard after halftime and ensured they would not be heading home with a triple-figure hiding under their belt.
However, they were well out-matched by the Hawks as the home side ran out 50-point victors.
Co-captain Oscar Allen’s move to defence failed to help the visitors get a foothold in the game, with the Hawks banging through nine first-half goals - including Allen’s opponent Mabior Chol booting two.
Recap the action as it unfolded in our blog below.
Ruck embarrassment
Matt Flynn is being smashed in everything.
Meek has more than doubled his hitouts and more than tripled his disposals.
Flynn has three touches and seven hitouts.
Meek could also have a goal next to his name and he’s got a clearance.
HAW 45, WCE 15
Skipping away
The Eagles are just hapless in the middle.
Even when they get the footy they are instatly called for holding the ball taking too many steps before deciding what to do with it.
Chol kicked two goals to open the term, including one to deftly turn and break Allen to waltz into goal.
Archer Reid had the chance to peg one back after a strong lead up the middle but hung the ball out to the left.
Bad signs for the Eagles who need reward to keep their effort levels up.
HAW 38, WCE 14
QUARTER TIME: Hawthorn 20, West Coast 13
Really, the Eagles have little right to be almost within a goal of the Hawks.
The home side’s kicking for goal has been disgraceful with eight behinds.
Meek missed a shot from 20 out with little to no angle while at least three of the misses have been inside 30 metres.
The Hawks own the contest at the moment and West Coast are giving away too many free kicks but when they get the chance to move the ball they look good, having one of their goals from kick ins.
Hough and Duggan have made bright starts with 10 touches each to lead all-comers.
