Garry Lyon: 'Weak-kneed' West Coast Eagles were 'pathetic' in first half against Essendon Bombers

Angus Reid

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Garry Lyon: 'Weak-kneed' West Coast Eagles were 'pathetic' in first half against Essendon Bombers image

What on earth is happening at Optus Stadium?

Regardless of the fact that West Coast were without star forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling for the clash against Essendon on Thursday night, the team sitting equal first on the ladder was expected to run over the top of the Bombers, especially at home.

Instead, the first quarter ended with the Dons boasting a ridiculous 37-point lead after the Eagles kicked a single point, just one.

Before West Coast had kicked their first major of the night their opponents had already raised the bat for a half-century.

MORE: West Coast Eagles reportedly table six-year deal to Andrew Gaff

Jake Stringer, the divisive former All Australian who came to Essendon in the off-season had three goals by himself at the first change.

Everything seemed to be coming off for the Dons.


 

The only negative for the tourists was a hobbling, but red-hot Devon Smith.

The hosts looked straight up rattled, and Adam Simpson gave his club an almighty serve the very first chance he took.

At the half, the Dons had a 40-point lead, and West Coast fans were shocked with their side.

Garry Lyon tore them to shreds in the half-time break.

"That's as weak-kneed a performance as I've seen from a West Coast side for 15 years," Lyon said on Fox Footy.

"They turned up like a side who had ten wins and two losses and thought, 'how good are we? We will get this done without having to pay a price.'

"They couldn't be bothered. That was a pathetic half of footy from a side who are sitting on top of the ladder.

Eagles fans didn't hold back their criticism on Twitter.


 





 




 

Angus Reid

Angus Reid Photo