The Eagles Fly Against The Tigers

West Coast cemented themselves firmly in the eyes of the AFL public as Premiership contenders with a rousing thrashing of the reigning Premier Richmond Tigers by 47 points in a stunning second-half performance at Optus Stadium.

Since the start of the season, the Eagles haven't been given due credit or the label of being "the real deal". Now though without a doubt, they are exactly that.

They've now put themselves a game clear on top of the ladder, as they dismantled Richmond in a way we haven't previously seen. They started strongly, sustained a second-quarter Richmond rally, and proceeded to blow the Tigers out of the water in the second half, with a thirteen goal second half that was simply stunning to see.

Jack Darling was as dominant as he's been all season in a remarkable performance to sum up his 2018 so far, kicking six goals and leading from the front. Jack Riewoldt would kick five goals and Dustin Martin had 26 disposals, but it was to no avail as the Eagles dominated.

Stats Insider Models had the contest as a near 50-50 percent proposition as the scores drew level at the half, but Richmond would never get closer in a result that will leave them shell-shocked and hurting.

The game showed that Richmond's game style does not mean they will always dictate terms and that playing small is not the only way to win in the modern AFL. 

Supported by a Western Australian state record 57,616-strong crowd, the Eagles put the foot down with a stunning seven-goal third term and six-goal fourth term, taming the Tigers in what could be a season-defining win.

Enjoying yourself? Get this and every piece of Stats Insider content by signing up now with statsinsider.com.au.