AFL: West Coast fell just short of victory in a tight tussle that went down to the final 30 seconds.
The home side finally unleashed their gun off-season recruit Brandon Starcevich after the premiership defender finally overcame a stubborn calf injury sustained in pre-season and the former Lion was strong.
Cooper Duff-Tytler also returned at the expense of Jack Williams while Lachie Jones, Jackson Mead and Tom Cochrane were all ins for Port Adelaide.
Recap all the action from our blog.
That’s a wrap!
And that brings a super Saturday of WA footy to an end!
The Eagles very nearly pulled off another comeback but missed chances and constant first-half turnovers held them back.
But we’ll be back next week for their clash with North Melbourne as the table-topping Dockers take a well-earned bye.
Good night!
Backpage
The backpage of The Sunday Times after a super Saturday of WA footy.
Who’s next
Andrew McQualter admitted it’s going to be tough to replace Reuben Ginbey.
And it looks as though those already in the side will have to take the brunt.
Rhett Bazzo and Tylar Young will have to share No.1 defender duties while Starcevich may move to a key defence role.
Harry Edwards still isn’t ready to return from a third concussion and Sandy Brock has shown he’s not up to it at senior level and hasn’t starred in the WAFL either.
It’s a tough conundrum now for the Eagles and makes their mid-season draft picks look like a big punt.
Reid and Kelly
Harley Reid and Tim Kelly are developing as an incredible duo this season.
The young gun had 25 disposals, five tackles and six clearances while the veteran had 26 disposals, four tackles and six clearances.
Kelly used more kicks today and looks to have found his leg again.
McQualter addresses Ginbey injury
McQualter has revealed the latest on Reuben Ginbey saying he is holding up okay after hurting his quad.
ANALYSIS
Glen Quartermain kept a close eye on Eagles debutant Brandon Starcevich tonight.
Read how he went HERE.
MATCH REPORT
After a frantic last term, let The West’s Mitchell Woodcock take you through how West Coast’s clash with Port Adelaide reached it’s climax.
THREE-WORD ANALYSIS
The Eagles fell short but it was an epic effort in the last quarter.
FT: West Coast 71, Port Adelaide 77
The Eagles pounded the Power defence in the last term but they fall short in an epic.
The Power can consider themselves seriously lucky but West Coast just made too many errors across the night.
Cole was very nearly the hero as players threw themselves into the contest with no regard for their safety.
Shanahan had a chance late but gave up the set shot to try and find Willaims in the pocket but it was spoiled through.
Two minutes left
The Eagles are dominating but can’t get the lead.
Now or never time.
WCE 71, PA 75
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