West Coast's record WAFL losing streak has come to an end in stunning fashion, with the battling Eagles knocking off reigning premiers East Fremantle on Sunday.
The Eagles carried a 28-game losing streak into the match, a spell that surpassed the longest in league history last week when West Coast fell to South Fremantle by 88 points.
Heading into Sunday's contest at the Sharks at Mineral Resources Park, West Coast would've been hoping for an improved effort after losing to the eventual premiers by 184 points last July, 215 points to 31.
The Eagles managed to do the unthinkable to end their losing run - which dates back to the 2022 season - knocking off East Fremantle by four points at home.
The Eagles were dominant but wayward on the scoreboard against a clinical Sharks outfit, kicking 13.17 to East Fremantle's 14.7.
West Coast got off to a slow start, booting two goals to let the reigning premiers carry a 13-point lead into the first break, with that lead only cut back by a further two points the next quarter.
The Eagles took the lead in the third term and were ahead by two points before a three-goal final term to both sides continued the exciting affair.
Former Collingwood player Trey Ruscoe led the way with three goals for the day, while veteran AFL-listed midfielders Dom Sheed (25 disposals, seven marks) and Andrew Gaff (21 disposals, six marks, four tackles) were among the Eagles' leading ball winners.
Credit: The West Australian
Jamaine Jones and Zane Trew were also key contributors in the win, which included a new role for small forward Liam Ryan, who was positioned across half-back to record 19 disposals in his return from a significant pre-season hamstring injury.
Sheed also made his return after battling a foot issue over the summer, while Jai Culley played his second game of the year after rupturing his ACL midway through last season.
The win sees the Eagles rise to eighth on the ladder and ahead of the Sharks, who themselves have managed just one win from three matches.
West Coast are scheduled to face 2023's other grand finalist, Peel Thunder, next week at Optus Stadium, with Fremantle's affiliate side sitting in the top five with a 2-1 record.
