West Coast rising star Josh Lindsay says the emerging Eagles are starting to reap the rewards of persistence despite another victory slipping away late.
The Eagles fell short of spoiling Scott Pendlebury’s milestone match, losing to Collingwood by 10 points in front of a packed MCG on Saturday afternoon.
Jobe Shanahan brought the Eagles back within three points deep in the fourth quarter before Dan McStay and Nick Daicos kicked the sealing majors.
Collingwood hurried out to a 29-point lead early in the third quarter and threatened to blow West Coast out of the match.
But the Eagles were stoic in response, delaying the Magpies’ Pendlebury party.
“I think it was such a good four-quarter performance by us,” Lindsay said.
“We’re probably a bit stiff not to get the result there, but I think our footy is building every week. We’re only getting better from here.
“I think it’s just getting more games and experience. The more footy you play, you learn.
“If you can continue on playing footy, I’ve played 10 games so far and I’ve learned so much.
“Playing footy together is how I think we’re going to really build.”
Lindsay has already earned a Rising Star nomination and developed into one of the Eagles’ best ball users across half back.
The left-footer says instinct guides his deft kicking, but hours of hard work plays an important role.
“I think some of it comes natural but I work super hard on it,” he said.
“Whether that’s before or after training, the more reps I can do the better I am going to get.
“I definitely say it’s hard work.”
Only time will determine whether Lindsay pushes further up the ground, but for now he is content learning at half back alongside Liam Duggan and Liam Baker.
“I love my role across half back, the boys give me such good confidence,” he said.
“Whether down the track I do venture into the midfield, time will tell, but I am loving down back at the moment.”
