East Fremantle overrun by West Coast as Eagles pile on six unanswered goals in third term

East Fremantle suffered a 39-point defeat to West Coast on Friday night, going down 18.11 (119) to 12.8 (80) at Mineral Resources Park.

The Sharks were the ones setting the pace early, kicking five goals to two in the opening term to lead by 18 points at the first change. East Fremantle carried that momentum into the second quarter as well, extending the margin to 12 points at half-time despite West Coast’s response, with the home side clawing back through a string of set shots.

It was the third term that proved decisive. West Coast exploded for six goals to one after the main break, turning a 12-point deficit into a 21-point lead by the final change and putting the result beyond doubt. East Fremantle was unable to find a way back in the last quarter as the Eagles pushed on to seal a 39-point win.

While the result was disappointing, there were still several strong performances and positive signs for the Sharks against a West Coast side that made the most of a red-hot third-quarter purple patch.

Tom Joyce was among the best afield, working hard all night through the midfield, while Cam Eardley, Oskar Smartt, Harry Marsh and Jack Cleaver were also named among East Fremantle’s top performers. Smartt was prominent in front of goal with two majors, matched by Kaiden Summerell, while Liam Robinson, Zach Rankin, Noah Dean, Griffin Vladich, Tom Joyce and Cam Eardley all chipped in with a goal apiece.

West Coast’s win was built on the class of Fin Macrae, Harry Schoenberg and Callum Jamieson, with the latter booting four goals to lead all scorers. Malakai Champion and Harvey Johnston (three goals each) also did plenty of damage in attack.

The third-quarter collapse will be the main takeaway for the Sharks coaching staff, with a promising start undone by a lapse that allowed the Eagles to seize control. East Fremantle will look to bounce back next week when they host Peel Thunder, with the chance to arrest the slide and get back on track as the season enters its back half.