West Coast spearhead Jake Waterman missed the chance to be a hero after hitting the post with a set-shot in the final minute of Saturday's one-point loss to North Melbourne. The Eagles looked like pulling off a brilliant comeback when Waterman marked about 25 meters out directly in front. However, his shot struck the post, and the Kangaroos held on after two big contested marks from Tristan Xerri and Nick Larkey.
Waterman's Devastation and Larkey's Sympathy
Waterman, who has struggled with his goalkicking this year, was devastated after the final siren as teammates and even opposition players consoled him. Larkey was one of the first Kangaroos players to approach Waterman and expressed sympathy for what happened.
“We got away with one. Jake Waterman is one of the best key forwards in the game ... sad to see that happen to anyone when they’ve got the chance,” Larkey told Fox Footy after the match. “As much as we love winning, you hate seeing that when the opportunity is there for him. He’s a gun, I watch a lot of stuff and would love to play like him. That’s footy, he’s kicked some rippers this year. Luck went our way.”
Match Summary: Darling Shines, Eagles Rally
Just a week after copping a 124-point loss at the hands of Fremantle, Jack Darling's four first-half goals put North Melbourne on track for victory in Saturday's match in front of 42,409 fans at Optus Stadium. The Kangaroos led by 21 points early in the final quarter, but two goals to an inspired Jobe Shanahan and one to Waterman closed the margin to two points. Waterman then had the chance to win it but couldn't make it count.
Darling finished with 4.1 in his biggest haul since kicking six goals against Gold Coast in 2022, while Nick Larkey also kicked four goals in a welcome return to form. Shanahan had only two disposals at half-time, but the Eagles spearhead sprang to life after that and finished with five contested marks and three goals. One of those goals was a checkside from the pocket with just over two minutes remaining. Waterman finished with 3.3 in a strong display that was only let down by his accuracy.
Controversial Tackle and Injury Concerns
Kangaroos forward Paul Curtis could be in strife for his tackle that resulted in a heavy concussion to Hamish Davis just 10 minutes into the match. Curtis had both of Davis's arms pinned when he tackled the Eagles utility to the ground. Davis was wobbly on his feet when he was finally able to stand up, with the 20-year-old helped off the ground and playing no further part in the match.
First-Half Action and Reid's Impact
North Melbourne tallied six marks inside 50 meters to nil in the opening quarter, but their wayward return of 2.5 cost them dearly. Harley Reid racked up 11 disposals and five clearances for the quarter, but his biggest impact came in the final two minutes when he kicked a goal and then earned another free kick just 20 meters out from goal when he was clotheslined a short time later. Reid missed that second shot—with his snap hitting the post—but as North Melbourne players rushed in to give the star Eagle grief, Brady Hough was handed a free kick from straight in front after being pulled to ground by Charlie Spargo in the ensuing melee.
West Coast's lead expanded to 19 points early in the second quarter as Waterman kicked two quick goals. Waterman thought he had a third—only for the score review to show his goal from point-blank range actually came off his knee. Former Eagle Darling took over from that point, kicking three unanswered goals to give North a one-point lead by half-time. North looked to have the game on their terms until Shanahan's marking prowess turned momentum around, only for Waterman's late miss to see the Eagles fall just short.
