Led by Naitanui’s dominance in the ruck, and with an even contribution from a rebuilt midfield, the Eagles orchestrated a 65-point turnaround to run out 1.16.12 (117) to 0.12.10 (82) winners, the club’s first NAB Cup victory in five years.
With Dean Cox sidelined, Naitanui (21 hit-outs and seven clearances) led the ruck and dominated the Bombers, who were without first choice ruckmen David Hille and Patrick Ryder.
His influence spread far beyond the centre square, however, with the 19-year-old kicking three goals and winning 18 possessions - 16 of which were contested.
A desperate smother, a soaring mark and the game’s only super goal put the icing on the most complete performance of Naitanui’s short career.
West Coast coach John Worsfold praised Naitanui’s leadership early in the game and said the exciting youngster’s performance had exceeded his expectations. The coach added that former captain Chris Judd was the last Eagle to have the raw talent Naitanui possesses.
However, the highest praise came from Essendon coach Mathew Knights, who described Naitanui’s game as “unbelievable”.
“It demonstrates what a wonderful player he’s going to be in this league,” Knights said.
“He is the most awesome young talent running around in the game at the present time. The talent, the recovery, the speed and the willingness to keep jumping all night - he really had a special game.”
Others crucial in West Coast’s victory were key forward Josh Kennedy (three goals) and young midfielder Chris Masten (24 possessions), while Brad Ebert (16 possessions) got better through the night and untried pair Brad Sheppard and Luke Shuey came on after half time to show composure and class.
Worsfold was pleased with both Shuey and Sheppard, while the centre square time for Masten and Ebert took a significant step up, the coach said.
Essendon travelled west with a young side and a small forward line, with Brent Stanton, Jay Neagle and Michael Hurley joining Hille and Ryder among the absentees.
However, the Bombers’ senior midfielders, led by a superb effort from Jobe Watson in his first match as captain, earned the visitors a 30-point lead in the second quarter.
Watson would finish with 32 possessions, while McVeigh (22), Dyson (15) and Prismall (19) were also impressive. Mark Williams kicked three goals in his first game for the Dons, while Jason Winderlich looked lively up forward.
With the Bombers in control early in the match, it was Naitanui’s grunt work in the centre square that prevented them blowing the game open. His brilliance thereafter dragged West Coast back into the match.
The Eagles kicked the last four goals of the second term, the last a brilliant Naitanui snap hard up on the boundary.
Seven unanswered third-quarter goals for West Coast put the result beyond doubt.
John Worsfold’s men will now face the winner of Port Adelaide and Adelaide at Subiaco in two weeks’ time, while Essendon is bound for the NAB Challenge series.
West Coast 0.3.0 0.8.5 1.14.8 1.16.12 (117)
Essendon 0.7.1 0.9.3 0.9.6 0.12.10 (82)
GOALS
West Coast: Nine-point goals: Naitanui. Goals: Kennedy 3, LeCras 3, Naitanui 2, Embley, Masten, Nicoski, Rosa, Schofield
Essendon: Nine-point goals: Nil. Goals: Williams 3, Winderlich 2, Jetta 2, Monfries 2, Riemers, Still, Zaharakis
BEST
West Coast: Naitanui, Masten, Kennedy, Ebert, Priddis, LeCras
Essendon: Watson, McVeigh, Prsmall, Dyson, Houli, Winderlich
INJURIES
West Coast: Nil
Essendon: Nil
Reports: Nil
Official crowd: 23,860 at Subiaco Oval
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
