Eagles Learn Tough Lesson in Costly Quarter
The Eagles struggled in the third quarter as the Blues dominated in Saturday's elimination final in wet, harsh conditions at Ikon Park.
Blues' Physicality Decides the Match
West Coast coach Daisy Pearce highlighted Carlton’s increased physicality and intensity after halftime as the main factor in the game’s turning point.
“I just thought they lifted their physicality and intensity. For a 15-minute period or so, we just get knocked off the ball a bit too easily. That's finals footy and it'll be a great lesson for us moving forward.”
Match Summary
- The Eagles matched Carlton in the first half.
- Carlton responded with six unanswered goals after the break.
- The Blues secured a 41-point victory.
Future Focus and Improvements
Pearce emphasized that this first finals experience will provide valuable lessons for the team as they prepare for the next season.
“We just go back to the drawing board, try and really narrow in on a couple of things that are going to give us big bang for buck next year. A good starting point will be more strength and conditioning in our fundamentals. Just more work ahead of us.”
Enduring Challenges Builds Success
She added that overcoming losses like this one is part of the journey toward future success.
“When you eventually get there and have success, it's these moments that make it more satisfying. You've got to endure losses like today and have experiences like today.”
Author's summary: The Eagles' defeat highlighted the importance of physicality and resilience in finals, motivating the team to focus on fundamentals and conditioning for next season.