West Coast’s one-point loss to Collingwood could have big ramifications in its quest for a home qualifying final.
The Eagles dropped from second to fourth following Friday night’s gut-wrenching defeat with the Magpies and Brisbane overtaking the reigning premiers inside the top four.
Former St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt says Richmond’s recent resurgence and favourable run home means Adam Simpson’s side are no certainties to clinch that all-important top two spot.
“Going into the round a lot of people had them (West Coast) as clear premiership favourites,” Riewoldt told SEN Breakfast.
“We’ve got a logjam in second down to fourth, Richmond breathing down their necks and we know how important a home final is for a team like West Coast.
“It’s a big loss.”
Melbourne great Garry Lyon says the defeat to the Pies was a “shattering blow” after their final quarter fade out.
“West Coast were so disappointing,” Lyon said.
“I don’t want to take anything away from Collingwood … but to literally not score for a quarter and a half of footy on your home deck when you had the game in hand for most of the game – that’s a shattering blow for them.”
West Coast will look to bounce back against Melbourne in Alice Springs on Sunday.
Listen to the best bits from this morning's edition of SEN Breakfast in the player below