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AFL 2026 live updates: West Coast Eagles look to stop rejuvenated Carlton’s hot streak

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Jake Santa MariaThe West Australian
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Marc Pittonet of the Blues tackles Harley Reid.
Camera IconMarc Pittonet of the Blues tackles Harley Reid. Credit: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

AFL: West Coast return from the bye to face a rejuvenated Carlton, who have not lost a game since sacking Michael Voss. Can the Eagles slow their charge to get a rare road win?

The Eagles will be boosted by the return of Willem Duursma, who missed their heartbreaking loss to North Melbourne, while midfield bull Jack Graham will return for his first game since having shoulder surgery.

Tom McCarthy is also back but Tim Kelly will miss with a hamstring strain in a huge blow to their on-ball group.

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McKay has three

Tylar Young stuck behind and he gives away a holding free kick just oustide the square.

Disposals number 17 for the Blues forward who kicks his third to push the margin past 40 points.

CAR 13.11 (89) WCE 7.5 (47)

Final quarter underway

Eagles get it forward and it’s locked inside 50.

Jake Waterman still without a goal or mark in this game with Harry Dean doing a superb job.

Harley Reid caught holding the ball as he tries to burst through on goal and Carlton reset.

End of Q3 CAR 12.11 (83) WCE 7.5 (47)

West Coast falls asleep in the final moments allowing Francis Evans to sit in a whole and take a largely uncontested mark despite Starcevich’s late attempt.

However, he misses again as the margin sits at 36 points.

The Eagles had the better of the first half of that quarter, lifting their pressure but couldn’t capitalise.

They still had their chances but some poor decision making really hurt them going inside 50 and in the end the Blues finsih the quarter with a bigger advantage.

Cripps and Walsh still dominating this game while Jack Graham has been good on return for the Eagles with 17 touches.

Cripps and Walsh combine

Breaks through the Eagles defensive line and handballs to Cripps who centres to Francis Evans but he misses the set shot.

Walsh having a monster day with 27 touches and three clearances, Brady Hough ran with him in the first half but has moved on to Jagga Smith this term.

Carlton go end to end

Loose ball in the Eagles’ forward pocket but Tom Cole is stripped of it, and Jake Waterman and Jack Graham can’t prevent the Blues from bursting through with numbers.

Harry McKay is all alone running toward goal and boots it in from the suqare to make it a 34 point gmae.

CAR 12.9 (81) WCE 7.5 (47)

Byrne again for the Blues

A touch unfortunate for Duff-Tytler as Byrne loses control of the ball and turns back into the Eagles run who cops him high he can’t stop in time.

The Eagles had seven isnide 50s this quarter but have only managed 2.1 from their entries as the Blues efficienty comes to the fore as Byrne converts.

CAR 11.9 (75) WCE 7.5 (47)

Poor from Hutchinson

The Eagles have lifted the pressure this quarter but he cops Cerra late to give away a downfield free kick and give McKay a shot on goal.

It’s not been a great day for the Eagle on return from injury.

CAR 10.8 (68) WCE 7.5 (47)

Williams makes it two in a row

Marc Pittonet gives away a blocking free kick, it’s probably a harsh call with the throw in falling short not helping.

But Williams as the shot on the 45 and it swings by to cut the margin back to 21 points.

Better from the Eagles this quarter.

CAR 10.7 (67) WCE 7.4 (46)

Second half underway

Yeo and Reid combine to win the clearance and get the Eagles forward.

Carlton defend after Reid gives away a free for a high tackle but the Eagles reload through Liam Duggan.

It’s a bit of chaos inside the Eagles 50 but Milan Murdock gets enough space to pick up the loose ball and snap through the goal from just outside the square.

CAR 10.7 (67) WCE 6.4 (40)

HALF TIME CAR 10.6 (66) WCE 5.4 (34)

West Coast are probably lucky to be 32 points down which goes to show you how well they’ve gone.

After a hot start Harley Reid had no impact that quarter while Patrick Cripps is up to 19 touches and four clearances.

Eagles are also going at under 70 per cent disposal efficiency, which doesn’t help when you’ve had 100 less possessions.

For the Blues Talor Byrne has been the beneficiary of the mountain of ball inside 50 with three goals, while Sam Walsh has 20 touches.

Jagga Smith has seven clearances and 15 touches while Duursma has seven touches and a goal in the Rising Star battle.

Not sure the Eagles look up to the task of turning this one around but we’ll see if McQuatler can fire up the troops.

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