Cox hits high five as Eagles hold on

WEST COAST v ST KILDA

WEST Coast survived a frenetic St Kilda comeback to post a 30-point AFL vic- tory at Patersons Stadium yesterday. The Eagles looked to have the game all wrapped up at half-time after enter- ing the long break with a 49-point lead. West Coast was content to go through the motions

PUB: in the third quarter, and the Saints took full advan- tage to close the margin to 15 points late in the term. TNEWS NT The start of the final quarter was an absolute arm wrestle, but a crucial goal to Patrick McGinnity broke the Saints’ back as the Eagles ran out 18.13 (121) to 13.13 (91) winners. DATE: West Coast ruckman Dean Cox booted a career- high five goals, while , and 21-MAY-2012 (two goals) were also crucial contribu- tors in the win. St Kilda skipper finished with four goals, including three in the first half, but the Saints’ slow start to the match end- ed up being their downfall. PAGE: The Saints entered the game off a six-day break, and struggled to match the Eagles’ run and fierce 18 attack on the ball in the opening half in warm

COLOR: conditions. And when ruckman Rhys Stanley injured his ham- string in the opening quar- ter while chasing a ball on the wing, it was always go-

C ing to be an uphill battle for St Kilda. St Kilda’s Clinton Jones, right, tries to spoil Eagle at Patersons Stadium yesterday Picture: DANIEL WILKINS M West Coast midfielder was a late ly felt in the opening half as the slack, with Cox booting Kilda lifted and West 21 points at the final break, Y withdrawal due to last the likes of Shuey, Scott Sel- four goals. Coast’s intent dropped off. but McGinnity got the cru-

K week’s concussion. wood, , Matt But all that changed in Six goals to one for the cial opening goal of the But his absence was bare- Rosa and Waters picked up the third quarter as St term closed the margin to fourth quarter.

18 NT NEWS. Monday, May 21, 2012. www.ntnews.com.au