Janet Linn, reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval, Western Australia
Western Australian football fans celebrated the first round of the AFL’s 150th year by packing Subiaco Oval to capacity and cheering the West Coast Eagles to a 16 point win over the feisty Brisbane Lions. In an entertaining and high intensity game, the West Coast put paid to the thoughts they might struggle to overcome the loss of sensational midfielders Chris Judd (traded to Carlton) and Ben Cousins (suspended for 12 months) while the Lions showed that they should not be underestimated in season 2008.
Before the game, fans were treated to the sight of Auzzie the Eagle enjoying several free flight laps of Subiaco Oval before returning to his trainer. The West Coast Football Club supports the Western Australian Birds of Prey Center and Auzzie’s pre-home game flights are intended to promote this local conservation group.
Simon Black won the toss for Brisbane and chose to kick against the wind. West Coast took immediate advantage of the breeze. Dean Cox took charge of the ruck hit-outs and midfield players Daniel Kerr, Beau Waters, Matt Priddus and Matt Rosa streamed out of the center bounce downs to provide the forwards with multiple scoring opportunities. With the Eagles setting a fast and furious pace and keeping full control of the football, the Lions were stretched to find ways to advance into their forward line. Thrown by the intense pressure of the Eagles’ chasing and tackling, the Lions were forced to make hurried decisions, leading to poor disposals and turnovers. With West Coast dominating the possessions and displaying blistering speed, the Lions were shell-shocked and only able to kick one goal for the quarter.
The Lions began the second quarter with more composure and determination. They were able to shut down the Eagles’ running game and attack more consistently as Simon Black and Travis Johnstone began to have an impact on the game. Full forward Jonathan Brown treated fans to an outstanding display of individual marking and goal kicking skills to be the best man on the ground in the first half. Although Anthony Corrie, Robert Copeland and Jared Brennan missed easy shots on goal, Brisbane managed to narrow the gap to a 19 point margin by half time.
The third quarter belonged to the Brisbane Lions. They showed greater commitment, tackling harder and forcing West Coast to overhandle the ball, causing turnovers that led to goals by Daniel Bradshaw and the unbeatable Brown. At the 17 minute point of the third quarter Jamie Charman took a terrific mark in front of goal and scored a six pointer to give the Brisbane Lions a four point lead. West Coast looked uncertain with fumbles and uncharacteristic mistakes in their defensive area. Courageous play by David Wirrpanda in defense and the move of Dean Cox into the forward line gave West Coast a late boost. They were able to score two goals in the last three minutes of the quarter to go into the final break seven points ahead, setting the stage for an exciting last quarter.
Brisbane wasted two opportunities on goal early in the final quarter and the Eagles began to steady. Free kicks to Kerr and Lynch resulted in goals, taking the Eagles to a handy 18 point lead. The intensity of the contest lifted as the Lions threw everything they had at the Eagles and scored goals through Josh Drummond and Jonathan Brown. Minutes later a clever goal from Eagle Brent Staker put the result beyond doubt.
In the final analysis, the Lions were unable to fend off the Eagles’ superior running strength. On the day the West Coast had too much pace and skill for their opponents with 100 more possessions and an efficiency rate of 76% compared to the Lions' 59%.
In Round 2 West Coast will go on the road to play Adelaide and Brisbane will be at home to Collingwood.
Final scores West Coast 6.2 7.5 10.7 14.8 (92) Brisbane 1.2 4.4 9.6 11.10 (76)
Goals West Coast LeCras, Seaby, Waters, Wirrpanda 2; Braun, Cox, Fletcher, Hunter, Lynch, Staker Brisbane Brown 6; Brads haw 3; Charman, Drummond
Best West Coast Cox, Kerr, Wirrpanda, Waters, Braun Brisbane Brown, Black, Power, Bradshaw, Johnstone
Crowd 39591
Injuries West Coast LeCras (groin); Hunter (shoulder) Brisbane Adcock (ankle); Brown (knee)
Umpires M Head, M Ellis, C Hendrie (injured), T Keating (emergency, replaced Hendrie in 4th quarter)
Article last changed on Thursday, March 27, 2008 - 4:17 AM EDT
