1. Eagles swoop on second

West Coast followed through on their vow to "throw the kitchen sink" at the Brisbane Lions, with their 26-point win at the Gabba securing them second spot on the ladder. It means Adam Simpson's men will kick-start their finals campaign with a match at home and a double chance in their back pocket. Wins by both Collingwood and Hawthorn on Saturday meant West Coast had to win to nab second spot, and despite missing spearhead Josh Kennedy, the Eagles were impressive in their last home and away match for the year.

EAGLES HEAD HOME Full match coverage and stats

2. Darling finds form

West Coast forward Jack Darling showed signs he was returning to his early season form with a strong showing at Gabba. The big Eagle took some big marks and while a couple of his four goals were gimmes from close range, he was in the right place at the right time to bang them through. He had been out of touch in recent weeks, so Eagles fans would be pleased to see him look back in form with September just around the corner.

3. Lions' flat finish

Their side has had a promising season, but Lions fans will be disappointed by a flat performance for the home crowd. Accuracy in front of the sticks kept them within a goal of Eagles at quarter-time, but a run of six straight goals, including four unanswered in the second quarter, put West Coast in command and the Eagles never looked back. If Brisbane fans can take anything from the game, it's the fact that they didn’t let the game blow out when the Eagles went 44 points up in third quarter, with Dayne Beams again impressive.

SHOWREEL McGovern the intercept machine

4. McGovern intercepts marking record  

Jeremy McGovern celebrated his 100th game in fine style, breaking the record for intercept marks in a season. The previous record was held by Western Bulldog Easton Wood with 76 in 2015, and the last McGovern's eight marks against the Lions was the record-breaking 77th. McGovern was a rock again in defence and looked in good marking form with finals just around the corner. With the defender having recently signed a five-year contract extension, West Coast fans are sure to enjoy more McGovern grabs in seasons to come.

WATCH Cripps all class in crucial win

5. Eagles find extra avenues to goals

It was a case of no Josh Kennedy, no worries for West Coast with the visitors able to find several avenues to goal at the Gabba. Jack Darling stood tall with four goals while Jamie Cripps (three) was impressive and Liam Ryan (three) provided a great small forward performance. The Eagles were also well served by their youth, with Daniel Venables scoring two goals and second-gamer Oscar Allen showing some nice touches to finish with five score involvements. Mark Hutchings also put himself on the scoresheet with a sensational snapped goal early in the third quarter.