Fans slow to return to Optus Stadium for full capacity as West Coast Eagles get jumped again

Full crowds were allowed back to Optus Stadium for the first time this season – but Eagles fans were slow to embrace the opportunity amid yet another horror start from their club.

Despite perfect conditions and a Friday night fixture against Richmond, there were thousands of empty seats throughout the first term as plenty of Eagles fans chose to watch their side from the comfort of their own home.

By the end of the first quarter, it appeared West Coast would struggle to match the 42,888 fans that turned up to a 45,000 crowd-capped game against Sydney a fortnight ago.

“They’re dropping off, the West Coast supporters… no doubt about it,” Seven caller Brian Taylor said during the first quarter.

And unfortunately for Eagles fans that did turn up amid the relaxing of WA’s COVID rules, their team gave them little to cheer about.

Chasing an immediate response after a horror two weeks, West Coast instead conceded their highest-ever quarter-time score to an interstate opponent, with Richmond slamming through 7.3 (45) to 1.2 (8).

And it didn’t start much better after the opening break, with the Eagles coughing up nine of the first 10 goals for a remarkable third straight week.

Camera Icon Luke Shuey and the Eagles were under the pump. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos

Second-game ruckman Luke Strnadica provided the sole highlight with his first goal as the Tigers largely did as they pleased.

It continued a horror night for West Coast, who lost defender Tom Barrass before the first bounce to a hamstring injury, with former Fremantle forward Hugh Dixon coming in as a late inclusion.

Tom Lynch cashed in on Barrass’ absence early, booting 3.4 in the first half to be one of five multiple Richmond goalkickers before the main break.

It came as Optus Stadium advised Eagles fans the venue was suffering COVID-related staff shortages and they “may experience more queuing today than usual as a result”.

“The effort and intensity, it’s inconsistent, but it’s better than last week,” West Coast coach Adam Simpson told Channel 7 at half-time.

“Unfortunately, our ball movement has held us back.

“We’ve got to try to win the quarter and we’ve got to get our work-rate and intent right.”