This is a huge game for Woosha and the club. If we want to make the finals we must win this game. Port are in a rebuilding phase, or de-building if you ask me, and it is time for us to start consistently winning against these teams. Unfortunately, as I alluded to on Monday’s post, Port have been somewhat of a bogey team in recent (all) times, especially at AAMI. We have played there 7 times since 2003 and won a grand total of 0. But if you round it up...it’s zero. I don’t know whether it’s the terrible teal, the frightening bogan crowds or the triple sets of brothers but we have clearly struggled to beat Port.
The good news is the Burgoynes have burgoyned off, there is only 1 Westhoff and the Cornes are now more annoying than good (but wasn’t that always the case?) Also, those fearsomely bogan crowds were very small last season and I hope they continue to dwindle until all that’s left is a few Ford and Holden jackets. Plus, we came close last season, going down by only a solitary point late in the season.
It’s time to get the monkey truly off our backs, say “bugger off” monkey and if that fails go all David Calthorpe on it (too obscure?).
Nothing exciting to report about Port’s team. We, on the other hand, have been strengthened by key inclusions after being considerably weakened. The weakening is the necessary omission of Mark Lecras. Masten is also out with injury and 2-foot tall Ashton Hams is omitted due to doing bugger-all (That’s what the team sheet actually says).
Here’s the big news: Numero Quattro is back! To put it another way, Daniel Kerr has been named in our squad.
I don’t think this is too rushed. He has shown some decent (and a little violent) form in the WAFL for East Freo in previous weeks amassing solid playing time and disposals. There’s no point delaying his return due to fear of another injury. If he’s fit he plays. Period. I do worry, however, about the pure evil of ‘Cornes Squared’ and their effect on Kerr’s ability to keep his cool. I’m sure they will do their usual thing and bait him but I hope he lets his feet do the talking. By that I mean kicking the football and not a Waites-seque groin hit. I suppose he could be the Substitute, but I would prefer him to start and attempt to work into the game. We can take him off at 3 quarter time when we’re up by 10 goals.
Nic Naitanui also returns along with Patrick McGinnity.
Port Adelaide
FB: Tom Logan, Alipate Carlile, Jackson Trengove
HB: Jasper Pittard, Troy Chaplin, Paul Stewart
C: Danyle Pearce, Domenic Cassisi, Cameron O’Shea
HF: Daniel Stewart, Justin Westhoff, Kane Cornes
FF: Jarrad Irons, Chad Cornes, Robbie Gray
Fol: Dean Brogan, Travis Boak, Matt Thomas
Int: (sub to be named) Steven Salopek, David Rodan, Matthew Broadbent, Cameron Hitchcock
In: C. Cornes
Out: Jay Schulz
West Coast
FB: Will Schofield, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Beau Waters, Mitchell Brown, Scott Selwood
C: Matt Rosa, Matt Priddis, Andrew Embley
HF: Brad Ebert, Josh J. Kennedy, Luke Shuey
FF: Mark Nicoski, Quinten Lynch, Jack Darling
Fol: Dean Cox, Adam Selwood, Daniel Kerr
Int: (sub to be named) Nic Naitanui, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Andrew Gaff
In: Kerr, McGinnity, Naitanui
Out: Mark LeCras, Chris Masten, Ashton Hams
Source: FanFooty
This is a real litmus test. A win will be evidence of at least partial improvement over last year. Another loss at AAMI will prove we are still vulnerable to weak, indeed, all opposition.
Here’s hoping the former.
I’ll see you on the other side.
The Misanthropic Eagle.
Thursday 31 March 2011
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Footy Classified treats Eagles with disrespect
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by the Victorian-centric AFL media, but it was rather disappointing to see the bozos the crew treat the Eagles with such disrespect last night. I'm not even referring to the rather dismissive treatment they gave the game (where they indicated it was the heat that won the game for us). It was the time they gave to Mark Lecras' injury which left me angry. They seemed to find it rather amusing before Hutchy stated "He'll be fine". About 10 minutes later they corrected this with the news that he will be out for 7-10 weeks. The point is that if it was the best player from any other team, they wouldn't have been so half-assed and disrespectful. I can't understand how they didn't know he was seriously injured. Again, any other team and they would have spent 10-15 minutes dissecting the injury and the ramifications. Even when we were succesful I doubt these people would have given us the time of day. I can't forget Robert Walls' constant criticism of the Eagles and our off-field problems. The same people are quick to defend the antics of teams like Collingwood and StKilda, where it could be argued there have been more serious issues.
I should expect it, but I won't excuse it.
Until next time
the Misanthropic Eagle
I should expect it, but I won't excuse it.
Until next time
the Misanthropic Eagle
Monday 28 March 2011
AFL Feeds
To keep abreast of all Eagle news and views as well as the rest of the league check out AFL Feeds.
It's a really useful site which eliminates the need to waste time searching the depths of the internet for AFL related news.
You can follow the feed on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Check it out.
Round 1 Review: Eagles win...but still lose.
I came away from yesterday's win with a due sense of dread. A win, sure, but a win that felt more like a thank-less win, less celebratory more contemplative.
We won by 4 points, against a bottom 6 side without some of their best players and most evidently without a ruckman. Sure we were without casual-player Kerr and inconsistent Naitanui, but it would have been quite an effort to lose. Yet, we nearly did. I'm not arguing that we played poorly. I thought we showed some positive signs. Cox was at his dominant best (until the final quarter when cramps compelled him to form the fetal position). Gaff, starting as a sub, showed some silky skills. Darling looks strong, if not a little rigid and inflexible.
Yet, in general, the skills of some of our players allowed North to stay in the game. Ebert continues to amaze me with his inability to kick a football properly. Scott Selwood had a few clangers. Last season we had a tendency to turn the ball over at the most inopportune times. Nothing I saw yesterday convinced me that much had changed.
Now to the real bad news. I’m sure you all saw it. Following a goal he kicked in the 3rd quarter, Mark Lecras seemed to clutch his groin in pain. Well, it turns out he has an adductor tear and will be out for 7 to 10 weeks. I can’t overemphasise how great a loss this is. Lecras is the most skilful player in our team (outside of Kerr). Morover, yesterday he seemed to be spending s a substantial amount of time in the midfield. This loss deprives us of what could have been a coming of age season for Lecras. In a more tangible way we lose the 63 goals he kicked last year. More pressure is now on the likes of Ashton Hams, who yesterday did close to nothing.
In other news, Chris Masten has damaged cartilage in his knee and will miss 6 weeks. I would like to say this is a huge loss. But Masten has been a perpetual disappointment since we drafted him a few seasons ago. Injuries have played a role in this, but it just adds further credence to my view that our drafting has been exceedingly poor in the post-Juddas era.
Still, we won. In McKinley’s and to a lesser extent Edward’s face. 4 points on the board. We are in the top 8!
Next up, Port at AAMI Stadium. From memory we have only won once against Port there. I actually remember that game well. Late in the last, Cousins kicked two goals to lift us over the line. Good times. I think we can win this game, but by Friday I may have changed my mind.
Until next time
A Victorious Misanthropic Eagle
P.S The Umpiring was complete bollocks.
We won by 4 points, against a bottom 6 side without some of their best players and most evidently without a ruckman. Sure we were without casual-player Kerr and inconsistent Naitanui, but it would have been quite an effort to lose. Yet, we nearly did. I'm not arguing that we played poorly. I thought we showed some positive signs. Cox was at his dominant best (until the final quarter when cramps compelled him to form the fetal position). Gaff, starting as a sub, showed some silky skills. Darling looks strong, if not a little rigid and inflexible.
Yet, in general, the skills of some of our players allowed North to stay in the game. Ebert continues to amaze me with his inability to kick a football properly. Scott Selwood had a few clangers. Last season we had a tendency to turn the ball over at the most inopportune times. Nothing I saw yesterday convinced me that much had changed.
Now to the real bad news. I’m sure you all saw it. Following a goal he kicked in the 3rd quarter, Mark Lecras seemed to clutch his groin in pain. Well, it turns out he has an adductor tear and will be out for 7 to 10 weeks. I can’t overemphasise how great a loss this is. Lecras is the most skilful player in our team (outside of Kerr). Morover, yesterday he seemed to be spending s a substantial amount of time in the midfield. This loss deprives us of what could have been a coming of age season for Lecras. In a more tangible way we lose the 63 goals he kicked last year. More pressure is now on the likes of Ashton Hams, who yesterday did close to nothing.
 |
| Geez...I don't know why I'm turning yellow |
In other news, Chris Masten has damaged cartilage in his knee and will miss 6 weeks. I would like to say this is a huge loss. But Masten has been a perpetual disappointment since we drafted him a few seasons ago. Injuries have played a role in this, but it just adds further credence to my view that our drafting has been exceedingly poor in the post-Juddas era.
Still, we won. In McKinley’s and to a lesser extent Edward’s face. 4 points on the board. We are in the top 8!
Next up, Port at AAMI Stadium. From memory we have only won once against Port there. I actually remember that game well. Late in the last, Cousins kicked two goals to lift us over the line. Good times. I think we can win this game, but by Friday I may have changed my mind.
Until next time
A Victorious Misanthropic Eagle
P.S The Umpiring was complete bollocks.
Friday 25 March 2011
Round 1 Preview: West Coast v North Melbourne
The time is finally here. No more pre-season training. No more pre-season games. No more pre-season. Footy is back!
And what finer way to start proceedings than a home game against North Melbourne? It's a game we can, nay, must win against a team which is mediocre at best. I know some will tell you they have the intangible 'Shin-boner spirit'. I see this spirit as evidence that they are devoid of much talent and have to try extremely hard to lose by 4 or 5 goals on a weekly basis. They do have some good players, Brent Harvey for one who did get around 76 disposals against us last year (nice one woosh), but they are a bottom 6 side and thus we must beat them if we plan to make the finals.
Team selection doesn't seem to reveal anything surprising. Darling and Gaff get the nod. Kerr isn't playing. Worsfold is coaching...
West Coast
FB: Brad Sheppard, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Beau Waters, Mitchell Brown, Scott Selwood
C: Matt Rosa, Matt Priddis, Andrew Embley
HF: Brad Ebert, Josh J. Kennedy, Luke Shuey
FF: Jack Darling, Nic Naitanui, Mark LeCras
Fol: Dean Cox, Chris Masten, Adam Selwood
Int (from): Andrew Gaff, Ashton Hams, Quinten Lynch, Patrick McGinnity, Mark Nicoski, Will Schofield, Callum Wilson
North Melbourne
FB: Brady Rawlings, Cameron Pederson, Scott D. Thompson
HB: Michael Firrito, Robbie Tarrant, Cameron Richardson
C: Daniel Wells, Liam Anthony, Brent Harvey
HF: Shaun Atley, Lachlan Hansen, Scott McMahon
FF: Sam Wright, Ben McKinley, Lindsay Thomas
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Cruize Garlett
Int (from): Ben Warren, Jack Ziebell, Ben Cunnington, Leigh Adams, Gavin Urquhart, Aaron Edwards, Daniel Pratt
Source: FanFooty
The Eagles team is at full strength (except for Kerr). There really are no excuses for us not to win this game. That is, of course, if you subscsribe to the view that 'the kids are all right'. Personally, the sight of Masten and Ebert make me very nervous. The sight of Priddis, on the other hand, makes me want to watch the Simpsons.
Regardless I think we will win. We have a fairly good record in recent times against the Roos at Subiaco (it will never be P.S). Both teams are average. Both times need to start the season well. I think the home crowd will just tip us over the line.
Prediction: West Coast by 17 points.
Until next time
Enjoy the Footy
Misanthropic Eagle
And what finer way to start proceedings than a home game against North Melbourne? It's a game we can, nay, must win against a team which is mediocre at best. I know some will tell you they have the intangible 'Shin-boner spirit'. I see this spirit as evidence that they are devoid of much talent and have to try extremely hard to lose by 4 or 5 goals on a weekly basis. They do have some good players, Brent Harvey for one who did get around 76 disposals against us last year (nice one woosh), but they are a bottom 6 side and thus we must beat them if we plan to make the finals.
Team selection doesn't seem to reveal anything surprising. Darling and Gaff get the nod. Kerr isn't playing. Worsfold is coaching...
West Coast
FB: Brad Sheppard, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Beau Waters, Mitchell Brown, Scott Selwood
C: Matt Rosa, Matt Priddis, Andrew Embley
HF: Brad Ebert, Josh J. Kennedy, Luke Shuey
FF: Jack Darling, Nic Naitanui, Mark LeCras
Fol: Dean Cox, Chris Masten, Adam Selwood
Int (from): Andrew Gaff, Ashton Hams, Quinten Lynch, Patrick McGinnity, Mark Nicoski, Will Schofield, Callum Wilson
North Melbourne
FB: Brady Rawlings, Cameron Pederson, Scott D. Thompson
HB: Michael Firrito, Robbie Tarrant, Cameron Richardson
C: Daniel Wells, Liam Anthony, Brent Harvey
HF: Shaun Atley, Lachlan Hansen, Scott McMahon
FF: Sam Wright, Ben McKinley, Lindsay Thomas
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Cruize Garlett
Int (from): Ben Warren, Jack Ziebell, Ben Cunnington, Leigh Adams, Gavin Urquhart, Aaron Edwards, Daniel Pratt
Source: FanFooty
The Eagles team is at full strength (except for Kerr). There really are no excuses for us not to win this game. That is, of course, if you subscsribe to the view that 'the kids are all right'. Personally, the sight of Masten and Ebert make me very nervous. The sight of Priddis, on the other hand, makes me want to watch the Simpsons.
Regardless I think we will win. We have a fairly good record in recent times against the Roos at Subiaco (it will never be P.S). Both teams are average. Both times need to start the season well. I think the home crowd will just tip us over the line.
Prediction: West Coast by 17 points.
Until next time
Enjoy the Footy
Misanthropic Eagle
Sunday 20 March 2011
Kerr Plays for East Fremantle: Hits Guy in Face, Gets Away with It...
Finally a bit of luck for our favourite number 4. He got through a game for the Sharks (his first game in about 7 years) without injury and without pulling, punching or biting anyone...oh...well at least he didn't sustain an injury...right? He did sustain a surge of testosterone (something which, thankfully as an eagle, I am immune to) which lead him to lightly place his forearm in an opponent's face. All caught on camera. Thankfully for Kerr-y and us the WAFL's rules say that champions get to do what they want as it wasn't reported by the ump he gets away with it. Everything is cool. Except for Kerr's temperament. I hoped this time away from the game would've given Kerr a new outlook on the game and on life. Just relax. Let your football do the headbutting...so to speak. Apparently not.
He did have an encouraging 20 possessions in 67 minutes of game time. This is a promising sign. If he can just keep his cool and just stay fit, it might be the year of the Eagles. He can't do it alone. But an Eagles team with Kerr is always going to better than one sans Kerr.
This time next week I will nervously be watching the game on 7. Probably delayed. Probably with terrible commentary. But the AFL will be BACK! No more of that NAB shite. Actual meaningful footy.
Until next time
Let's Go Eagles!
The Misanthropic Eagle
Source:Sydney Morning Herald
He did have an encouraging 20 possessions in 67 minutes of game time. This is a promising sign. If he can just keep his cool and just stay fit, it might be the year of the Eagles. He can't do it alone. But an Eagles team with Kerr is always going to better than one sans Kerr.
This time next week I will nervously be watching the game on 7. Probably delayed. Probably with terrible commentary. But the AFL will be BACK! No more of that NAB shite. Actual meaningful footy.
Until next time
Let's Go Eagles!
The Misanthropic Eagle
Source:Sydney Morning Herald
Sunday 13 March 2011
Kerr suffers setback: Woosha says "He'll be back by 2024"
Daniel Kerr continues to struggle with his hamstring, feeling tightness around the most discussed muscle in the AFL.
I assume this doesn't come as much of a surprise to any of you. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to me, about as much surprise as when the Dockers didn't win a premiership again for the 15th consecutive season.
It really is a shame too. Regardless of my feelings that he should've been traded two seasons ago, at his best Kerr is a marvel, one of the best in the game. A highly skilled, once in a generation kind of player.
Although we did have 3 once in a generation type of players a few years ago...ahhh the memories....Unfortunately, we have only seen glimpses of his sublimity (yes, a word) in the post-Juddas era.
Plagued by injuries and disciplinary problems, the best player on our team has barely been on the field. Reportedly, according to Woosha it could be a while yet until his return:
He went on to say:
Misanthropic Eagle
Source: ABC Sport
I assume this doesn't come as much of a surprise to any of you. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to me, about as much surprise as when the Dockers didn't win a premiership again for the 15th consecutive season.
It really is a shame too. Regardless of my feelings that he should've been traded two seasons ago, at his best Kerr is a marvel, one of the best in the game. A highly skilled, once in a generation kind of player.
Although we did have 3 once in a generation type of players a few years ago...ahhh the memories....Unfortunately, we have only seen glimpses of his sublimity (yes, a word) in the post-Juddas era.
Plagued by injuries and disciplinary problems, the best player on our team has barely been on the field. Reportedly, according to Woosha it could be a while yet until his return:
We're not in a rush to force him into getting ready for round one. I want people to see Daniel Kerr play at his best again and if that's round 10, then we'll wait until then.
He went on to say:
He's fitter than he was at this time last year....Huh? Round 10? I think we should just pretend that he won't play this season. We can't keep hoping he rekindles the consistent form he possessed now years ago. If he plays any significant role this season, Great. If he doesn't so be it. It's time for Masten, Ebert, S. Selwood and others to assume some control of the midfield. It's time to step up.
Misanthropic Eagle
Source: ABC Sport
Saturday 12 March 2011
Eagles lose to Anchorless Freaks: zzzzzzzzzz....
I tend to think the score of practice matches shouldn't even be recorded. What's the point? Nobody with at least 1 brain cell gives a crap...which I guess explains why the Dockers song their theme song in front of a raucous and half-baked Freo crowd this afternoon. Just joking...they were fully baked.
The Eagles went down by 9 points, but importantly we didn't seem to sustain any major injury concerns. Unfortunately A Selwood may miss round 1 with a hamstring concern. The Anchor-less Freaks on the other hand lost Tendai Mzungu to a medial cruciate ligament. That makes me extremly nervous and angry...He was going to play a key dual position role in my midfield and forward line in Dream Team. It's that kind of selfishness that really makes my level of Dockers-contempt grow.
Darling was reportedly impressive after rocking up to the ground 10 minutes into the second quarter.
Nothing else to report.
2 weeks until real footy begins.
Until Next Time
Misanthropic Eagle
The Eagles went down by 9 points, but importantly we didn't seem to sustain any major injury concerns. Unfortunately A Selwood may miss round 1 with a hamstring concern. The Anchor-less Freaks on the other hand lost Tendai Mzungu to a medial cruciate ligament. That makes me extremly nervous and angry...He was going to play a key dual position role in my midfield and forward line in Dream Team. It's that kind of selfishness that really makes my level of Dockers-contempt grow.
Darling was reportedly impressive after rocking up to the ground 10 minutes into the second quarter.
Nothing else to report.
2 weeks until real footy begins.
Until Next Time
Misanthropic Eagle
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Woosha's Last Stand?
A rather interesting read over at the official site with Woosha proclaiming he would happy to walk away at the end of the season. It's good to know. I wonder if he would be happy to be a chased away by a horde of zombie dogs...with rabies?
I respect and love Worsfold as much as the next Eagles fan but I truly believe he is not part of the club's future. I hope I am wrong. I hope the under-performing youngsters like S.Selwood, Masten and Ebert transform into competent and mature players. If not, the club will have to sack it's favourite son. There is no room for sentiment when the club is at its lowest ebb in its history. We have too much pride. We have too too much self-respect to continue to be at best a mediocre team.
We have too much...'Non-Docker Quality' to allow ourselves to become the laughing stock of the league.
Not long now until Round 1. I can't wait.
The Misanthropic Eagle
I respect and love Worsfold as much as the next Eagles fan but I truly believe he is not part of the club's future. I hope I am wrong. I hope the under-performing youngsters like S.Selwood, Masten and Ebert transform into competent and mature players. If not, the club will have to sack it's favourite son. There is no room for sentiment when the club is at its lowest ebb in its history. We have too much pride. We have too too much self-respect to continue to be at best a mediocre team.
We have too much...'Non-Docker Quality' to allow ourselves to become the laughing stock of the league.
Not long now until Round 1. I can't wait.
The Misanthropic Eagle
Monday 7 March 2011
Darling no longer my darling...
Dreamteam implications aside, news that Jack Darling was dropped from Saturday's side due to disciplinary issues is a real kick in the teeth. We're a team that has had its fair share of off-field issues in the past, not pointing any fingers...(Ben Cousins)...and it was a very questionable decision to draft Darling in the first place.
It is only 1 late arrival at training but I hope it's not an omen of things to come. Maybe he had to stop on the way and save an old granny from thugs. Maybe he's actually a superhero? Regardless let's hope he gets his priorities right. The last thing we need is people like 'Wallsy' up our arse (s) again....prick.
Until next time
The Misanthropic Eagle
Source: Fox Sports
 |
| Is this man a superhero? |
Until next time
The Misanthropic Eagle
Source: Fox Sports
Sunday 6 March 2011
I am the Misanthropic Eagle
Welcome to one of the very few (active) blogs dedicated to ranting and occasionally raving about Perth's favourite football team.
It's going to be a big season for the club. Worsfold's last chance? Hopefully. Kerr's redemption? Maybe. All he has to do is keep fit and not bite anyone's testes off (unless they're Dockers) and who knows...Naitanui transforming into a dominant big man? Watching him being out marked by Dale Thomas last night suggests otherwise. Darling romping into Rising Star contention...oops unfortunate choice of wording. No romp intended. Sorry.
Speaking of Dockers. Are they dockers anymore? Where's the anchor now Freo Faithful? At the bottom of the ocean with past dreams of glory? You can take the anchor off the jumper but you can't take the anchor out of the Dockers.
Moving on. I intend to blog 2-3 times a week, depending on news etc. I will preview each round's action and then recap what went wrong...or, dare I say, right.
Until Next Time
We are the Eagles! They are the bastards!
The Misanthropic Eagle
It's going to be a big season for the club. Worsfold's last chance? Hopefully. Kerr's redemption? Maybe. All he has to do is keep fit and not bite anyone's testes off (unless they're Dockers) and who knows...Naitanui transforming into a dominant big man? Watching him being out marked by Dale Thomas last night suggests otherwise. Darling romping into Rising Star contention...oops unfortunate choice of wording. No romp intended. Sorry.
Speaking of Dockers. Are they dockers anymore? Where's the anchor now Freo Faithful? At the bottom of the ocean with past dreams of glory? You can take the anchor off the jumper but you can't take the anchor out of the Dockers.
Moving on. I intend to blog 2-3 times a week, depending on news etc. I will preview each round's action and then recap what went wrong...or, dare I say, right.
Until Next Time
We are the Eagles! They are the bastards!
The Misanthropic Eagle
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