Eagles Snap Streak: West Coast Stuns North Melbourne in Comeback Win – 2026 AFL

West Coast snapped a frustrating 14-game losing streak with a stunning come-from-behind victory over North Melbourne on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Optus Stadium. The Eagles rallied from a 30-point deficit to defeat the Kangaroos 17.9 (111) to 15.4 (94), securing their first win in 10 months.

A dominant eight-goal third quarter fueled the Eagles’ turnaround, showcasing the potential of their young core. West Coast played with renewed energy and confidence, building a 30-point lead of their own before holding off a late charge from North Melbourne.

EAGLES v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

North Melbourne attempted to close the gap in the final quarter, trimming the margin to 11 points, but West Coast ultimately held on for the 17-point win – just the second victory of Andrew McQualter’s tenure. The result is a significant boost for the rebuilding Eagles as they look to establish themselves in the league.

Pre-season draftee Milan Murdock sealed the victory with a long-range goal from 35 meters, igniting celebrations among the West Coast faithful. It was a fairytale moment for the young player and a testament to the team’s resilience.

This win marked West Coast’s first since their round 10 triumph against St Kilda last season, signaling a potential turning point in their fortunes. For North Melbourne, the loss was a setback after an impressive 46-point win over Port Adelaide the previous week, denying them a chance to secure consecutive victories for the first time since the opening two rounds of 2023.

Harley Reid led the Eagles with 30 disposals, although Elliot Yeo contributed 19 disposals and two crucial goals. Deven Robertson and Jack Graham also played key roles in West Coast’s midfield dominance. Young forwards Willem Duursma, Cooper Duff-Tytler, Archer Reid, and Jobe Shanahan each kicked two goals, providing vital support up front.

Veteran Jamie Cripps topped the Eagles’ goalkicking with three majors, and co-captain Liam Baker made a strong return from suspension, adding toughness and flair to the half-back line. However, Baker left the field late in the game with an ankle concern, and defender Harry Edwards was sidelined with a concussion – his second in three weeks.

North Melbourne controlled the opening quarter, building a 25-point lead through relentless pressure and capitalizing on West Coast’s turnovers. The Roos were cleaner with the ball and Larkey capitalized with three first-quarter goals.

West Coast responded in the second quarter, eliminating errors and improving their ball movement to cut the margin to just one point. Murdock injected energy into the contest, and Cripps kicked two quick goals as the Eagles dominated the inside 50s.

Larkey extended North Melbourne’s halftime lead to seven points with his fourth goal, courtesy of a clever kick from former Eagle Jack Darling.

The Eagles seized control in the third quarter, surging with energy and converting their chances to kick eight goals and establish a commanding 30-point lead at the final change.

Larkey threatened a late comeback for North Melbourne with two goals in the final quarter, but Jake Waterman’s clutch set shot and Murdock’s sealer secured the victory for West Coast.

Larkey finished with six goals for North Melbourne, while Harry Sheezel (40 disposals and eight clearances) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (32 disposals and six clearances) were prominent in the midfield. Ruckman Tristan Xerri also impressed with 44 hitouts and seven clearances.

Prized draftees kick classy first goals
Exciting duo Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler opened their goalkicking accounts in just their second games. Duursma kicked the first goal of the match with a 50-meter set shot, while Duff-Tytler snapped a terrific goal at the end of the first quarter. Both players showcased the skills that made them top-five selections in the recent Telstra AFL Draft.

Concussion concern for Eagles defender
Harry Edwards entered concussion protocols for the second time in three weeks after a head knock in the first quarter forced him from the field. Edwards collided with teammate Matt Flynn in a marking contest and will miss the Eagles’ clash against Port Adelaide next Sunday at Adelaide Oval. His absence will require a reshuffle in defense.

WEST COAST                      3.1     7.6     15.7     17.9 (111)
NORTH MELBOURNE          7.1     9.1     11.1      15.4 (94)

GOALS
West Coast: Cripps 3, Yeo 2, Shanahan 2, A.Reid 2, Murdock 2, Duursma 2, Duff-Tytler 2, Waterman, Flynn
North Melbourne: Larkey 6, Zurhaar 2, Curtis 2, Powell, O’Sullivan, McDonald, Konstanty, Dovaston

BEST
West Coast: H.Reid, Yeo, Shanahan, Robertson, Duursma, A.Reid, Graham, Duff-Tytler 
North Melbourne: Larkey, Davies-Uniacke, Sheezel, Xerri, Powell

INJURIES
West Coast: Edwards (concussion) 
North Melbourne: Logue (thigh)

Crowd: 47,083 at Optus Stadium