The West Coast Eagles' season took another turn for the worse as Jake Waterman's goalkicking woes proved to be their downfall in a heart-wrenching one-point loss to North Melbourne. With the game on the line, Waterman had the chance to secure victory, but his shot from directly in front hit the post, and the Eagles were left to rue what could have been.
Waterman's poor goalkicking form has been a persistent issue, with a 28.34% success rate heading into the game. This loss marked the latest in a series of missed opportunities for the Eagles, who have struggled to convert in front of goals throughout the season. The team's inability to capitalize on their chances has been a significant factor in their recent string of losses.
The match began with a strong performance from the Eagles, who kicked the final three goals of the first half on the back of Jobe Shanahan's marking prowess. However, the Kangaroos responded with a run of six unanswered goals either side of halftime, thanks to the catalyst of Jack Darling, who produced his best haul in nearly four years. Darling's performance was a stark contrast to the team's struggles without key back Reuben Ginbey, who was missing due to injury.
The Kangaroos' defense, marshaled by Nick Larkey and Rhett Bazzo, proved too tall for the Eagles' backline, with the visitors simply outmatching the home team in height and strength. Brandon Starcevich, tasked with matching up on Darling, struggled to contain the West Perth product, who was only 3cm shorter. The midfield battle was won by the Kangaroos, with Harry Sheezel and Luke Parker dominating the game.
Sheezel's 33 touches, nine score involvements, and 10 clearances were instrumental in the Kangaroos' victory, while Parker's disruptive play down back was a key factor. The Eagles' midfield lacked the same spread, with Harley Reid finishing with only 21 touches and five clearances, despite a blistering first term. The taggers Brady Hough and Luke Davies-Uniacke also played a crucial role in restricting the opposition's key players.
The game took a turn in the third quarter, with Darling's three unanswered goals before halftime giving the Kangaroos a slender lead. North Melbourne came out with renewed vigor, and their efforts were rewarded with a 20-point lead by the end of the quarter. The Eagles responded with Tom Cole's important set shot, but the Kangaroos continued to target Reid, who dominated the quarter with 11 touches and five clearances.
The final term saw the Eagles mount a comeback, with Shanahan and Waterman kicking crucial goals. However, Waterman's missed match-winning shot left the Eagles with a 4-10 record, a disappointing end to a season that could have been so different. The team will now head into the bye, ruing what could have been, as they prepare for a challenging match against Carlton in round 16.
The loss highlights the team's struggles in front of goals and their inability to capitalize on their opportunities. The Eagles' defense, while solid, was outmatched by the Kangaroos' height and strength, and the midfield battle was won by the visitors. The game also saw the emergence of Darling as a key player, who turned the tide for the Kangaroos with his performance.
In my opinion, the Eagles' season has been a tale of missed opportunities and poor goalkicking. The team's inability to convert in front of goals has been a significant factor in their losses, and it will be crucial for them to address this issue if they are to improve their record. The loss to North Melbourne is a stark reminder of the team's weaknesses and the need for improvement if they are to compete at the top level.
