"I think if we play like that every week, we'll be okay."
West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter is proud of his team's performance against the top-of-the-table Adelaide Crows, despite going down by nine points.
After a disappointing effort against the Melbourne Demons, an 83-point loss in what was Simon Goodwin's final match in charge, the Eagles were competitive on Sunday against elite competition.
It would have warmed the hearts of the Eagles faithful, as the club paid tribute to a pair of departing premiership stars. It was also Captain Liam Duggan's 200th game.
"Massive day for the club, celebrating the send off of [Jeremy] McGovern and Dom [Sheed]," said McQualter.
McGovern also gave the Eagles an inspiring pre-game speech, albeit laced with expletives. "He just swore for 30 seconds," joked McQualter.
"[I] just thought it was an opportunity for 'Gov' to mention the opportunity they have to represent the club every week."
The Eagles led by 17 points in the third quarter and four points at three-quarter time, threatening to cause the upset of the season.
"I got excited on the bench, that's why I lost my voice. I loved our intent," said McQualter.
"It doesn't take any talent or skill to give defensive intent, best we have defended all year."
Young players Jobe Shanahan, Tom McCarthy and Reuben Ginbey all received praise from the coach. "Our fans are getting signs of what our future can look like," said McQualter.
McCarthy has been one of the revelations of the season since being selected with the first pick in the mid-season rookie draft, and amassed a game-high 29 possessions against the Crows.
"Once he settles in, gets his body building into an AFL Player, [I'm] not sure what the ceiling is," said McQualter.
McQualter also touched on some injury concerns regarding Matt Flynn, Archer Reid, Ryan Maric and Clay Hall, who all played through those concerns on Sunday.
"Archer came off with a sore foot, Flynn came off with a knock, Maric [a] big corky, Clay Hall got hit late," said McQualter.
The West Coast Eagles will again play the role of the potential spoiler against the Western Bulldogs this Sunday, where a defeat would knock Luke Beveridge's team out of finals contention.
