West Coast Eagles 2026 Intraclub Match: Blue Team Dominates Young Whites
The West Coast Eagles kicked off their 2026 pre-season with an intraclub match on Friday morning at Mineral Resources Park. The event pitted a 'blue' team of more experienced players against a 'white' team comprised of younger talent, supplemented by WAFL Eagles players, offering an early glimpse into the squad's readiness and emerging talent.
First Quarter
The scoring opened with Jobe Shanahan finding the goals for the blue team, quickly answered by Jack Walsh for the white team. The blue midfield, featuring Harley Reid, Tom McCarthy, and Elliot Yeo, swiftly gained control of the contest. Cooper Duff-Tytler emerged as an early standout for the blues, converting three goals, one with an assist from Josh Lindsay. Malakai Champion added another goal for the white team.
At the first break, the blue team established a significant lead, 5.6 (36) to 2.1 (13). Co-captain Liam Duggan exited the game early after sustaining a head knock.
Second Quarter
The blue team continued their momentum into the second term. Jack Williams scored a goal from a set shot, following a combined effort from Clay Hall and Tom Gross, supported by Harry Barnett's ruck work. Matt Owies briefly reduced the margin for the whites. McCarthy then delivered a precise pass to Yeo, who secured his second goal of the match.
New additions to the squad, Deven Robertson, Harry Schoenberg, and Fin Macrae, were noted for their presence, with Schoenberg and Robertson particularly active. Harley Reid then set up Duff-Tytler for his fourth goal, showcasing excellent synergy. Archer Reid and Jamie Cripps also added to the blues' tally. On the defensive end for the blue team, Reuben Ginbey and Harry Edwards held strong.
By half-time, the blue team's dominance was clear, extending their lead to 10.13 (73) to 4.2 (26). However, the quarter also saw Jack Graham and Tom Gross exit the match with hamstring injuries, heading for scans.
Third Quarter
The blue team delivered a commanding third quarter, scoring an impressive seven goals without concession. Tim Kelly took charge in the midfield, orchestrating play. A powerful centre clearance from Kelly resulted in Willem Duursma kicking a 50-meter goal. Schoenberg continued to impress, kicking two goals, while Yeo notched his third for the day. Tylah Williams and Tyrell Dewar were active for the white team. Tom Cole joined the blues, replacing Brandon Starcevich in the line-up.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter saw the white team add to their score with a goal from Clay Hall. Bo Allan's performance developed throughout the contest. Jamie Cripps, having switched to play for the white team, assisted Harvey Johnston, who successfully converted. Noah Long scored his second goal for the blue team. Archer Reid added his third goal, swiftly followed by another, assisted by McCarthy. Harley Reid and Josh Lindsay remained pivotal in play, and Cooper Duff-Tytler capped off a stellar performance with his fifth goal of the match.
Injury Update & Absentees
AFL Origin players Jake Waterman and Liam Baker were absent from the intraclub match. Brady Hough (ankle), Bailey Williams (groin), and Elijah Hewett (calf) were observed performing on-ground training prior to the match. Tylar Young was also unavailable due to a recent shin injury.