West Coast sink to historic low with fourth-biggest loss in AFL history in SCG bloodbath

West Coast has been labelled “embarrassing for the competition” after one of the biggest bloodbaths in the history of the AFL.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Reuben Ginbey of the Eagles looks dejected after a Swans goal during the round 15 AFL match between Sydney Swans and West Coast Eagles at Sydney Cricket Ground, on June 24, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

The West Coast Eagles have been labelled ‘beyond embarrassing for the competition’ as they were crushed by Sydney at the SCG in the fourth-biggest loss in VFL/AFL history.

The Eagles’ 31.19 (205) to 5.4 (34) drubbing at the hands of Sydney saw records rapidly tumble under the Sydney twilight – it is by some margin the largest loss in West Coast’s history, the 171-point smashing beating out the previous mark of 142 points set at Windy Hill against Essendon in 1989.

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It also saw the highest score conceded in West Coast’s history, Sydney’s highest-ever three-quarter-time score, Sydney’s equal-highest winning margin, and just the third time the Swans have ever reached the double ton.

It is the first time an AFL club has reached 200 points since 2011.

The scarcely believable score sent the AFL world into complete meltdown, with Mark Howard on commentary exclaiming: “What are we seeing?”

“Marnus Labuschagne was the last man to bring up 200 at the SCG against the Kiwis, and now Hayden McLean’s done it,” said Howard.

The Swans piled it on in historic fashion. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Co-commentator Alistair Lynch called it “a dark day for the footy club.”

“There‘s going to be significant conversations going on,” Lynch said.

“One thing I wouldn‘t do from a West Coast Eagles point of view – I wouldn’t allow (coach Adam Simpson) to go by myself in the press conference, get someone.

“If I was the captain I’d go in and sit in with him. Just to spread the load and show unity around a difficult time.”

Luke Parker of the Swans celebrates yet another goal. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

“Does the AFL need to step in here?” said SEN’s Nic Negropontis.

“This is beyond embarrassing for the competition.”

Nine journalist Roy Ward looked to history to contextualise the game.

“I can remember when the pre-Barassi Swans were so bad, teams would 150 or more points on them,” Ward said.

“Never thought I would see another team as far off the pace again. But West Coast clearly are miles off.”

3AW’s Shane McInnes called it “an indictment on an incredibly proud club.”

“The Eagles aren’t just bad, they’re simply irrelevant this year,” McInnes said.

The extraordinary result even had impacts around the league, with broadcaster Seven forced to delay the start of the Fremantle-Essendon clash in Perth by five minutes because of the unanticipated deluge of goals.

Originally published as West Coast sink to historic low with fourth-biggest loss in AFL history in SCG bloodbath