The territory game has become one of the most important parts of modern footy, but West Coast’s 14.7 (91) to 11.12 (78) victory over Melbourne in Alice Springs was a result of playing better Northern Territory footy.

Traeger Park isn’t a traditional AFL venue. There is a small grandstand on one wing but the rest of the ground is wide open, with no protection from the wind.

That wind gushed across the oval during the first quarter, making it extremely difficult to score goals from set shots beyond 30m.

THREE-WORD ANALYSIS OF EVERY EAGLE

WHO IMPRESSED AND WHO DIDN’T

West Coast acknowledged this early and focused upon getting the ball deep inside 50 at every opportunity.

In contrast, Melbourne kept taking shots from beyond 30m and kept watching the wind blow the kicks off course.

The Eagles kicked two goals from just metres out, Oscar Allen booted another after being dragged to ground at the top of the goal square and the other two majors were from snaps.

Melbourne’s only goal came from a snap from the forward pocket. They missed all five of their set shots.

The Demons were made to feel at home when they ran out to their theme song being sung in local Indigenous tongue, but they kicked like they were in totally foreign territory.

West Coast led by 20 points at quarter time and while the conditions changed slightly, quick ball movement to give forwards better chances of scoring was crucial.

The Eagles extended their lead to 32 points during the second quarter and the game looked over.

But Bailey Fritsch turned the game for the Dees. The Demons were desperate for a touch of class inside 50 and Fritsch provided it with his left foot.

The former defender kicked three goals for the term including a set shot after the half-time siren to reduce West Coast’s lead to only one point.

Fritsch gave the Demons energy, skill and confidence. While others were nervous with the ball, he was composed and enjoyed the responsibility.

He kicked his fourth goal during the third term and set up another for Corey Wagner to drag the Demons into the lead.

The Demons controlled the contested possessions throughout the term and tackled with intent to give them more opportunities in front of goal. And, unlike in the first term, they converted their chances.

Clayton Oliver was also influential. The onballer’s hard nosed attitude gave the Demons an edge in the middle and that gave the forwards more chances to score.

He had 34 disposals for the day, and 21 of those were contested including nine clearances.

His effort was even more important given Melbourne lost co-captain Jack Viney to concussion during the second quarter.

James Harmes was also crucial with 29 disposals and seven clearances.

Melbourne led by six points at the final change but a booming 50m goal from Elliot Yeo levelled the scores early in the last quarter.

Darling’s third goal extended that margin and when he kicked his fourth major, West Coast was again showing the value of conversion.

Dom Sheed, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff kept winning the footy for the Eagles. Sheed had 34 disposals in another brilliant display and the defenders held up under pressure without captain Shannon Hurn who withdrew before the game with a calf injury.

Melbourne reduced the deficit to only seven points during time on but made a meal of an opportunity inside 50 inside the last five minutes and then turned the ball over in the centre square which gave West Coast the chance to seal the game. Sheed dropped a simple mark but recovered to kick the goal and show the difference between the two teams.

While tactics and game styles change, the ability to convert remains the key to victory.