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West Australian
10-08-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
West Coast Eagles fall short of all-time upset, push Adelaide to the brink in season-best performance
In a season to forget West Coast produced one of the most memorable performances in recent years to push ladder-leaders Adelaide to the brink in a heartbreaking nine-point defeat. A young Eagles outfit were charged with celebrating the careers of retirees Jeremy McGovern and skipper Liam Duggan, who was playing his 200th game. And while they were unable to walk away with the victory, losing 13.9 (87) to 12.6 (78) at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon, they showed incredible fight to give the premiership favourites a genuine scare. A week after a frustrated coach Andrew McQualter lamented his team's inability to play to the standards they set for themselves, the bottom-placed Eagles brought a relentless pressure which they can build on in the future. West Coast kicked five unanswered goals from late in the first term until early in the third to lead by 17 points early in the penultimate term and four points at the final break to have the 32,845 fans dreaming of an upset for the ages. Adelaide put their foot down in the last quarter with four goals to two to hand West Coast a 20th defeat for the third time in four seasons. McQualter decided to reshuffle his team after a tough few weeks. Brady Hough returned to defence to go against Alex Neal-Bullen, while impressive mid-season draftee Tom McCarthy started at the first centre bounce. And there was plenty of positives for the struggling Eagles in a game many predicted to be a one-sided affair. First-year forward Jobe Shanahan showed he's got a bright future with a career-high three goals in only his seventh game. McCarthy thrived in the midfield to record a game-high 29 disposals, combining with Tim Kelly (25 disposals, five tackles, 10 clearances and a goal) and Elijah Hewett (19 disposals and five score involvements) who were outstanding. Down back Reuben Ginbey continues to put himself in the frame for a maiden John Worsfold Medal in just his third season, restricting Adelaide monster Riley Thilthorpe to only three goals. However, the Crows proved too strong in the long run, as skipper Jordan Dawson (26 disposals, 11 inside 50s and 14 tackles) and star Izak Rankine (23 disposals, six clearances and a goal) carried them over the line. It started well for the Eagles when got their run and gun style working through the corridor which resulted in a goal to Campbell Chesser. Adelaide hit back with consecutive goals through James Peatling and Dawson, but the Eagles were up for the fight, attacking with pace and ferocity. The Crows showed their maturity to absorb the early pressure and break it open from the centre clearances, with their dominance starting to give them an advantage on the scoreboard. West Coast's efficiency going forward ensured they were still within reach at the first break, scoring four times from only five inside 50s. Remarkably, the Eagles started to get on top at the stoppages and set up so well behind the ball they were able to lock the ball in their front half. West Coast would kick the only three goals for the second quarter to take the most unlikely of six-point leads heading into half-time. Anyone thinking the Eagles were going to be satisfied with one strong half against the top side were quickly corrected as draftee Hamish Davis kicked the first goal of his career. Shanahan kicked his third soon after and an upset for the ages was on the cards as they led by 17 points. Duggan then decided to stamp his authority on the game with a big bump on Thilthorpe that left the Adelaide power forward in a lot of neck pain and might have the former in trouble with the match review officer. Adelaide regained the lead on the back of their dominance at the clearances and threatened to finally storm away from a brave West Coast. Yet the home side were not going to give up without a fight as Liam Ryan (three goals) kicked consecutive goals before the final break to regain the advantage on the scoreboard and keep the parochial crowd involved in the contest. Kelly then kicked the opening goal of the final term in unconvincing circumstances to once again give hope of an incredible win. Mercurial Crow Rankine turned it on after the main break, racking up 20 disposals and kicking the goal to regain the lead in the final term after touching it only three times in the first half. Thilthorpe then put the dagger through the heart, kicking a goal from outside 50 to put Adelaide a game clear on top of the table with only two rounds to go. ADELAIDE 5.2, 5.4, 9.6, 13.9 (87) WEST COAST 3.1, 6.4, 10.4, 12.6 (78) Goals – ADELAIDE: L Pedlar 3 R Thilthorpe 3 J Dawson B Keays D Fogarty J Peatling I Rankine J Soligo Z Taylor. WEST COAST: L Ryan 3 J Shanahan 3 L Baker T Brockman C Chesser J Cripps H Davis T Kelly. Best – ADELAIDE: J Dawson J Soligo I Rankine L Pedlar R Laird M Keane. WEST COAST: T Kelly R Ginbey J Shanahan T McCarthy B Hough L Ryan. Injuries – ADELAIDE: J Peatling (corked thigh). Umpires: J Power B Wallace M Young J Fry. Crowd: 32,845 at Optus Stadium.
Perth Now
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Eagles defy odds to push ladder-leading Crows to the brink
In a season to forget West Coast produced one of the most memorable performances in recent years to push ladder-leaders Adelaide to the brink in a heartbreaking nine-point defeat. A young Eagles outfit were charged with celebrating the careers of retirees Jeremy McGovern and skipper Liam Duggan, who was playing his 200th game. And while they were unable to walk away with the victory, losing 13.9 (87) to 12.6 (78) at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon, they showed incredible fight to give the premiership favourites a genuine scare. A week after a frustrated coach Andrew McQualter lamented his team's inability to play to the standards they set for themselves, the bottom-placed Eagles brought a relentless pressure which they can build on in the future. West Coast kicked five unanswered goals from late in the first term until early in the third to lead by 17 points early in the penultimate term and four points at the final break to have the 32,845 fans dreaming of an upset for the ages. Adelaide put their foot down in the last quarter with four goals to two to hand West Coast a 20th defeat for the third time in four seasons. McQualter decided to reshuffle his team after a tough few weeks. Brady Hough returned to defence to go against Alex Neal-Bullen, while impressive mid-season draftee Tom McCarthy started at the first centre bounce. And there was plenty of positives for the struggling Eagles in a game many predicted to be a one-sided affair. West Coast's Hamish Davis takes down Adelaide's Dan Curtin. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian First-year forward Jobe Shanahan showed he's got a bright future with a career-high three goals in only his seventh game. McCarthy thrived in the midfield to record a game-high 29 disposals, combining with Tim Kelly (25 disposals, five tackles, 10 clearances and a goal) and Elijah Hewett (19 disposals and five score involvements) who were outstanding. Down back Reuben Ginbey continues to put himself in the frame for a maiden John Worsfold Medal in just his third season, restricting Adelaide monster Riley Thilthorpe to only three goals. However, the Crows proved too strong in the long run, as skipper Jordan Dawson (26 disposals, 11 inside 50s and 14 tackles) and star Izak Rankine (23 disposals, six clearances and a goal) carried them over the line. It started well for the Eagles when got their run and gun style working through the corridor which resulted in a goal to Campbell Chesser. Adelaide hit back with consecutive goals through James Peatling and Dawson, but the Eagles were up for the fight, attacking with pace and ferocity. West Coast skipper Liam Duggan lays a strong tackle on Adelaide's Darcy Fogarty as Reuben Ginbey tries to get the footy. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian The Crows showed their maturity to absorb the early pressure and break it open from the centre clearances, with their dominance starting to give them an advantage on the scoreboard. West Coast's efficiency going forward ensured they were still within reach at the first break, scoring four times from only five inside 50s. Remarkably, the Eagles started to get on top at the stoppages and set up so well behind the ball they were able to lock the ball in their front half. West Coast would kick the only three goals for the second quarter to take the most unlikely of six-point leads heading into half-time. Anyone thinking the Eagles were going to be satisfied with one strong half against the top side were quickly corrected as draftee Hamish Davis kicked the first goal of his career. Shanahan kicked his third soon after and an upset for the ages was on the cards as they led by 17 points. West Coast coach Andrew McQualter coaches from the bench. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian Duggan then decided to stamp his authority on the game with a big bump on Thilthorpe that left the Adelaide power forward in a lot of neck pain and might have the former in trouble with the match review officer. Adelaide regained the lead on the back of their dominance at the clearances and threatened to finally storm away from a brave West Coast. Yet the home side were not going to give up without a fight as Liam Ryan (three goals) kicked consecutive goals before the final break to regain the advantage on the scoreboard and keep the parochial crowd involved in the contest. Kelly then kicked the opening goal of the final term in unconvincing circumstances to once again give hope of an incredible win. Mercurial Crow Rankine turned it on after the main break, racking up 20 disposals and kicking the goal to regain the lead in the final term after touching it only three times in the first half. Thilthorpe then put the dagger through the heart, kicking a goal from outside 50 to put Adelaide a game clear on top of the table with only two rounds to go. West Coast's Tim Kelly whips out a handball. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian ADELAIDE 5.2, 5.4, 9.6, 13.9 (87) WEST COAST 3.1, 6.4, 10.4, 12.6 (78) Goals – ADELAIDE: L Pedlar 3 R Thilthorpe 3 J Dawson B Keays D Fogarty J Peatling I Rankine J Soligo Z Taylor. WEST COAST: L Ryan 3 J Shanahan 3 L Baker T Brockman C Chesser J Cripps H Davis T Kelly. Best – ADELAIDE: J Dawson J Soligo I Rankine L Pedlar R Laird M Keane. WEST COAST: T Kelly R Ginbey J Shanahan T McCarthy B Hough L Ryan. Injuries – ADELAIDE: J Peatling (corked thigh). Umpires: J Power B Wallace M Young J Fry. Crowd: 32,845 at Optus Stadium.
West Australian
09-08-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
West Coast Eagle Liam Duggan's top 10 career moments ahead of game 200
Liam Duggan etches his name into West Coast's history books on Sunday as he notches 200 career games. So, from premiership triumph to becoming a co-captain, The West Australian relives 10 of the defender's best moments. There are many great AFL players who never reach the pinnacle of our sport, but in one of the great modern grand finals, Liam Duggan scaled the summit. In just his third season, the rebounding defender flourished on the big stage. He collected 16 disposals and three tackles as West Coast ran down Collingwood in an instant cassic. In 2024, Duggan was entrusted with leading the rebuilding club's young list as a captain. Alongside forward Oscar Allen, the rebounder has provided an example on and off the field. And given Allen's string of significant injuries, Duggan has carried the captaincy load with aplomb. No AFL player ever forgets their debut and it will be the same for Duggan, He only had five touches but his side crushed the Blues in round two, 2015 by 69 points having been two goals down at the first break. He also got to debut at the historic Subiaco Oval. Duggan says he always dreamed of being a one-club player, and in 2024 that dream became a reality. The Victorian put pen to paper on a four-year contract that will see him remain an Eagle for life. He will be 31 at the end of his current contract. Duggan didn't play in the 2015 finals series when the Eagles made it to the grand final so when he entered Adelaide Oval for the 2017 Elimination Final, there was zero chance he could have been prepared for the outcome. A draw at full time, the game went to two periods of extra time only to need Luke Shuey to kick the sealer after the final siren. Duggan had 10 disposals. Duggan's first century of matches brought plenty of success and it was no different on the day in round 17, 2020. Duggan collected 15 disposals and six tackles as the Eagles gave him a 15-point win over St Kilda to celebrate. Early in 2021, West Coast were hopeful a healthy list could send them storming back into finals contention. While it didn't work out in the early stages, Duggan was a driving force behind the effort to stop the club's skid. In round five against Collingwood, he produced a career-high 36 disposals to lead the Eagles to victory by 27 points. Defence is a tough place for winning Brownlow Medals, but occasionally they have a day umpires just can't ignore. Duggan has four career votes and two of them came against Essendon in round eight, 2024. Despite a six-point defeat, his 26 disposals, two clearances and 10 rebounds were brilliant. In round 17, 2017, Duggan was a whisker away from claiming a Glendinning-Allan Medal. He was given two Brownlow votes as consolation for 31 disposals and two clearances in a strong win. Goals come at a premium for defenders but Duggan only had to wait seven games for his first. It came against North Melbourne, in Hobart of all places. Matthew Priddis wins the clearance and finds Duggan running around the front of the pack with a handball. The left-footer takes his time to steady and dobs it through to give his a side the lead.
Perth Now
09-08-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Liam Duggan's top 10 moments ahead of game 200
Liam Duggan etches his name into West Coast's history books on Sunday as he notches 200 career games. So, from premiership triumph to becoming a co-captain, The West Australian relives 10 of the defender's best moments. There are many great AFL players who never reach the pinnacle of our sport, but in one of the great modern grand finals, Liam Duggan scaled the summit. In just his third season, the rebounding defender flourished on the big stage. He collected 16 disposals and three tackles as West Coast ran down Collingwood in an instant cassic. Liam Duggan of the Eagles (left) celebrates with Daniel Venables of the Eagles during the 2018 Toyota AFL Grand Final. Credit: Adam Trafford / AFL Media In 2024, Duggan was entrusted with leading the rebuilding club's young list as a captain. Alongside forward Oscar Allen, the rebounder has provided an example on and off the field. And given Allen's string of significant injuries, Duggan has carried the captaincy load with aplomb. West Coast Eagles Oscar Allen and Liam Duggan are announced as co-captains for 2024. Credit: Michael Wilson / The West Australian No AFL player ever forgets their debut and it will be the same for Duggan, He only had five touches but his side crushed the Blues in round two, 2015 by 69 points having been two goals down at the first break. He also got to debut at the historic Subiaco Oval. Liam Duggan of the Eagles. Credit: Daniel Carson / AFL Media Duggan says he always dreamed of being a one-club player, and in 2024 that dream became a reality. The Victorian put pen to paper on a four-year contract that will see him remain an Eagle for life. He will be 31 at the end of his current contract. West Coast Eagles Co-Captain Liam Duggan. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian Duggan didn't play in the 2015 finals series when the Eagles made it to the grand final so when he entered Adelaide Oval for the 2017 Elimination Final, there was zero chance he could have been prepared for the outcome. A draw at full time, the game went to two periods of extra time only to need Luke Shuey to kick the sealer after the final siren. Duggan had 10 disposals. Duggan's first century of matches brought plenty of success and it was no different on the day in round 17, 2020. Duggan collected 15 disposals and six tackles as the Eagles gave him a 15-point win over St Kilda to celebrate. Liam Duggan of the Eagles is chaired off after playing his 100th AFL match. Credit: Bradley Kanaris / via AFL Photos Early in 2021, West Coast were hopeful a healthy list could send them storming back into finals contention. While it didn't work out in the early stages, Duggan was a driving force behind the effort to stop the club's skid. In round five against Collingwood, he produced a career-high 36 disposals to lead the Eagles to victory by 27 points. Jamie Elliott of the Magpies and Liam Duggan of the Eagles. Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos Defence is a tough place for winning Brownlow Medals, but occasionally they have a day umpires just can't ignore. Duggan has four career votes and two of them came against Essendon in round eight, 2024. Despite a six-point defeat, his 26 disposals, two clearances and 10 rebounds were brilliant. Liam Duggan marks. Credit: Daniel Carson / AFL Photos In round 17, 2017, Duggan was a whisker away from claiming a Glendinning-Allan Medal. He was given two Brownlow votes as consolation for 31 disposals and two clearances in a strong win. Liam Duggan of the Eagles and Michael Walters of the Dockers wrestle. Credit: Will Russell / AFL Media Goals come at a premium for defenders but Duggan only had to wait seven games for his first. It came against North Melbourne, in Hobart of all places. Matthew Priddis wins the clearance and finds Duggan running around the front of the pack with a handball. The left-footer takes his time to steady and dobs it through to give his a side the lead. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coach calls for explanation from AFL after West Coast dudded against Collingwood
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says he'll ask the AFL for a please explain after the Eagles were on the wrong end of a controversial late call in their near-miss against Collingwood on Saturday night. The last-placed Eagles gave the first-placed Magpies an almighty scare, and only trailed by 10 points at three-quarter time. Collingwood kicked away in the final term for a 29-point victory, but it came on the back of a momentum-swinging call that went against the Eagles. The umpires pinged Liam Duggan for holding the ball, even though it looked like he had no prior opportunity, and the Magpies kicked a goal for a 15-point lead on the ensuing free-kick. The Eagles were left incensed by the call as it came mere seconds after the umps allowed Ned Long to do a full 360, take on three West Coast defenders and only then dispose of the ball. Long's pass went straight to Duggan, who appeared to be wrapped up before he had a chance to get rid of the ball. But the umpires still pinged Duggan, leaving McQualter gobsmacked. "There were a few challenging ones that I'm going to seek some clarity on, because I thought that there were a couple that I just wasn't sure which way they were going to go," the West Coast coach said after the game. "It's a challenging job, umpiring this game. It's a really hard job, and we'll just get some clarity from the AFL on some of those decisions, and look to train our players once we get that." Tellingly, Collingwood coach Craig McRae said he hasn't been clear on the holding the ball rule for a long time. "Way back when I was teaching (Collingwood veteran) Mason Cox the game, he says, 'what's this holding the ball thing?' and I said, I don't know, we'll work it out," McRae admitted. "What are we, 10 years later, still I'm not sure. "I just don't want to be the guy that rings the AFL every week. That's not my go. I'd let the game be the game. I'll let the game settle. It's amazing how many things, if you just give time and space to, somehow find a way of balancing itself out." RELATED: Calls for AFL to make drastic move after $25m 'disgrace' at SCG Ken Hinkley spotted in eye-opening moment in coach's box Fox Footy's Jon Ralph posted the incident on social media and wrote: "How does new AFL footy boss Greg Swann simplify holding the ball? Hall and co. do such a good job tackling Long and don't get rewarded for holding the ball, then the Pies get a free kick only moments later with absolutely no prior opportunity. Mystifying." Another person wrote: "Everything wrong with umpiring right here. Collingwood player does a 720 with one arm free, play on. Duggan takes one step, wrapped up and hold the ball. Joke. Ball goes inside 50 and goal for Collingwood." Mystifying indeed. Two very poor decisions just seconds apart. Frustrating. — George Boubouras (@GeorgeBoubouras) June 28, 2025 I'm a pies fan but and can confidently say that was a ridiculous call 👍🏽 — noah diana (@noahdiana8) June 28, 2025 Two similar tackles, one called holding the ball. Yeah, good one umps. #AFLPiesEagles — Scott Hayes (@sconesbie) June 28, 2025 How was one not holding the ball, and the next holding the ball. Jesus. #AFLPiesEagles — Damien (@DamoMK) June 28, 2025 The Eagles will rue their lack of polish and experience, after Jack Williams sprayed a set shot from 35m out at the start of the final term that would have reduced the margin to four points. It came after he inexplicably launched a kick from West Coast's defensive 50 in the dying seconds of the third term, which landed straight in the lap of Dan Houston who kicked truly from outside 50. McQualter was hesitant to be critical of Williams. "Clearly, Jack would like his time again in the defensive 50, but he's probably not in that position too often," McQualter said. "But probably not going to concentrate too much on those little moments, because there's lots of errors throughout a game of footy, and it's about moving on and what you can do next." with AAP
