THERE was one overriding emotion for West Coast coach Adam Simpson after Sunday's helter-skelter finish against Geelong: relief.
After watching his side blow a 32-point half-time lead and fall 14 points behind during the final term, Simpson could be forgiven for thinking the Eagles had coughed up a gilt-edged chance for a significant victory over a flag contender.
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But a stirring fightback against the injury-hit Cats, featuring a stunning six-goal burst over a frantic 10-minute period, secured the Eagles' first win at new home Optus Stadium and continued their early-season momentum after a 51-point belting of the Bulldogs.
"I think relief comes to mind," Simpson said post-match when asked about his emotions.
"There were really good signs for our resilience as well. I thought clearly we got outplayed in that third quarter and, gee, Geelong were brave.
"But we stuck to it and we couldn't stop that momentum in the third quarter. There were a few structural things but they probably just wanted it a bit more than us.
"We were really challenged at three-quarter time but I thought we stood tall in the last 10 minutes.
"Our leaders stood up and held sway for some of our younger players to get on the end of a couple of goals late."
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The Eagles were inspired by star ruckman Nic Naitanui and Liam Ryan in the opening half, but were outworked by Geelong as the Cats booted 6.3 to two behinds in the third term.
But when Gary Ablett pinged his hamstring in the final quarter the Cats were down to one fit man on the bench and West Coast smelt blood.
Jack Darling ignited the comeback with two composed set shot goals, before Ryan soccered through his third.
The exciting forward hurt his ankle in the process and had to be helped off but Simpson was hopeful the injury wasn't serious.
"I'm not sure. I need to talk to him about doing a lap of honour after we win with an ankle like that," he said.
"I think it's just a sprained ankle. I don't think it's anything hugely severe, but we'll have to wait and see.
"Jack's been exceptional. He's had a really good pre-season. He's having a good career.
"There's a lot of pressure put on Jack over the journey, but I think he's taken his game to another level.
"If anything he's back to his 2012 or '13 presence. He's stood up in the absence of JK."
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Simpson lauded emerging midfielder Dom Sheed for his 30-disposal, two-goal performance, and the 22-year-old could have a massive day if he took several other opportunities in front of goal.
"He's always been a goalkicking mid but he's an inside mid as well, so we're really working hard on his craft," Simpson said.
"To have those type of performances for a young player … that's pleasing for us but we need him to step up.
"Just like we do with 'Reddo' (Jack Redden) and all of our mids, really. It's good that he got on the scoreboard."
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The Eagles have averaged more than 100 points per game across the opening three rounds, despite dual Coleman medallist's Josh Kennedy being sidelined by ankle and knee issues.
Kennedy might be back for Saturday's home clash with Gold Coast, while Simpson expected Liam Duggan (hamstring) would be fit after being a late withdrawal.
