Eagles Learn a Tough Lesson in Costly Third Quarter
The Eagles regretted their poor performance in the third quarter as the Blues dominated, delivering a decisive win.
Physicality and Intensity Highlighted by Blues Coach
West Coast coach Daisy Pearce credited Carlton's physicality and intensity as the key factors in Saturday's elimination final victory.
After a balanced first half, Carlton surged post-break, kicking six unanswered goals and securing a 41-point win in wet, difficult conditions at Ikon Park.
Pearce’s Reflections on the Game
"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."
Looking Forward: Lessons and Adjustments
Pearce emphasized that the team would gain valuable experience from their first finals appearance and is focused on improvements 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."
"That was the message coming into today. 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."
Match Summary
- Game: Carlton Blues vs West Coast Eagles elimination final
- Outcome: Carlton won by 41 points
- Key moment: Blues kicked six consecutive goals in the third quarter
- Conditions: Wet and challenging weather at Ikon Park
Author's summary: The Eagles' third-quarter collapse against Carlton revealed critical areas for improvement as their coach stresses the importance of experience and physicality in finals football.