Overview
- Adelaide opened strongly and built a 43-point lead early before holding off a late West Coast surge to win 15.9 (99) to 11.8 (74) on Friday night at Optus Stadium.
- Darcy Fogarty kicked four goals and Jordan Dawson collected a game-high 27 disposals as Adelaide dominated clearances and set the tone in the first quarter.
- West Coast were forced into defensive reshuffles because Harry Edwards was placed into a three-month concussion rehabilitation program and ruled out for the season.
- Mid-season recruit Oliver Francou made an eye-catching AFL debut for West Coast with 18 disposals and nine tackles, showing immediate impact amid the club's struggles.
- Out-of-contract midfielder Elijah Hewett was omitted again, increasing uncertainty over his future, and West Coast’s ongoing tall-defensive shortage leaves selection and list questions to resolve.