West Coast Eagles edge Port Adelaide in thrilling JLT Series clash

THE retirements of key Eagles in the off-season means West Coast will have a new look in 2018. BRADEN QUARTERMAINE examines how that played out in the JLT Series opener and what to expect going forward.

Scott Lycett worked hard in the ruck on Sunday. Picture: AAP Images

THE retirements of Brownlow medallists Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell mean West Coast will look to their second-tier midfielders to step up this season.

The Eagles would have been encouraged on Sunday as they almost levelled the clearance battle and won the contested ball count, with good signs from Dom Sheed and Jack Redden.

Lewis Jetta impressed in a new role across half-back where the Eagles will hope to utilise his speed and pinpoint kicking ability. He showed off his silky boot with a stunning winning goal from 55m.

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LIFE WITHOUT JK

Josh Kennedy went within a whisker of winning his third straight Coleman Medal last season and averaged the most goals per game in the competition.

With Kennedy in doubt for the season-opening clash against Sydney following ankle surgery, West Coast unveiled a new-look forward line shaped around Jack Darling (goalless) and youngster Jake Waterman (one goal) as the main targets.

The Eagles are set to employ a more dynamic forward mix in 2018 with the additions of Willie Rioli and Liam Ryan, but if Kennedy is to be replaced by a tall it looks like Waterman is in the box seat to make his AFL debut.

Liam Ryan attempts a mark on Sunday. Picture: AAP Images

FLYIN’ RYAN

Liam Ryan is well known to WA fans after regularly standing on the heads of opponents in the past two seasons in the WAFL with Subiaco.

The electrifying 21-year-old is now ready to introduce himself to a national audience as he firms for an AFL debut in round one.

Ryan made some mistakes, including hitting the post from a simple set-shot in the final term, but kicked the first goal of the game and was a lively presence throughout.

The livewire forward couldn’t pull down a trademark screamer but looks certain to give Jeremy Howe some competition in the speccy stakes.

UPPING HIS PRICE

Andrew Gaff was below his best last season as he carried an ankle issue, but looks to be back after a typically gut-busting endurance performance in the heat to rack up a game-high 35 possessions.

Due to become a restricted free agent at season’s end, a hot start to the season would intensify interest from clubs in luring the Victorian product home.

There is no panic at the Eagles yet over Gaff, who has previously signed two-year extensions mid-season.

Traditionally a wingman, Gaff was often seen at the centre bounces and is likely to spend more time as an inside midfielder.

Andrew Gaff was a standout for the Eagles. Picture: AAP Images

RUCK ROLES

Scott Lycett and Nathan Vardy were the ruck tandem act but they will be very much in competition for the same spot this season once Nic Naitanui is fit.

Whoever gets the nod as Naitanui’s ruck partner will have to be effective as a forward so Vardy did his case no harm with two goals in the first half.

Lycett had his hands full against Paddy Ryder but made a successful return from a season ruined by a shoulder injury and the pair will both play in the Optus Stadium blockbuster opener in Round 1 should Naitanui not be ready.

POWER REPORT CARD

Port Adelaide led at every change yet came away empty-handed, with the two-point margin a spooky reminder of their stunning collapse in last year’s elimination final against West Coast which prompted the Power’s off-season recruiting spree.

The West Coast forward-line put on great pressure and it made it tough for the Power to generate enough from the back half. It was a fairly even team performance from Port but their forwards needed more than 34 inside 50s to work with.

Jack Watts was quiet for the Power on Sunday. Picture: AFL Media

ROBBIE’S WORRY

Port star Robbie Gray has a nervous wait after collecting All-Australian teammate Jeremy McGovern with a high bump late in the first quarter.

McGovern, who was attempting to pick the ball up when he copped the glancing blow to the side of his head, appeared dazed but willing to continue before being led from the ground by trainers.

He didn’t return for the rest of the match in a worrying sign for Gray, in what shapes as an early test case on the bump for match review supremo Michael Christian.

Any suspension handed to Gray must be served in the regular season, placing him in doubt for the Power’s home clash with Fremantle in Round 1.

NEW BOYS

Dom Barry wasn’t the highest profile of the Power’s swag of new faces brought to the club, but he was the best of the new additions to feature with a team-high 20 touches and a goal.

Jack Watts played mainly forward and did some good things, while Lindsay Thomas, Steven Motlop and Jack Trengove will hope to build towards Round 1 after having little impact in their first outings.

Former Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff sat out with a minor knee issue but will hope to take part in the second JLT Community Series game against Adelaide in a fortnight.

Jack Watts and Charlie Dixon celebrate a goal. Picture: AFL Media

KICKING BOOTS

Port Adelaide has had all summer to dwell on their missed opportunities in front of goal in last year’s epic elimination final defeat to the Eagles.

They were sunk by Luke Shuey after the extra-time siren despite eight more scoring shots, with spearhead Charlie Dixon kicking an agonising 3.6.

Dixon kicked a set-shot out on the full early in the final term, but finished with 3.0 in the Power’s total of 8.6. They kicked 2.4 in the second half and probably should have won after looking in control for much of the game.