Woodville-West Torrens kicks into top gear to beat brave Bloods by 34 points

THE Eagles are looking dangerous early in the season, comfortably accounting for West Adelaide on Friday.

Eagle Patrick Giuffreda tackles West's Zachary Bates in their big win at Richmond Oval. Picture: Tom Huntley

PERENNIAL SANFL finalist Woodville-West Torrens looks set for another fine home-and-away season after yesterday dispatching West Adelaide by 34 points at Richmond Oval in its season opener.

The Eagles methodically and stylishly edged away from a close opening quarter and never really looked threatened in perfect Good Friday conditions.

It took until the 11th minute for Jack Agostino to kick the first goal of the match after attacking the ball the way children attack Easter eggs.

He gathered the ball at full speed, negotiated his way through heavy traffic and managed to dribble through an unlikely goal on the run while looking like he was off balance.

There was much to like about West Adelaide as the Bloods chase their first finals spot since their 2015 landmark premiership.

West's Daniel Webb takes a big mark. Picture: Tom Huntley

Eagle Sam Rowland wraps up West's Aaron Anderson. Picture: Tom Huntley

Agostino, John Noble, Logan Hill and Nathan Batley were prominent, not only in getting the ball but also in providing run and support.

But the Bloods took baby steps compared to the Eagles, who hit full gallop at the start of another season.

Big Jarrad Redden, returning from a 12-month break, outmarked two Bloods defenders to create a buffer for the Eagles with his first goal for the match late in the second quarter. He’s a ruckman who looks more than comfortable in the forward line.

There was a bit of class about the Eagles, who play with a bit of daring that means they can move the ball into attack with deadly speed.

They are quick to play on and unafraid to take a few risks and when the ball is in the hands of classy players such as Jake Johanson, James Boyd or Paul Stewart they are a treat to watch.

Little Angus Poole was another who typified the Eagles; he tirelessly went from contest to contest as the Bloods’ spirits were sapped and the game was put under lock and key in the third quarter.