RECAP: West Coast Eagles young guns smashed by St Kilda at Marvel Stadium
It’s a first away trip under Jarrad Schofield as injuries have forced West Coast to turn to their youth in a bid to end their road woes.
The Eagles have the least experienced side of the round with injuries to Jake Waterman, Liam Duggan, Jeremy McGovern and Elliot Yeo forcing several changes.
But Schofield resisted the urge to bring back veterans Jack Darling, Dom Sheed and Andrew Gaff sticking with a youth-first approach in a stern test of the Eagles’ depth.
Can the young guns reward Schofield with a rare away win? Follow all the action live.
That’s a wrap
It was another dirty day for the Eagles who face an off-season of huge decisions.
However, that’s it from us for today.
Join us again tomorrow for Fremantle’s Purple Haze clash with Melbourne.
Match report
The Eagles competed for half, but a lack of talent told as they were blown apart late. Read the full match report below.
Eagles analysis
The result could get even worse with Liam Ryan facing a likely suspension.
Three-word analysis
Another dark day for the Eagles, who face a long flight home. How would you sum it up, Eagles fans?
FT STK 113, WCE 41
The Eagles were blown off the park in the last term after fighting well for three.
However, they had a distinct lack of class today that hurt them badly.
They messed up easy skills in almost every play and ran themselves into pressure because they couldn’t trust each other.
Hunt had his best game in a long time with over 30 touches, while Ginbey and Kelly were also good in patches.
Reid had a dip but didn’t have anyone around him to go with him.
The forwards barely had a look in after halftime while the defenders were under siege and too disorganised.
Park the Bus
Schofield has moved Oscar Allen and Harley Reid into defence to try and stop the Saints from blowing this out to triple figures.
STK 107, WCE 35
No contest
West Coast have managed just two scoring shots for the entire second half.
One goal and one behind.
Meanwhile, Membrey has just slotted his fifth and his second in as many minutes.
Is a 100-point loss on the cards?
STK 100, WCE 35
Getting ugly
Jack Williams give away an idiotic 50 for knocking the ball out of Battle’s hands after a mark and the margin is blowing out badly.
Schofield is looking flat in the box, but he’s done everything he can today.
STK 88, WCE 35
Eagles SUB
Josh Rotham is also into the game.
Campbell Chesser has been subbed off.
Tough task now
The Saints get the first of the last term inside 30 seconds and the Eagles defence was almost nowhere to be seen.
They really need to hold firm now and not be blown away.
STK 75, WCE 35
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