The heart medication was at hand as the Eagles and Kangaroos lined up for yet another nail biter to continue their run of close games.
This time, North had sold their home game to WA and ventured into the Eagles’ nest, hoping to make the trip west something they could look back on with fond memories. God knows, there were no fond memories stemming from the pounding they took in Round 13.
North have secured their sixth win of the 2026 season, and it keeps them in the hunt for the wildcard playoff round, particularly with a clash against the Tigers on the horizon. They’ve already eclipsed their 2025 performance, and this is enough to give their fans an indication that things are starting to click, although there are instances that see the club fall asleep for longer than anyone would like.
On the flip side, the reality of the situation is that wins and losses right now are not as important as they normally would be for West Coast. Sure, I can hear you all thinking that it is the very reason they all play the game, but in the grand scheme of things, what you want to see from your team at this stage is flashes of what is to come. Even though the lasting memory of this game might end up being Jake Waterman missing the potential game winner, there was plenty to take out of this game for the visitors… who happened to be playing at home.
And so, Jake Waterman blows his lines with under a minute remaining, North escape with the four points, and the gathered throng are able to exhale. However,the feeling that North supporters may be a little disappointed with the way they fell into the win, because that is exactly what occurred, could have left the taste of victory seeming a little bitter on this one occasion.
That said, a win interstate is as rare as hens teeth for the Roos, and all part of their development. Let’s jump into The Mongrel’s Rundown of this one.
This is just the introduction – the remainder of this article is for our members. They support me, and I provide for them. It’s a good deal.
Oh… a Mongrel paywall… the worst of all paywalls. We’re all in on the 2026 AFL season. Player articles, stats, awards, game coverage. Dump the mainstream lip service and dive into articles like this – you will never look back. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I consider it your loss as we get into the grind of the season, and you’re stuck with the stuff that’s frustrated you for years.
