Hobart test next as Eagles fly
WEST Coast is back in form and chasing another big win in its blockbuster clash against North Melbourne at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena this Sunday.
The Eagles yesterday wrapped up an impressive 54point win against the battling Western Bulldogs in Perth.
Bulldogs midfielder Mitch Honeychurch was taken to hospital for scans on his neck after copping a high bump from Shannon Hurn.
Hurn turned his body side on and braced for contact as a bent-over Honeychurch crashed into him after fumbling the ball. Though Hurn’s third-quarter bump wasn’t forceful or malicious, the fact it was high contact and he had the option not to bump is set to count against him when AFL match review officer Michael Christian reviews it.
Honeychurch was stretchered off in a neck brace before being taken to hospital. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said: “The early indications are that he should be OK.”
West Coast coach Adam Simpson doesn’t feel like Hurn should be punished for the incident.
“Unfortunate accident are the words that come to my mind,” Simpson said. “It felt like he [ Hurn] almost stopped and apologised before it happened. It looked like an unfortunate accident, so I am assuming not much will happen from it.”
The incident was the only sour note for West Coast as it cruised to victory.
In the absence of the injured Nic Naitanui, Scott Lycett (23 hitouts, 10 possessions) and Nathan Vardy (16 hitouts, 12 disposals) were solid, helping West Coast score a series of first-half goals from stoppages.
The duo will face far tougher tests in the coming weeks as the Eagles attempt to lock down a top-two berth.
West Coast’s third win on the trot kept it within percentage of ladder leader Richmond.
Importantly, West Coast (13-4) is now two wins clear inside the top four, putting it in the box seat to secure a double finals chance.
The Bulldogs entered yesterday’s match having won just two second halves all season.
But it was the first half when West Coast inflicted the bulk of the damage, kicking seven straight goals during a hot stretch to set up a 34-point lead by the long break.
Eagles forwards Jack Darling and Jamie Cripps each booted three goals, while Elliot Yeo, Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey were crucial in the midfield. Jeremy McGovern was a huge factor in defence.