West Coast’s Struggles with Discipline Impact Performance
West Coast has been facing challenges on the field, primarily due to a lack of discipline among its players. The team continues to give away free kicks and 50m penalties for reckless actions, which is hindering their performance. This issue seems to be influenced by the energy of star player Harley Reid, whose aggressive style appears to be affecting the younger Eagles side.
During the recent match against Richmond at Optus Stadium, West Coast managed to win the inside 50s 64-48, but they gave away 23 free kicks compared to the Tigers’ 16. Additionally, they handed the opposition several 50m penalties, including a crucial one late in the game that contributed to their 11-point loss.
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter acknowledged the need for improvement in this area, stating that the high number of free kicks and penalties hurt their game plan.
“It hurt us,” McQualter said after the match. “Two goals from 50s, 23 free kicks against is a pretty high number. There were a lot of free kicks paid, and we gave away a large amount, and it certainly hurts our pressure game. It hurts your ability to win the contest. It’s something that’s a work on for us.”
West Coast is currently tied for third in the league for average free kicks against, highlighting the ongoing issue.
Despite the challenges, some players stood out during the match. Reid, who scored two goals and had 26 disposals, and Willem Duursma, who recorded 18 disposals and one goal, impressed the crowd. Duursma’s late running goal effort to cut the margin back to four points with a minute left was a highlight for the home fans.
McQualter emphasized the importance of building connections within the team as they continue to develop. He mentioned that the young Eagles side is working towards getting more games together to strengthen their unit.
“We are incredibly clear on our plan, in what we are doing and the path we are on,” he said. “We will have blips over the next little period of time, there’s no question about that. It’ll be worth it. I think we saw some pretty good growth signs from individuals today. I think you saw Willem’s moment there late in the game. For our fans to see that, that was special. And Harley, I think, stood up and played a good game of football.”
The coach also highlighted the progress of several players, including Cooper Duff-Tytler, Josh Lindsay, Jobe Shanahan, and Reuben Ginbey, who are getting more game time together. This is an essential part of the team’s strategy.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Disciplinary Issues: West Coast’s frequent free kicks and penalties are impacting their overall performance.
- Player Performances: Harley Reid and Willem Duursma delivered strong performances, with Duursma’s late goal being a standout moment.
- Team Development: The coach emphasized the importance of building connections among the younger players to strengthen the team’s foundation.
- Future Goals: McQualter acknowledged that there will be challenges ahead, but he remains confident in the team’s growth and development.
As the season progresses, West Coast will need to address these disciplinary issues to improve their chances of success. With continued development and focus, the team can build on the positive moments seen in recent matches.
