WEST Coast is guaranteed its first ever wooden spoon after losing to North Melbourne by 16 points at Subiaco Oval yesterday.
After being well beaten by the Eagles in the first quarter, North Melbourne fought back to win 16.14 (110) to 14.10 (94) in Brent Harvey’s 300th AFL game.
The result created another piece of unfortunate Eagles history - an unprecedented eighth-straight loss at Subiaco.
West Coast played some of its best football of the year early in the game, jumping to a 24-point lead midway through the second quarter.
North whittled the margin down to two points at the main break, but had its work cut out against a clearly improved Eagles side.
West Coast kicked the first two goals of the last quarter, but petered out in the final 20 minutes to record another narrow defeat.
Despite contrary media reports, milestone man Harvey was not best on ground.
Andrew Swallow’s 27 possessions and three goals made him the game’s most influential player.
The East Fremantle product recorded game-highs in terms of contested possessions (14) and tackles (9).
Brady Rawlings (28 disposals), Harvey (26 disposals) and Daniel Wells (23 disposals, one goal) also played well for North Melbourne.
Andrew Embley (33 disposals) was West Coast’s best, taking 10 marks, sending the ball inside 50 seven times and booting one goal.
Brad Ebert (25 disposals), Matt Rosa (24 disposals) and Scott Selwood (22 disposals, one goal) worked hard in the midfield.
Callum Wilson (four goals) provided a presence up forward for West Coast, while Shannon Hurn, Beau Waters and Eric Mackenzie were the pick of the defenders.
Waters will face the match review panel after an uncompromising first-quarter shepherd on Leigh Adams.