AFL: After a run of five disheartening losses in a row, West Coast will face another stern test from a high-flying Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
The optimism which abounded from the Eagles after their wins over North Melbourne and Port Adelaide earlier in the year has now well and truly faded on the back of their poor recent form, which has included triple-digit thumpings from Sydney and St Kilda to go with a loss to last-placed Richmond last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Demons — who are coached by Steven King, who was beaten by Andrew McQualter to the Eagles job two years ago — have been the AFL’s surprise packet this season, winning five of their first eight games despite losing stars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver over the off-season.
Can West Coast cause a huge upset and grab win No.3 for 2026 over Melbourne? Follow all the action in our live blog!
That’s a wrap
West Coast return to Perth with plenty of work to do as they face Greater Western Sydney next weekend.
However, they didn’t get blown away by the Demons and showed strong fight for parts of the contest.
They did lose Harry Edwards to concussion again and plenty of eyes will be on him in the next fortnight to ensure his wellbeing.
We’ll be back next week for round 10.
Until then, farewell!
MATCH REPORT
What was once a promising season for West Coast has not only unravelled but is now so knotted, that untangling it seems almost impossible.
Read the full match report below.
THREE-WORD ANALYSIS
FT: Melbourne 99, West Coast 67
The Eagles have done well to keep some respect on the scoreline but allowing the Demons to boot eight in a row in the first half killed them.
McCarthy and Murdock likely end as the best on for the visitors while Waterman was very strong throughout the day apart from his kicking at goal.
Max Gawn taught Duff-Tytler some valuable lessons in the ruck and the young Eagle had some good moments up forward.
Yeo and Reid get five clearances each but Williams was the next best for West Coast.
The Demons will be happy with the result that puts them on the edge of the top four but it’s not the percentage boost they needed.
Much needed
Waterman completly burnt half his teammates after taking a mark at the top of the 50.
And with 2.5 it’s easy to see why.
However, he sunk the shot easy for 3.5.
MEL 92, WCE 66
Still fighting
It’s nice to see the Eagles refusing to get blown out.
They win the ball back at the top of their defensive arc through Davis and he gets a good kick away.
They work the ball up to Reid who delivers well inside 50 for Williams to get on the end of.
He kicks the goal and the Eagles stay within touch-ish.
MEL 92, WCE 59
WA boy firing
Van Rooyen gets his fifth as West Coast fail to kill a long, high ball into Melbourne’s 50.
It came off the back of a free kick to Pickett put the Eagles had an age to get set up and still couldn’t stop the big guy.
MEL 91, WCE 53
Champ!
Kelly gets the next clearance after Pickett fell over and gives Murdock the hands.
The SSP recruit lowers his eyes and finds a smart angled kick to Champion in space.
The youngster nails the set shot in front of goal.
MEL 85, WCE 52
Brave mark
Williams kicks a floater into the forward pocket where Hutchinson was waiting by himself.
However, the kick was so high and floaty he had to run front on into an oncoming defender to take a strong mark.
He finishes off his work with the major as well.
MEL 85, WCE 46
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