Dayne Beams, Daniel Rich can’t stop rampant West Coast at Subiaco

DAYNE Beams produced a superb captain’s performance at Subiaco but the heavily outmuscled Lions were still out of their depth against West Coast.

The Lions suffered another heavy defeat to West Coast. Picture: AAP

DAYNE Beams produced a superb captain’s performance at Subiaco but the heavily outmuscled Lions were still belted by 68 points.

West Coast bounced back from a shock loss to Collingwood to trounce the last placed Brisbane 17.11 (113) to 8.9 (45) in front of 32,652 in the last time the Lions will play at the old stadium before Perth’s new stadium goes online next season.

The Lions had their share of the footy and at times were able to open up the hosts with their ball use but turnovers hurt them dearly and the Eagles were able to give their rampant forwards too much supply for the Lions to hope to defend.

Josh Kennedy breathed new life into the Coleman Medal race, booting 6.4 to be four goals shy of Bomber Joe Daniher on 53 and two adrift of Lance Franklin and Ben Brown on 51.

Kennedy has missed five games and it would be a brave man to bet against him claiming a third Coleman medal if he stays fit.

Dayne Beams racked up 41 disposals against the Eagles. Picture: Getty Images

Coach Chris Fagan paid tribute to his two most experienced players, Beams and Daniel Rich, who were superb.

The captain collected a game high 41 disposals and won nine clearances to put his name alongside Eagle Dom Sheed, 29 touches and two goals, and Kennedy as the best players on the ground.

In a well beaten side Rich, who was playing across half back and dealing with attention from Eagles shut down plater Mark Hutchings, was defending with desperation.

The West Aussie produced his best game of the season and in particular used the ball to the level Brisbane know he is capable of.

His efficiency of 81 per cent was elite.

“They both played terrific games,’’ Fagan said.

“Beamsy got up over 40 and Richie gave us heaps of rebound out of defence and used the ball pretty well.

“Those older blokes have been really good all year and they flew the flag again today.’’

Josh Kennedy (right) kicked another bag of goals against the Lions. Picture: Getty Images

The Lions rested gun youngsters Eric Hipwood, Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry which gave Sam Skinner and Jacob Allison the chance to make their debuts.

Fagan said he was thrilled with their first up performances.

Allison got plenty of the footy playing on a wing and his clean heels stood out on the long Subiaco playing surface.

“He finished with 20 touches and at different times his speed stood out on the wing,’’ he said.

“He still has a lot to learn but I walk away from today thinking there is a bloke who can become an AFL player.’’

Skinner took Hipwood’s spot in attack and finished as Brisbane’s only multiple goal kicker.

His first goal in league footy drew celebrating teammates from every corner of the ground

“He kicked a couple of goals and competed really well and laid a couple of strong tackles,’’ Fagan said.

“So that was exciting to see that.’’

WEST COAST 4.1 9.4 12.7 17.11 (113)

BRISBANE 3.2 3.5 5.8 6.9 (45)

GOALS

Eagles: J Kennedy 6; J Darling, M LeCras, D Sheed 2; J McGovern, S Mitchell, L Partington, L Duggan, E Yeo.

Lions: S Skinner 2: B Keays, J Schache, Bastinac, T Rockliff.

BEST

Eagles: D Sheed, J Kennedy, S Mitchell, L Shuey, L Duggan, S Hurn.

Lions: D Rich, D Beams, R Bastinac, S Martin, L Taylor.

Crowd: 32,652 at Subiaco

FIVE THINGS

DAYNE Beams played a brilliant captain’s game. Beams has been playing more outside since returning prematurely from a shoulder injury as he gave the joint the chance to heal. Yesterday he was in the clinches fighting a lone hand at the stoppages. He finished with 41 possessions and nine clearances to be the best player on the ground.

DANIEL Rich enjoyed a successful homecoming. It was the West Aussie’s best game of the year. He was able to beat a Mark Hutchings tag and provide plenty of drive off half back. He finished with 32 possessions.

SAM Skinner’s story to come back from multiple knee reconstructions has inspired his team mates. When the debutant kicked a goal in the opening quarter every Lion on the ground ran in to congratulate him.

MARK Le Cras endured a tough week of scrutiny over his future after another poor outing on the road in the loss to Collingwood. His response would have pleased the Eagles coaching department and it thrilled the faithful crammed into Subiaco Oval. His second goal, an outside of the foot snap from the pocket was all class.

WEST Coast fans would have arrived at the footy wondering if Josh Kennedy could make up ground in the Coleman medal race. Last year at this venue Kennedy booted eight against Brisbane. He needed 10 today but managed 6.4.