The West Coast Eagles ran out comprehensive (2)20.10.148 – (0)10.4.64 winners against crosstown rivals Fremantle in the opening AFL NAB Challenge hit out for both sides.
A near full-strength West Coast outfit dominated from the onset to run away easy 84-point winners against an uncharacteristically sloppy Fremantle side missing regulars Ryan Crowley, Chris Mayne, Zac Dawson, Garrick Ibbotson and Clancee Pearce.
With the help of a strong breeze, West Coast defenders Shannon Hurn and Mitch Brown booted long nine-point super goals to open the match. Chris Masten added a couple more majors before Fremantle were able to get on the scoreboard, opening up a 46-point quarter time lead.
West Coast kept up the pace in the second despite kicking into the wind, converting five goals from eight scoring opportunities to Fremantle’s three.
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Sharrod Wellingham opened the third quarter with a couple of early goals to put the result beyond doubt before a Jamie Cripps major blew the lead out above the 100-point margin with six minutes remaining in the term.
A more competitive fourth quarter from Fremantle was dampened by injuries to Daniel Pearce (concussion), Hayden Ballantyne (calf) and Hayden Crozier (concussion).
Cripps, Masten and Wellingham each bagged three goals for West Coast while Mark Hutchings (27 touches, 18 kicks), Luke Shuey (26) and Matt Priddis (25) were the major ball winners.
Matthew Pavlich, Fremantle’s sub, bagged two goals, as did Essendon recruit Scott Gumbleton. Nat Fyfe and Stephen Hill collected 26 and 25 disposals respectively.
Fremantle play their second and final NAB Challenge game against the Western Bulldogs and Etihad Stadium on next Wednesday while West Coast tackle the Swans at Blacktown International Sportspark on Thursday, February 27.
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Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images.
