AFL Live Updates: West Coast Eagles hunt first win against North Melbourne at Optus Stadium
AFL: West Coast’s clash with North Melbourne has been labelled winnable, but they will need to be sharp after the Kangaroos touched up Port last week.
Liam Baker, Harry Edwards and Tim Kelly all return for the Eagles’ home opener while Willem and Zane Duursma will meet for the first time as AFL rivals.
The last eight games between these two teams have been decided by 15 points or less and the battle of the rebuilds promises a good contest again today.
Follow all the action with our live blog.
Key Events
Concussion concern
Edwards has copped a forearm to the head from teammate Flynn and looks in trouble in the arms of trainers.
He tried to brush them off but had to go to his knees.
He has only just returned from his pre-season concussion three weeks ago.
WCE 13, NM 37
Archer on target
Reid gets West Coast a second after a strong contested mark above his head and West Coast are well and truly in the contest around the ball.
All the metrics are about even.
But their skills are bad.
They have kicked the ball into the on coming man multiple times and missed easy handballs.
Even when their kicks make it past the smother they can not find a teammate.
WCE 13, NM 31
Logue done
Griffin Logue is done for the day with a thigh.
Meanwhile, Larkey has two majors as the Eagles continue to turn the ball over in the defensive half with skill errors.
WCE 6, NM 19
Logue rogue
Former Docker Griffin Logue is on the Roos’ bench with an injury.
He started the match on Waterman and it would be a big blow for the road team if he is out.
McDonald has taken the big Eagles forward.
WCE 6, NM 6
First AFL goal!!!
Duursma has the fans onside early with his first AFL major.
The youngster gets a mark on the lead after drifting forward and belts through a set shot from the 50-metre arc.
The Eagles start well in ground balls to earn that goal.
WCE 6, NM 0
Underway!
Reid, Robertson and Graham start in the middle with Duursma on a wing.
Edwards takes Larkey.
Toss done
Liam Baker takes the toss and comes away with the win and the Eagles will kick to the river end of Optus Stadium.
Final instructions are being imparted.
Crisp Roos
North Melbourne have pulled out the all white jumpers with a blue Roo on the midriff.
It’s a good look for the visitors and will contrast well with the Royal Blue of the Eagles who are just entering the field to flames and smoke.
Eagles’ banner
West Coast pay tribute to their fans with their first home banner of the season.
“Some call it an unfair advantage. We call them our fans”.
The brothers
Willem and Zane Duursma will meet as AFL rivals for the first time today.
It’s the former’s second game after a solid debut last week on the Gold Coast.
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