West Coast finally registered their first victory of season 2025, but it was a result of tremendous hardship, as news of premiership player Adam Selwood's passing came to light.
Channelling the incredibly difficult emotions, Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said the team had been asked to play in the spirit and courageous manner that Selwood embodied throughout his 187 games.
West Coast's last victory came in Round 22 last year - 281 days ago - and after a horrid start that saw the club winless, Sunday's 28-point win over St Kilda was in honour of the 2006 premiership player.
"It's been one of the most emotional periods of my life that I've been through, and I'm sure for many people at the football club it's just an incredibly challenging and sad time," McQualter said in his post-match address.
"Adam had a huge influence at our football club and impacted many people that still work at our football club today.
"I just thought the way our players represented our football club today was something that I am, and we are, incredibly proud of in challenging circumstances.
"When we got here today, we just asked people to play in the right spirit and put their emotions into being a great teammate like Adam was, and we got the performance we got.
"We were just open, honest and raw. We let people have whatever feelings they had.
โWhen we got here today, we just asked people to play in the right spirit and put their emotions into being a great teammate like Adam was โ and we got the performance we got."
Captain Oscar Allen also spoke post-game about the need to consistently seek help in tough times, noting his own personal battles so far this year.
"I know it's great to win a game of footy, but we've lost a legend of our club and I just want to send all our love and support to the Selwood family," Allen said.
"Mental health is such a massive thing in society at the moment.
"I struggled with me own mental battles this year.
"I know it's great to win a game of footy, but..."
Absolutely beautiful words from Oscar Allen, speaking honestly about his own battles and paying tribute to Adam Selwood ๐๐
MORE from #AFLEaglesSaints >> https://t.co/Ht8SdcuaYZ pic.twitter.com/pJO1ruMkOB
โ Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 18, 2025
"I've been so fortunate to have such a great support crew around me, to have my back throughout everything we've gone through.
"I just urge anyone out there who is struggling with anything, please reach out โ helplines, friends, reach out to each other because we're heartbroken.
"We just want to offer all the love and support we can to the Selwood family at this time."
The Eagles' victory helped avoid a historic worst start (never been 0-10) for the proud Western Australian club.
West Coast will travel to South Australia to take on Adelaide in Round 11.
