Justin Chadwick
West Coast co-captain Liam Baker has labelled his team’s flop against Sydney as “pathetic”, saying the club’s on-field leaders were largely to blame.
The Eagles slumped to the fifth-largest loss in the club’s history in a 128-point thrashing at the hands of Sydney in Perth on Saturday night.
Given West Coast had entered the game off inspirational comeback wins against North Melbourne and Port Adelaide, the size of the loss was a huge shock.
The meek way West Coast surrendered against Sydney revived memories of their disastrous 2023 campaign, when the Eagles lost five games by more than 100 points.
“It was a tough pill to swallow. Pretty pathetic effort from us, really,” Baker told AAP.
“Sydney were sharp from the first bounce, and we couldn’t match it, and then it just snowballed from there.
“They just outworked us and they were stronger and tougher and a better team, and they’re one of the benchmarks in the comp, so not good enough from us.”
West Coast have the youngest and least experienced list in the AFL.
They were left even more vulnerable against Sydney given they were without midfield bulls Elliot Yeo (groin) and Deven Robertson (suspended).
It meant Sydney could put their full focus in locking Harley Reid out of the game, with the Eagles’ rising star held to just 17 disposals and one clearance by Swans tagger James Jordon.
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter says his team need to do more to help Reid break tags.
West Coast had the 10 youngest players out on the field, and Baker said it was the club’s leaders who let the team down the most.
“It’s us leaders, we didn’t really stand up,” Baker said.
“So I feel for those young blokes. There’s only so much they can do at times.
“They’ve been amazing the last few weeks, and then if that bit of a base around them from the leadership group and some senior players isn’t there, then it’s tough for them.”
Yeo is uncertain to return for the Gather Round clash with Geelong at Norwood Oval, but Robertson will be back from suspension and Elijah Hewett is a chance to join him.
With Matt Flynn struggling in the ruck this season, there are growing calls for the more athletic Bailey Williams to replace him this week.
AAP
