The second quarter curse strikes again for the Eagles.
Less than 24 hours after holding their heads following an eight-goal to one second term against Gold Coast, West Coast were overrun by a nine-goal to none second quarter against Peel Thunder in the WAFL.
The Eagles were unlikely 26-point leaders in the opening term, with just five senior-listed players in their side compared to 13 AFL-listed Dockers playing for the hosts at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah.
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A horror second term and a scoreless last quarter from the Eagles resulted in a 115-point turnaround as Peel bulldozed the depleted side by 89 points at the final siren.
“We know the Eagles have got a lot of injuries and they’re not going to be a very strong side,” Thunder defender Nathan Wilson said, putting the slow start down to a slip in mindset.
West Coast midfielder Campbell Chesser switched between half-back and the midfield in a managed return from a knee injury, while Zane Trew notched up a team-high 32 disposals.
Developing Eagles ruck Harry Barnett (six hit-outs, five touches), struggled both up forward and pinch-hitting in the ruck against Dockers duo Liam Reidy (33 hit-outs, 14 disposals) and Max Knobel (24 hit-outs, 15 disposals), who were dominant.
Jordyn Baker showed signs of improvement in defence against more-experienced opponents, while forward Tyrell Dewar registered three behinds.
Karl Worner put his hand up for a Fremantle debut with 36 disposals, 11 marks and a goal, while Sebit Kuek (three goals) and Sam Sturt (two goals) were dangerous up forward.
Tom Emmett (22 touches, 10 tackles and a goal), Travis Colyer (12 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal) and Liam Henry (25 touches, 11 tackles and a goal) also hit the scoreboard.
As did defenders Joel Hamling (16 touches, nine marks) and Nathan Wilson (23 touches, nine marks), who kicked a goal apiece.
Meanwhile, defenders Corey Wagner (25 touches), Josh Draper (11 touches) and Hugh Davies (14 touches) played their role against a depleted forward line.