Test, but Eagles get job done
RIVAL coaches Chris Fagan and Adam Simpson both admitted to relief and pride in their players after West Coast secured a home final with a 26-point victory over Brisbane at the Gabba yesterday.
The Eagles will host Collingwood in a qualifying final after securing second spot on the ladder and expect to have spearhead Josh Kennedy available after Simpson declared: “I’ll say 100 per cent [he will play] and we’ll work back from there.’’
West Coast set up the win by kicking six unanswered goals from late in the first quarter until halftime and, for the remainder of the game, little separated the two sides.
The Eagles reached a gamehigh lead of 44 points late in the third quarter before the Lions mounted a brief challenge, kicking the last goal of the third term and the opening two of the fourth.
Simpson said he had such respect for Brisbane’s firepower that he did not feel the win was in the bag until the final siren sounded.
“I wasn’t thinking this is all over,’’ he said. “The way that Brisbane play, it is exciting, I think Chris has got them going in a really positive direction. They have got talent and I still think there is belief there.
“They haven’t won that many games but the belief, you can see it is there. They are well led and can score quickly, so the first two goals we kicked in the last quarter were critical in icing the game.’’
Fagan was also relieved that the Lions fought hard to halt the Eagles’ momentum and avoid a potential blowout.
“I was really proud that our players fought it out and that they were able to win the second half,’’ he said.
“Because sometimes when you are that team and there is nothing there for you to play for, you can give up and get steamrolled by the opposition.
“I think West Coast were hoping they could steamroll us and get an easy run into the finals, but I thought our boys showed great character.’’
It was an even team performance from West Coast. Its midfield was comfortably on top with Luke Shuey, Dom Sheed and former Lion Jack Redden major ball winners and forwards Jack Darling (4), Jamie Cripps (3), Liam Ryan (3) and Daniel Venables (2) among the goals.
Alternatively, a tired looking Brisbane did not achieve the same spread of performance. Dayne Beams continued his stellar season, collecting 32 disposals and kicking two goals.