Swans prove too strong for gallant West CoastSaturday, April 17, 2021 - 8:21 PM - by Matt Paddick

SWAN Districts has continued its impressive start to the 2021 WAFL season with Jesse Palmer proving a more than handy addition to their attack while an old warrior was best afield in the 39-point win.

A four-goal haul from Swan Districts forward Palmer helped his side to the 13.16 (94) to 8.7 (55) victory against the West Coast Eagles on Saturday Round 3 of the WAFL season at Steel Blue Oval.

Then there was Swans captain Matt Riggio showing that he is still capable of plenty 204 games into his WAFL career. 

He might not be the same player to run all day, every day in the midfield but a week after playing a starring role in attack, he did spend more time up the field on Saturday and delivered 32 possessions and 15 marks for Swans in a commanding display.

The Swans got off to the perfect start, with Aiden Clarke kicking the first major within the first minute of the game.

The Eagles back-line was under immense pressure from the very start, as the Swans were able to lock the ball in their forward half of the ground for most of the game.

West Coast went goalless for the first term, while Swan Districts had 10 scoring shots from 18 entries to lead by 28 points at the first break.

The Eagles showed more fight in the second quarter, with the back-line, led by Luke Foley, looking more settled to counter the Swans offence.

Jamaine Jones scored the first goal for the Eagles, before Swan Districts’ Jesse Palmer hit back with two goals in a row to take the Swans’ lead to 35 at half-time.

The Swans continued the momentum into the third quarter, kicking four goals as things started to look ugly for the Eagles, who trailed by 59 points at the final break.

Although the last quarter belonged to West Coast, who scored six goals to the Swans’ three, the game had already been won, with Swan Districts leaving as 39-point victors.

The Swans’ back-line, led by Brandon Erceg, stood up all day and provided a strong platform for the win.

PALMER INSTRUMENTAL UP FORWARD
Jesse Palmer had a day out up forward, with his own accuracy in front of goal being the only downside. The forward kicked four goals to go along with four behinds and was constantly a target for the Swans. He took 12 marks and set up multiple scores, and was the best forward on the ground. Fellow forward Tom Edwards supported him well, kicking three goals of his own.

SWANS’ MIDFIELD STANDS UP DESPITE LOSS OF TURNER

The Swans had a big out in Jesse Turner, who had been an important player for the Swan Districts midfield. It wasn’t a problem for the Swans, who were dominant against the West Coast midfield. Led by Matt Riggio (32 disposals), Swan Districts were able to lock the ball in the forward 50, with the team able to manufacture 59 inside 50s for the game. He was well supported by Frank Anderson and Nelson Waite, each with 29 disposals in a superb midfield display.

GAULT INFLUENTIAL AGAINST AFL-LISTED RUCKS

Swan Districts ruckman Corey Gault showed his work rate around the ground in a quality rucking display. Although the Swans lost the hit out count (48-30), Gault was easily the most influential big man on the ground. He had 24 hit outs himself, to go along with his 21 disposals and a goal. The former Magpie has continued his impressive form to start the 2021 season.

YOUNG EAGLE SOLID IN DEFENCE

In a back-line constantly under pressure from the Swans’ forwards, Luke Foley continued his good form throughout the season to be the best of the West Coast players. He had 28 disposals and showed off his quality ball use by foot throughout the game. Foley looked to take the game on, often looking to go through the corridor to move the ball forward. The young defender did his chances of an AFL call up no harm with the performance.

OPTUS WAFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 3

SWAN DISTRICTS        4.6    6.9    10.15    13.16 (94)
WEST COAST EAGLES        0.2    1.4    2.4    8.7 (55)

SWAN DISTRICTS: Goals – Palmer 4; Edwards 3; Clarke, Reidy, Gault, Bayok, Riggio, Notte.
Best – Riggio, Waite, Palmer, Anderson, Gault, Fisher, Cipro, Clarke, Watson, Edwards.
WEST COAST EAGLES: Goals – Jones 2; Johnson, Ainsworth, Brayshaw, Sinclair, Flint, Nitschke.
Best – Jones, Edwards, Brayshaw, Ainsworth, Foley, Jamieson.