As the 2026 AFL season looms, the West Coast Eagles find themselves in a precarious position, facing a daunting challenge in their final pre-season match against Port Adelaide. With the regular season just around the corner, the Eagles are desperate to finalize their best 23 and instill some much-needed confidence in their fans. But here's the harsh reality: key backline players like Liam Duggan, Reuben Ginbey, Brandon Starcevich, and Jack Graham are all sidelined with injuries, leaving the team's defense vulnerable. And this is the part most people miss – even with rising stars like Harley Reid, who managed 22 touches, the Eagles' midfield struggles to convert possession into clearances, a critical aspect of modern AFL. Is this a sign of things to come, or can West Coast turn their fortunes around?
The match itself was a brutal wake-up call, with Port Adelaide delivering a 73-point thrashing (22.8 - 140 vs. 9.13 - 67). Despite winning the inside 50s (50-48), the Eagles were outclassed in almost every aspect of the game. Port's Mitch Georgiades dominated an undermanned defense, while the Power's depth was on full display, with players like Jacob Wehr and Ollie Lord stepping up to kick crucial goals. But here's where it gets controversial: even with standout performances from Josh Lindsay and Deven Robertson, the Eagles' overall efficiency was questionable, with disposal rates like Matt Flynn's 54% and Duursma's 38% raising concerns. Are these just pre-season jitters, or a deeper systemic issue?
As the final siren sounded, the 71-point margin at three-quarter time felt insurmountable, and the Eagles' fans were left wondering if another long season awaits. Positives were few and far between, but Lindsay's consistency and Robertson's moments of brilliance offered glimmers of hope. Yet, the question remains: Can West Coast address their defensive frailties and midfield inefficiencies before Round 1? And more importantly, what changes need to be made to avoid another season of struggle? Weigh in below – do you think the Eagles can bounce back, or is this the beginning of a challenging era for the club?
