Treacy’s rapid rise; Is West Coast dipping below AFL standard?

His importance to the team was highlighted when missing the final three games, Fremantle losing all to miss finals.

There’s a case to be made Treacy’s currently the competition’s best forward.

This could be confirmed by season’s end should he claim the Coleman Medal, a leaderboard at present he shares with Sun, Ben King.

Are the Eagles up to AFL standard?

They’re the Eagles like we’ve never seen them before.

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Zero wins from the first five games of the year, the first time it’s occurred in West Coast’s proud 39-year history, taking their record from the back-end of 2021 to 10 wins from 67 games.

On Saturday, they were not just belted, but humiliated by a Blues outfit who has previously not won a game.

Quite simply, this current side is not up to AFL standard.

They recorded just 77 contested possessions for the match – the second-lowest tally in AFL history.

By comparison, the second-lowest tally for the weekend was 112, shared by Richmond and St Kilda.

They lost inside 50’s, 73 – 35. They lost clearances, 40 – 18. And they lost the game by 71 points. Skills, or a lack of, is a major issue.

Too many times under little or no pressure, the Eagles turn the ball over, one which directly led to a Patrick Cripps goal which raises more concern.

Not one of Reuben Ginbey, Ryan Maric and Archer Reid could be bothered manning the mark.

All walked away, vacating the area with heads slumped, looking defeated and disinterested, allowing Cripps to walk into goal.

It did little to dispel critics and fans who are currently questioning the attitude and application of the playing group.

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