West Coast Eagles fall agonisingly short of upset win in stunning turnaround

A week after they were belted by a record 171 points, the West Coast Eagles have produced a stunning turnaround in form.

West Coast’s Jack Williams celebrates a goal. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

A week is a long time in football.

West Coast have bounced back from their 171-point drubbing at the hands of Sydney with a spirited display against St Kilda on Sunday, going down 85 (12.13) to 77 (12.5).

The Eagles welcomed back premiership captain Shannon Hurn and gun defender Tom Barrass and looked like a completely different team under the Perth sunshine at Optus Stadium.

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They showed much improved intensity around the ball and their brigade of young players capitalised by hitting the scoreboard.

Ryan Maric and Elijah Hewett kicked two goals each, while Bailey Williams, Jack Williams and Noah Long also slotted majors.

This is the most St Kilda thing St Kilda has ever done #afleaglessaints

— Cam Reddin (@CamReddin) July 2, 2023

No one saw this coming…. except for every single Saints fan. #AFLEaglesSaints

— Charlie Clausen (@CXClausen) July 2, 2023

st kilda what are you doing

— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) July 2, 2023

What a turnaround by the Eagles. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

West Coast’s Jack Williams celebrates a goal. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Eagles kicked four goals to three in the first quarter to lead a game for the first time since round 12 as a shock upset looked on the cards.

They kept the momentum going in the second term, kicking four more goals to take a 24-point lead into halftime, before the Saints kicked six goals in the third term to fight back.

St Kilda kicked the only goal of the last quarter to edge in front and hold on for an eight-point victory.

It would have been a remarkable turnaround if the Eagles hold onto win, given there were calls for coach Adam Simpson to be sacked following the historic loss to the Swans.

But it wasn’t to be. West Coast have now lost their last 13 games and sit on the bottom of the AFL ladder with one win to their name.

The victory solidified move St Kilda up to fifth on the ladder

Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.: “If you’re a Saints fan, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

“That was hard work but they got the win they needed and they consolidate fifth spot on the ladder after getting a little bit of a scare from the West Coast Eagles.

“Boy, that was not comfortable. They nearly did the unthinkable.”

Andrew Gaze said: “They were very nervous. The Saints with a massive scare to the Eagles, they just fall over the line.”