WEST Coast has stunned Port Adelaide by 10 points on Sunday night, holding strong against a torrent of Power attacks late in the game to score the best win of its season. 

The Eagles took the lead late in the third term and managed to keep composed in their back half to sneak home 11.12 (78) to 10.8 (68). 

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The last five minutes were as intense as football can get.

Port threw everything at West Coast with Angus Monfries typifying the desperation of his side when he almost knocked himself out trying to win possession.

But, led by Jeremy McGovern and Mark LeCras (28 possessions, one goal), the Eagles' backline was superb.

"It's the best win that I've been a part of since I've been at the club," West Coast coach Adam Simpson said.

"We're really starting to see some development and excitement with our kids coming through."

WATCH: Adam Simpson's full post-match media conference

Matt Priddis (31 disposals) and Chris Masten (30) were brilliant through the midfield, while the ruck combination of Nic Naitanui (30 hit-outs) and Callum Sinclair (24) was dominant. 

Alipate Carlile was a rock in defence, and Robbie Gray (25, three goals), Chad Wingard (24, two goals) and Hamish Hartlett (25 possessions, 10 tackles) did all they could.

Talking points: Port Adelaide v West Coast

Power coach Ken Hinkley praised the Eagles, but criticised his players' desire.

"Once we gave them a little look at it … the tighter it stays the more belief they get," he said.

"Our intent to stay in the moment probably dropped off and gave them a little bit of a sniff."

WATCH: Ken Hinkley's full post-match media conference

Eagles forward Elliot Yeo (23 disposals, one goal) was also on song and started his day off with a goal that was almost identical to Eddie Betts' goal of the week nominee in round five. 

Gray hit back quickly though with two of his own.

After Josh Hill edged West Coast ahead Hamish Hartlett appeared to have again given Port the lead, but pointed out to the umpire that he had hit the post – football's equivalent of a batsman walking. 

The opening term was, in every essence, blow for blow and even into the second neither side was able to pull away. 

Naitanui's advantage in the ruck wasn't being reflected by the Eagles' ability to clear the ball and it wasn't until Travis Boak benefited from a lucky bounce and Gray from a lucky drop that the Power were able to open a slight lead.

The Eagles entered the game as the most efficient side when heading inside 50 but were kicking at just 30 per cent inside their forward half in the second term. 

Yeo was presenting well, but couldn't convert into a tricky breeze and despite a great second term from Priddis, Sharrod Wellingham and LeCras, West Coast was unable to assert any authority on the game.


After missing a set shot before half-time, Josh Kennedy nailed the first of the second half, before Dom Sheed reduced the Power's lead to just five points.

For the third time in as many weeks the Power's defence, led by Carlile, was being hounded. 

Controlling possession and field position but wasting opportunity, West Coast finally took the lead when Hill finished some handy work by LeCras.

Kennedy had a golden chance to extend the Eagles' lead when he marked strongly on the siren only to push it wide for the third time.

Luke Shuey made no such mistake early in the last when he somehow found space in the forward 50 to push West Coast 12 points ahead. 

The tide quickly turned and the Power attacked hard, but the Eagles were able to absorb the drives and spread some icing on the cake when Shuey booted his second for the term.

Luke Shuey celebrates his match-sealing goal in the final term. Picture: AFL Media


PORT ADELAIDE     3.4   7.6   8.6     10.8 (68) 
WEST COAST           3.4  4.7   8.10   11.12 (78) 

GOALS 
Port Adelaide: Gray 3, Wingard 2, Boak, White, Schulz, Lobbe, Monfries
West Coast: Hill 2, Cripps 2, Shuey 2, Yeo, Priddis, Kennedy, Sheed, LeCras      

BEST 
Port Adelaide: Gray, Wingard, Carlile, Boak, Hombsch, Hartlett
West Coast: LeCras, Shuey, Yeo, Priddis, McGovern, Sheed 

INJURIES 
Port Adelaide: Nil
West Coast: Nil                      

SUBSTITUTES 
Port Adelaide: Brendon Ah Chee replaced Aaron Young in the third quarter
West Coast: Jackson Nelson replaced Fraser McInnes in the final quarter

Reports: Nil 

Umpires: Deboy, Kamolins, McInerney

Official crowd: 38,508 at Adelaide Oval