By Tim Stone, reporting for the AFANA from Subiaco Oval, Perth.
An emphatic 74 point victory has put West Coasts Premiership plans back on track, systematically dismantling the signature running game of the fairytale Western Bulldogs in the first Semi Final on Saturday night at Subiaco Oval. The heartache of last week's 1-point loss to Sydney has been converted into a sense of optimism, with the Eagles now poised to battle against the Adelaide Crows in the Preliminary Final for the second consecutive year. West Coast won the encounter last year by 16 points at Subiaco -- this time around they must travel to AAMI Stadium to earn a spot in the 2006 Grand Final.
The game was no cakewalk for West Coast, rather a genuine struggle of two skillful sides, even with a slippery ball from an early downpour creating a bevy of errors. The Eagles were the dominant side as they punished skills errors on the scoreboard and choked the Dogs' signature running game. So impressive was the Eagles ability to smother the Dogs' free flowing game that they only conceded 39 points (5.9), with a final quarter barrage of seven goals to one misrepresenting the struggle that took place for the majority of the game. The Bulldogs bow out as the final Victorian side remaining in the 2006 Finals Series, ensuring the Premiership Cup will once again travel interstate. Not since 2000 when Essendon defeated Melbourne has the Premiership stayed in Victoria.
Staker and Graham were unlucky Eagles players to be dropped for the game having played all 23 games for the year, while West Coast welcomed back Hanson, Kerr, Embley and Seaby to the side all of whom took the ground on the night. The Dogs' side remained unchanged, casting speculation over whether the inclusions for West Coast would be match fit for the encounter.
Hunter, in a best on ground performance, opened with a goal as he ran from full back to full forward to goal in the first minute of the game. His battle with Chris Grant was one-all as he conceded a free kick and goal in the square to his direct opponent 2 minutes later. Lynch proved he had his kicking boots on with his first goal minutes later. It was to be one of an eventual six goals, his performance quickly becoming a barometer for the Eagles, after his less than stellar performance in their loss last week against Sydney.
Ashley Hanson was a focal point around half forward with 11 marks, returning to form with a goal to establish an early lead for West Coast. The 2006 All Australian Captain Brad Johnson kept his side in touch, brushing aside the All Australian Full Back Darren Glass with a solo performance for his first goal of the night. Hunter and Johnson both got their second goals before the break and the Eagles went in five points the better.
The Eagles kicked with the one-two goal breeze in the second quarter, as the rain that had soaked the turf earlier threatened to make a comeback. The conditions suited Lynch as he made the second quarter his own. His gloves were like glue as he bagged 3 goals from strong marks, the Eagles piling on four goals to one in a quarter that left the Dogs searching for answers.
West Coast begun to gain the ascendancy, the Dogs slowing down the tempo of the game in the hope of regaining their composure. Working the ball around through possession football, Scott West eventually opened up space for his side, the ball ending up with Brad Johnson for his third goal of the night. Lynch nailed the last two goals of the quarter and the battle was seemingly being won as West Coast opened up a handy 25 point buffer at the major break.
The third quarter proved to be the deciding term of the match, living up to the tag of “The Premiership Quarter”. It wasn’t pretty, and it was devastating for the Bulldogs. Needing to utilize the breeze as a platform for their assault in the final quarter, the West Coast limited them to only three behinds in their lowest scoring quarter for the year.
The Eagles. with the advantage, burned up valuable time with eight minor scoring shots without a goal. Error ridden at times and simply unlucky in others, West Coast managed five behinds to the Dogs three before Hunter goaled. His first of the night came after 22 precious minutes had elapsed. Possibly the shortest quarter of the year, the siren sounded after 24 minutes as West Coast had managed to starve the Dogs of opportunities, and were 33 points clear going into the final quarter.
The Dogs rolled over as the daunting uphill battle quickly became impossible, West Coast entertaining the home crowd with a seven goal to one final quarter. Hunter, Lynch and Embley all enjoyed goals before the Dogs finally notched up a major, their first and only goal of the second half. Robbins kicked a belated goal at the 16 minute mark -- their first goal since the 15 minute mark of the second quarter. It made no difference to the celebrations, as West Coast ran out victors by an impressive 74 points.
The Finals now showcase the Top Four teams at the end of the home and away season. West Coast will play Adelaide at AAMI Stadium (First vs. Second) while Fremantle travel to Sydney to play the Swans at Telstra Stadium (Third vs. Fourth) for the right to contest for the 2006 Premiership in the September 30 Grand Final.
WEST COAST: 4.3 8.7 9.12 16.17 (113)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.4 4.6 4.9 5.9 (39)
GOALS – West Coast: Lynch 6, Hunter 4, Waters, Hansen, Judd,
Embley, Cousins, Cox
Western Bulldogs: Johnson 3, Grant, Robbins
UMPIRES - Kennedy, Allen, Schmitt
CROWD - 43,219 at Subiaco Oval
Article last changed on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 11:25 AM EDT
