West Coast Eagles response came 30 mins too late to alleviate pressure on embattled coach Adam Simpson

West Coast got the response it wanted from its players. The problem was, it came too late. Thirty minutes too late. The Eagles were schooled in team defence during the week after their contested and uncontested mauling from Hawthorn. But there were no signs they had paid any attention in the first quarter of Sunday’s clash with Melbourne at the MCG. The midfield was asleep at the wheel as the Demons got to work inside and outside the contest, kicking 7.3, their best return for the season in an opening stanza. That was the ball game right there. The Eagles finished the game ahead on clearances, 35-30, which included an 18-8 smashing at the centre bounces. But if a team can’t ”turn up” with sufficient intent after the week the players had endured under the spotlight, then there are doubts they ever will. Adam Simpson, under pressure to keep his job after a season of short-burst highs and long, interminable lows, was forced from the coaches’ box to the bench during the first term. Tim Kelly (29 possessions and seven clearances) and Elliot Yeo (21, four clearances and six inside 50s) fought their way back into the contest as the Eagles were outscored by just five points after half-time. Harley Reid toiled away in his first appearance at the MCG. Nine of his 16 disposals were at the contest, he laid seven tackles and took on Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn on the half-time siren. His combative nature is admirable and part of the package, but he overplays it at times. There was more focus against the Dees than against the Hawks, but he is going to have to get used to the constant attention that comes with being an AFL player capable of changing a game in short bursts. Once he does there will be plenty of big moments for him, both at Optus Stadium and on the road, particularly at the ’G. West Coast captain Oscar Allen kicked 4.4 in his third game back from injury but finished with a proppy ankle. Another West Australian Jacob van Rooyen kicked four as well at the other end of the ground for Melbourne, with fellow Sandgropers Trent Rivers (29 possessions, 609 metres gained) in a new midfield role he looks good in, and Koltyn Tholstrup (two goals from 12 disposals) shone for the Demons. West Coast had a crack after their MIA first-quarter but a nine-goal loss is a nine-goal loss. The pressure won’t ease on that performance.