West Coast has reached a new low after suffering a heavy defeat to Richmond, with former player Matthew Lloyd declaring the club has hit “rock bottom.” The Eagles, expected to perform well at home, faced a humiliating 49-point loss to the Tigers, who showcased their scoring prowess by racking up 105 points.
This defeat serves as a wake-up call for a West Coast side that now appears destined for the wooden spoon, having only secured a single victory out of their last 86 matches dating back to early 2022. With such a record, the team is under immense pressure, and criticisms have been directed at veteran midfielder Tim Kelly for lacking defensive effort during crucial moments of the game. Former Richmond player Nathan Brown expressed his discontent on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, questioning the team’s standards and leadership in light of Kelly’s performance.
Coach Andrew McQualter offered insight into the team’s struggles, suggesting that a lack of confidence and low energy are significant hurdles for his players. He noted that despite their efforts, the team’s morale is dwindling, evident during the first quarter where they failed to convert a dominant performance into points.
Reflecting on their current state, Lloyd shared his own experiences from when he encountered similar challenges, recalling a season where his team managed only five wins. He empathised with the Eagles’ plight, acknowledging the bleakness of their situation as they face the grim prospect of finishing with just one win this season.
As they prepare for a pivotal match against local rivals Fremantle in Round 20, West Coast must rally and seek to regain their footing in what has been an overwhelmingly difficult season.