RECAP: Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) in emotional clash with Euro-Yroke (St Kilda)
Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) produced a spirited win on an emotional day against Euro-Yroke (St Kilda) after the sudden passing of Adam Selwood.
Selwood’s death at just 41 rocked the AFL and WA football worlds and the Eagles paid tribute to the former premiership player against the Saints.
It was a fitting time for the club to get their breakthrough win for 2025 as co-captain Oscar Allen returned to the field and the forward line.
And they played one of their best halves of the season to give themselves a winning feeling.
Recap all of the action from our blog.
Good night!
The Eagles get their first win of the season and it makes it dual wins for the WA clubs in Sir Doug Nicholls round.
On an emotional day after the shock loss of Adam Selwood, the Eagles rallied to honour their premiership player.
It keeps things interesting for next week as the Dockers face the Power at home and the Eagles go to Adelaide.
Until then, goodnight!
Players back mental health calls
Emotional co-captain
Singing the song
The Eagles were loud and proud in the rooms after the game.
McQualter speaks
The coach says he’s “incredibly proud” of how his players performed given the circumstances of the weekend.
“We were just open and honest and raw... we just asked people to play in the right spirit and be a great teammate, like Adam was.”
Quarters’ analysis
Glen Quartermain hails Andrew McQualter’s effort in getting past his old mentor Ross Lyon - and earning his long-awaited first win in charge of the Eagles.
Oscar Allen speaks
Eagles co-captain Oscar Allen had some powerful words post-game.
“I know it’s great to win a game of footy, but we’ve lost a legend of our club.
“I want to send all love and support to the Selwood family.
“Mental health is such a massive thing at the moment.
“I’ve struggled with my own mental battles this year, and I’m so fortunate to have such a great support crew around me to have my back throughout everything we’ve gone through.”
MATCH WRAP
Here’s Mitchell Woodcock’s match report from Optus Stadium, where the Eagles played in a fashion that Adam Selwood would have been proud of in finally snapping their losing streak.
Three-word analysis
FULL TIME: Waalitj Marawar 108, Euro-Yroke 80
It took ten rounds but the Eagles are finally on the winners list and the emotions release on the siren.
They appear to have got their midfield mix right with Ryan, Brockman and Reid leading the way with Hewett and Kelly providing bursts.
Flynn struggled with Marshall but his midfield took care of him with outstanding pressure once the ball hit the ground.
Hough deserves huge applause today as well, taking on Wanganeen-Milera and Sinclair while also winning 24 disposals and laying five tackles.
The youngster also threw his weight around in much needed moments.
Kelly provided great bursts in his new role at half forward and McQualter looks to have found something in that move.
One to enjoy for the die-hard Eagles fans.
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