Off-Season Musings: Projected 2013 Team + Stuff

I thought now that the squad for next season had been finalised I'd attempt to predict how the team may look come round 1.

Since I last posted the Eagles went through the draft and picked up some guys who I don't know enough about to assess. They also picked up Jamie Bennell who was delisted from Melbourne. Being delisted from Melbourne of all places isn't exactly promising, but like Hill before him I think Bennell will get the best out of his abilities (which are quite decent) at a winning 'football' club like the Eagles. I know he's currently recovering from a knee injury, but there's hope for the future.

In other news, Kerr and Naitanui both suffered injuries and Shuey signed on until 2015. The Eagles also did some good things in Cambodia.

Now without further ado... 

WARNING!: This is based on nothing other than my own thoughts and opinions, however awesome and accurate they may be. Obviously, this is if everyone is fit, using the final squad from the Semi-final loss as the template.

B: Jacob Brennan, Darren Glass, Beau Waters

HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Will Schofield

C: Daniel Kerr, Matthew Priddis, Matthew Rosa

HF: Mark Lecras, Jack Darling, Chris Masten

F: Andrew Embley, Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui

Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey

I/C: Sam Butler, Andrew Gaff, Josh Hill, Sharrod Wellingham


In: Beau Waters, Mark Lecras, Sharrod Wellingham
Out: Adam Selwood (old age), Quinten Lynch (Treason), Patrick McGinnity

Vulnerable: Josh Hill, Andrew Embley (still haven't forgotten the toe poke)
On the cusp: Dick, Nicoski, Selwood, McG, Mitch Brown (with us for the next 12 months) 
On the cusp*...of being a Doctor: Swift, M.D

*where cusp is 5-10 years.

Thanks for reading throughout 2012 and Season's Greetings!

Trade Recap: Eagles Nab Morton, Cripps, Keep Brown

It was quite the hectic last few days of the new extended trade period, as Stevens and Stevenson (who apparently played for us) both seeking to join teams who won't ever win anything. Stevens went to the Dogs for pick 44, whilst Stevenson went to an even worse 'team' in the Power for pick 88.

But in more interesting and relevant news, we (finally) managed to secure young forward/midfield Jamie Cripps without giving up Mitch Brown. I think the club made the right decision in keeping Brown. Sure, we may lose him for nothing at the end of the season, but he's critical for our depth for at least the next year. Plus, Brown may be able to force himself into the team, or (god forbid) Glass may call it quits.

As for the Cripps deal, we gave up picks 41 and 44 but received pick 46 back. It seems like a decent deal. Cripps has 'potential' and he is more likely to develop with us than with the Saints.

Finally, the Eagles also traded for Cale Morton, something which seemed to come out of nowhere. We gave pick 88 in return, a low risk investment. He didn't impress with his time as a Demon (drafted 4th overall in 2007) but sometimes a change of scenery (ie leaving an awful team for one of the best) can do wonders. Plus, he's probably a lot better than his brother.

Overall, it was a lively free agency/trade period for the club. I think we gained more than we lost, with Wellingham sure to add some class to the midfield whilst Cripps and Morton provide good depth. Lynch hasn't been important for a couple of years, whilst the three other 'losses' just couldn't cut it (though Swift, MD will soon be cutting something). The retention of Brown was an especially strong move by the club.

Incomings
Sharrod Wellingham (Collingwood)
Jamie Cripps (St Kilda)
Cale Morton (Melbourne)

Outgoings
Lynch (Collingwood)
Stevens (Bulldogs)
Stevenson (Power)
Swift (UWA) 

Latest Trade News: Eagles Secure Wellingham, Brown Wants Out

The Eagles have struck a deal with the Magpies for Sharrod Wellingham with pick 17 in the National Draft being sent back East. It seems like a decent enough deal to me, especially considering I'm all but certain we would've squandered that pick on a 'project player', who hangs around for 4 years and plays 16 mediocre games before being traded/delisted/becoming a Doctor.

I thought it was fairly hilarious over the weekend when 'reports' emerged that Port and Melbourne had offered the Pies something for Wellingham. Obviously, he only wanted to play for us and not two of the most horrendous teams in sports (worldwide). It was probably info. sent out by Eddie in the hopes that the Eagles would be scared into offering something above what Welly (or whatever his nickname is because I don't want to type Wellingham every bloody time) is worth.

Still, it's good we got the deal done quickly and he's a really nice addition to our average-ish midfield. He brings good experience with 92 games, 44 goals, 3 grand finals and 1 premiership in his time on the dark side. Welcome aboard!

In other less promising news, Mitch Brown is aparently keen to move back to Victoria, with the Saints his desired destination. He could be used in exchange for Cripps plus something (because Brown has shown he can actually play at this level). Why anybody would want to move to the sinking ship which is StKilda is beyond me, but he would be an unfortunate loss. Although I didn't blink when Lynch left, Stevens decided to leave and Swift revealed he wanted to become a healer (let's hope he's more accurate with the scalpel than with he was with his kicking) Brown's loss would hurt our depth. On the other hand, he has only 1 year left on his deal, so perhaps we should try to get something for him now before his contract expires and we are left with nothing.

Finally, everybody and their dog wants Stevens. I don't know why, but there you have it.

Latest Trade/Free Agency News: Swift Quits, Wellingham Bargaining Begins

The posturing over the potential, perhaps inevitable, trade of Wellingham to the Eagles has begun. McGuire came out yesterday, speaking at one of his 17 media committments for the day, saying we would have to offer "substantial" compensation to secure the guy with the funny first name. That's all well and good and it's what you would expect an opposing President to say. But, I don't think Collingwood are in any position to start dictating terms. Wellingham put the Pies in a position with little room for maneuverings by choosing us and then flying away to the US. If they don't work out a deal with us, they would get nothing for him as he is out of contract.

There has been some mention of our first draft pick, no. 17, as well as Koby Stevens as part of a deal. Which seem somewhat reasonable. What doesn't sound reasonable is news today that Collingwood may be keen on Mitch Brown and Brown wants to play with his brother. As I mentioned earlier in the week Brown is a vital part of our backline depth and critical to our transition to the post-Glass era. Also, his brother is always injured...so come on man. On the other hand, it's understandable that Brown may want more opportunity. But, as the article suggests, the club don't want to lose him. Also, given Collingwood's poor bargaining position, I wouldn't want to see us give too much away, not that we use our draft picks wisely anyway.

Speaking of which, Tom Swift has quit the club to become a Doctor (true story). He was pick 20 in 2008 and now that his career seems over, we can officially label it a failure. I honestly don't understand why he was picked that high, but it's more evidence that the Eagles have drafting issues. Anyway, good luck to Swift and to his hair.

Finally, Scott Selwood won the club's Best and Fairest, beating out Cox, Hurn, Darling and Gaff. I'm probably one Eagles fan that doesn't really value Selwood all that highly so I won't pretend to like him. Anyway, he won. All-Australians Naitanui and Waters finished outside the top 10.

Latest Free Agency/Trade News: Wellingham Likes Eagles, thumbs nose at Pies, Dockers

According to the West, Sharrod Wellingham wants to be an Eagle. He did momentarily consider the possibility of Freo as a destination before realising that they were, well, Freo. Honestly though, I was in no doubt that if he did want to return to Perth he would choose us. The Pies also wanted to keep him, but haha.

Cameras actually caught the moment that he told the Pies hierarchy where to stick it:

That 'haha' being said, we will have to give something in return for him when the trade period begins on Monday. Something with want-away Stevens perhaps?

Wellingham had some things to say, to someone, somewhere, including:

The dealings I have had with West Coast have been really impressive...It will be exciting to get back to Perth and to play in front of my family every week. That was a very strong influence on my decision to leave and I look forward to playing with the Eagles. Playing against them, we had enormous respect for West Coast, and I believe they have a young list capable of winning a premiership in the next few years.

Let's hope something fair gets worked out (to us, not them) and then we can all go and like his facebook fan page.

Latest Free Agency/Trade News: Lynch Joins Pies to give them 3 Underperforming Big Forwards

Quinten Lynch has officially joined Collingwood. He kicked 281 goals in 209 games for the club, but his future was bleak because we had far more younger, effective and consistent options up forward. That is, going forward I don't see how he was in our best 22. Besides that, he also apparently wanted a 2 year contract, more than the 1 year the club were willing to give him.

I thought it would be interesting to read Collingwood's official version of the signing. I've got to say, I'm not sure who they're referring to with this passage:

Lynch brings a fine record as a marking forward and relief ruckman with him to the Black and Whites. He has proven himself to be a consistent goal kicker, a strong presence in and around the forward 50 metre arc and an especially durable footballer who can assist the Collingwood attack and ruck division.

He was never a consistent goal kicker nor marker of the ball. He all too often missed easy goals which ultimately cost us in games. As a relief ruckman all I remember him doing is standing at contests and staring at the opposition.

Lynch goes on to say how playing for the scariest club in the country "was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse." He says some other guff about the MCG (the ground not the player) and how he looks forward to the challenge of playing a flexible role. It's fairly ironic that he's talking about challenges when he clearly left the Eagles because he wasn't prepared for the 'challenge' of fighting for his spot.

In the end that's what it was about; job security and the 2 year deal. Any other stuff he says is just a big pile of McGuire.

Anyway, congrats to the Pies. You now have 3 big forwards who have about as much consistency as Swan has commitment to staying off the grog before game day.

Latest Trade/Free Agency News; All is Well...ingham.

Incomings (?)

-  The big news of the day is that Sharrod Wellingham has reportedly met with the club. Although the Pies still appear keen to keep the West Australian, the fact that they had to give 'Human Being of the Year' Travis Cloke a 37 year contract worth in excess of Swanny's beer budget has left the vault rather bare. The Dockers are also interested, with both WA teams prepared to offer $450 000 a season. In terms of his impact if we did sign him, well he is a quality player who could add some depth and big game experience to our engine room.  The fact that he's probably only Collingwood's 6th best midfielder says more about their stocks than his ability. On the other hand he does have the propensity for Swift-esque hair styles, which surely means his free agency options are limited.

Part of that $450 000 should be used for a haircut

- It appears young Saints forward Jamie Cripps wants to come to the Eagles. I can't say this is an enticing proposition, despite his status as a high draft pick. We have many high draft picks who aren't living up to their potential without adding to the list. Yet, at the same time, if Hill can come from the Dogs and do what he did this season, there's no reason Cripps can't also make an impact.

Outgoings (?)

- We already know that Lynch is leaving the club, possibly to Collingwood

- Koby Stevens also wants out.

- The Herald Sun raises the possibility of StKilda seeking the services of Mitch Brown. It doesn't really seem like anything concrete and I would be surprised if the club was willing to part with him. I know it always seems as if he's on the fringe of the backline, but he's at the least a pivotal guy to have as a backup. Plus, with Glass only likely to play a season (hopefully 2) more, he would be in a good position to solidify a position in the coming years.


 ....On the other hand, none of the above may happen.

Season Review Part 2: 'Cause I can't believe the Swans are Premiers

Quite a sickening end to a disappointing season. I honestly believe the Swans victory is emblematic of the level of competition this year: mediocre.

Anyway, back to us and reflections on our season, based on predictions I meekly made in February.

Read Part 1 here.

5. President Kennedy will Kick 65 Goals+

This is JJK's 7th year in the league and his performances and numbers have continued to rise. In each year since his rookie year he has kicked more and more goals; 5, 6, 7, 31, 41, 52.  Though I can't seem to verify these numbers the point is still valid; despite his Flinstone-esque run up and his checkered past (He played for Carlton!!!) he has the potential to be our greatest forward. Importantly, he hasn't reached his ceiling yet so we can expect his goal tally to continue to rise. All the way with JJK!..I would still take Buddy for the Coleman though.

....Painfully wrong. JJK did have an amazing start to the season, continuing his dominance over the Dogs with 7 majors. He had 12 goals before suffering an ankle injury during a win over Richmond in round 5. His absence was costly, but it also contributed to a great season for Darling who kicked 55 goals in the Home and Away Season. Let's just hope JJK can get a full preseason under his belt and recapture his form from a season ago.

6. Mark to the Midfield

Again not very bold. Lecras has stated that he's been working with the midfield group and has never been fitter. I do like the idea and we did see it at times last year. But I don't see him as a permanent fixture there unless our forward line is really functioning well. We also need to find a small forward or two. But he's a very skillful player and given the right circumstances could be very effective.

Even more painfully wrong. He's the best mid-forward in the game kicking 57, 55 and 59 goals between 2009-11.  Hill may have done a good job as a kind of replacement, but Lecras is irreplaceable.

7. Biggest Improver?

I was going to put Chris Masten but I'm not hopping on that band wagon. No sir, no more. He may have teased us towards the latter part of last season but that was an anomaly in an overwhelmingly disappointing career. Plus, if he does improve who will I vilify? Ernie's friend has departed and E-Mac is actually fairly decent now despite the whole 'kicking' thing. No, we all need a good scapegoat.
Instead I predict the Gaffer will improve. He showed some great signs last season but perhaps ran out of legs a bit towards the end. He's very talented and he has good skills and class our midfield really needs.

I should have gone with Masten because he did actually become a 'viable' player. His skills have improved to a level where he is no longer a liability and he pops up with some nice goals. However, he will never be a star, which is disappointing given he was the No. 3 pick in the 2007 draft.
Gaff also did improve, but not to a great extent. I think it's clear who he is, he's a superb carrier of the ball on the wing with sublime skills and great endurance but he's a little slow.
But who was the greatest improver? I have to give it to Darling who really exploded this season in JJK's absence. He still can do better, his accuracy is sometimes questionable and he sometimes drops easy marks. But he's now a real force for the future.

8. The Biggest Disappointment of the season will be...?

Several.
The fact that it may be Mr Glass's finale.
The umpires will be all colourful and annoying.
Brian Taylor.
The hideous facial hair that some Eagles will insist on maintaining (this is related to Brian Taylor).
Subiaco Oval, in general.
We will only beat the Dockers twice.
Ross Lyon's press conferences.
Pavlich being all Pavlich.

You could go several ways on this one; the amount of injuries we suffered, failing to make top 4, the semi-final loss to Collingwood. Personally, I think the biggest disappointment is that I don't believe we are any closer to winning a premiership after this season. We still have difficulty winning away from home and our midfield is still lacking depth and class. I don't think these things will magically improve next season.

Post-Mortem: Quinten Quietly Quits

As my alliteration heavy title suggests, Quinten "Q stick" Lynch has decided to move on to bluer pastures (Carlton probably), where he can see out his remaining days looking tough, throwing away his gloves and being a stunt-double for Zachary Quinto.

That may sound rather bitter, but I'm not and I assume most other Eagles fans aren't either. For, although he was a vital cog in the 2006 Premiership, especially in the Grand Final with (I believe) 4 majors, he is now somewhat of an afterthought. Kennedy, Darling, Cox/NicNat are all better tall forward options. He is 29 and probably would've struggled to gain a spot next year with a full list.

The fact that other teams are actually interested in Lynch is more of an indication of how poor they are rather than him being a force.

Still, he played 209 games for the club and helped us win a premiership.
....
Bye.

Post-Mortem News Roundup: Boring Brownlow, Kobe Quits, Smith Signs, Go Hawks!

I didn't watch any of the Brownlow, but I think I'm right in labelling it boring. Watson won, despite playing for Essendon, but blah blah blah. His father blah blah blah.

In terms of players that we have any interest in, or who actually played well throughout the season, instead of for 10 games like the above mentioned Watsonia, it was an indifferent evening I suppose. Selwood the younger finished equal 11th with 15 votes, whilst Shuey finished with 11 votes. Naitanui beat out Cox with 10 to the legend's 9. That is ridiculous in itself, but whatever.

In other irrelevant news Koby Stevens wants to actually play regularly for an AFL club and has sought a trade. Admittedly he only was given 11 games over 3 years, but it's not like he did anything good, ever. Bye Koby, thanks for the memories...and by memories I mean the fact that I kept thinking your name was 'Kobe'. Still, he was the 23rd selection overall in the 2009 draft, so it is disappointing he didn't live up to that billing. I can't really imagine him being a regular elsewhere though...perhaps the Demons? GWS? GCS? That team Fevola plays for?

Yet in good news, Ash Smith has signed on with the club. I had honestly forgotten he existed, but prior to injury he was an integral part of our backline early in the year. He adds further depth to what is already a very solid backline.

Finally, apparently there's a game on this weekend.
....
If for no other reason than the Swans are the most evil sporting organisation in the world, and they really don't deserve to be there, I will be supporting the Hawks. Any self-respecting Eagles fan human being should do the same.

Post-Mortem: Fringe Eagles, Andrew 'Toe Poke' Embley Resign

Contrary to that title I really do love Embley. Obviously he didn't have a good season, with the shoulder injury ruining most of it and the now infamous toe poke a key point in our demise. But he is a club legend and his experience and quality will be useful in the next season or two.

The club also resigned a number of 'fringe' (no disrespect) Eagles; Sheppard, Brennan and some chap called 'McGinnity', by which I assume they mean 'McG'. I have no problem with any of those players.

Brennan had a very solid season; he's tough, hardworking and should get better. McG is more of a role player, but again his work ethic cannot be questioned. I do question whether he will be a mainstay in the team next year with more talented players returning, but he's the kind of utility player who can fill any role.

 As for Sheppard, well, he showed some signs of life after a rather dismal start to his career. I have to say, I'm still rather stunned by us selecting him so high (7th overall) in 2009. If you look at that draft, or given its wikipedia an error-ridden list produced by a 8 year old in Barbados, you had the likes of Lewis Jetta and Fyfe picked later on.  I know you could second-guess any draft, but our club hasn't been the best in recent years in identifying high picks. But as I said, he did some good things, albeit up foward, before injury ended his season prematurely. There's no reason to think he can't develop into at least a solid player, even if he doesn't fulfil his 'top 10' billing.

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Season Review Part 1: 'Cause It's Over

 

This Eagle is sad.

 It's hard to be level-headed and pragmatic after that devastating 13 point loss to Collingwood on the weekend. Hence my rather knee-jerk, visceral recap. I considered writing another one, but then realised I couldn't stomach thinking about that game much more. We made key mistakes throughout the game, exemplified by Embly's toe poke. At the time I screamed at the TV he should retire...but at least I didn't put that in the recap.

I should note some positives from the game however. Kerr was a star. Besides the first few games of the season where he was nullified by strong tags, he has been an amazing force, almost back to the form of his prime. I thought Hill played a nice game as well, plus Glass was a stalwart as usual down back.

But enough about that schmozzle of a loss, onto the season review. I thought I might as well go back and examine (probably too strong a word) the 12 'predictions' I made at the start of the season. They deal with all the major areas of the team anyway.

Today I'll discuss the first 4 predictions I made all the way back in early February...


1. Naitanui will become our No. 1 ruck option.

Cox is a legend but father time is undefeated...though a time machine may be an option worth exploring. He was brilliant last season, Cox not Il Tempo Padre, but he is 31 and the end has to be nigh. We all know Naitanui has got incredible talent and we saw signs last year of greater consistency within games.  As the curtain draws on the career of one of our THE greats expect a Salinger-esque (coming of age) season for our favourite Fijian.

This didn't really eventuate. But mainly because Cox showed almost no signs of slowing. His skills are still sublime, perhaps he is spending more time upfoward but he is devastating there as well. His game against the Roos in Tasmania was the highlight, but he really didn't have a bad game. However I also think Naitanui isn't where he needs to be in terms of fulfilling his potential. I know the media, and us to a certain extent, get caught up with his amazing aerial feats and his breathtaking displays of agility. But he can be so much more. Still, overall I do think he improved just not to an 'All-Australian' type level. His performance in the semi-final loss left a bad taste in my mouth.

2. Josh Hill will be amazing...ly less annoying than Ernie's friend Ebert.

I remember when Hill began his career. I picked him up in Dreamteam after a couple of good performances as a sneaky forward and he promptly let me down. It was a rookie mistake by me and it still stings. But the point is he's versatile with good pace. We desperately need a small forward or two and he may fill that role. But my prediction here relates to Ebert, perhaps the Eagle I vilified most after Masten last year. Even if Hill doesn't do much he can kick a football fairly well so it's unlikely he'll piss me off as much as Brad...or was it Brett? Who cares. But his brother does have a massive head. Huge. Plus Port Adelaide...ew. By the way, I really wish I had thought of 'Ernie's Friend' as a nickname for Ebert last year. What a waste...just like the pick we used to draft him (zing).

Well, it turns out Brad and Brett aren't brothers. But in terms of Hill, he was a great addition. I think he ended the season with around 34 goals, a great return. More than that, however, was the fact that he filled a pivotal role after our forward line was decimated by injury. He's a far better overhead mark than I anticipated and he has good instincts. I think it's a good sign for our club that a guy who looked totally mediocre at the Dogs comes in and immediately becomes a far better player. It should be interesting to see if he can lock down a place next season with the likes of Nico, Lesnak and Dick lurking.


3. Robert Walls won't give us any credit, but he's not on TV so no one will be listening.

Self-explanatory really, but he's still on radio. God I hate him. Did I mention that?

I don't know if he gave us credit because I haven't heard his voice this season. It has been a very pleasant change. Though there has been some bad commentary this season with Seven's Saturday Afternoon coverage extremely mediocre. At least BT on Saturday night  is downright hilarious ("that's the biggest bender I've ever seen" and "oh boy, wow-ee, did you see that"). But I'm sure Wallsy is somewhere, becoming inappropriately excited at the prospect of another Swans premiership.

4. The Eagles will Finish Top 6

It's a fairly unbold prediction but I was going to write top 8 so give me some credit. I have a fear, largely founded on  the fact that I have a predilection towards pessimism, that we will slightly regress. Rationally though, we executed a wonderful game plan last season that was extremely effective against all but the very elite. (Pies, Cats) But I wonder if teams will be more prepared this year. I still don't believe we have the same talent-base which allows us to out-skill the best teams. We will rely on young players like Shuey and Selwood to continue to develop and hope that others can lift their game. I also think that there were a dearth of 'solid' teams last year. Surely teams like Essendon, Adelaide or even (shudder) Fremantle will be better.  But hell we haven't even played a pre-season game yet, so this prediction is based on nothing you can bite....or lick for that matter.

I don't think we regressed as such, despite the drop in ladder position. Injuries were cruel and debilitating at critical points during the year. I still rue the back-to-back losses to Sydney and Adelaide, where our team was especially weak, and just 1 win there would've given us top 4. But on the other hand I'm not certain we are any close to raising the cup. I think our backline has probably become even more solid with E-Mac (I still hold my breath before he kicks) and Schofield (just get rid of the beard, Ned) looking good. Our forward line too should be better with Hill having a breakout-esque year. Darling also made great improvement on last year. He assumed the key forward role in the absence of JJK and looked stronger by the game. However, it's the midfield where my concerns were and they still are. Shuey had a few brain snaps which were extremely costly. Priddis is as solid as ever and so is S.Selwood. The Kerr-surgence continued and Masten made some strides (!). But still I'm not sure it's a premiership-winning midfield, capable of dominating big-games when necessary. The team in general failed to win big (especially away) games throughout the year.

Post-Mortem: 4 Eagles in All-Average Team

Perhaps I'm still in a bad mood over the loss on the weekend, but I look at this year's supposed 'All-Australian Team' and think 'meh'. I doubt it would be a very good team.

I have a problem with players like Dempster, Watson, Cotchin, Milne and Deledio being named when I look as them as 'losers'. I also look at Milne as something else entirely which may also colour my opinion against him, but notwithstanding it looks an average team. I also hate Hawkins, because of his tiny shorts. And Dempster...well I kind of thought he had retired. Plus McPharlin is a very blah player isn't he?

Anyway, 4 Eagles got included. Glass of course. He had an absolutely stellar season and will play next year which is critical for our flag chances. Cox is another no-brainer. He's clearly the best ruckman in the league. Waters had a superb season and although he's known for his courage (which is incredible) he's so much more than that for us. The Hurn-Waters combo is the best in the league. Finally, Nic-Nat also got named...which I'm a little critical of. It's partially because he just didn't show up on the weekend. But more than that, he's highly inconsistent. Don't get me wrong I love watching the guy but he he has so much more improvement to make until he can be considered one of the best. Then again, I guess there aren't too many really great ruckmen around besides Cox.

Semi-Final Recap: Game Over.

What an infuriating loss.

I really only have a number of semi-digested thoughts (rants)...

I don't want to be too reactionary, but bloody hell does the team know the rule concerning conceding behinds. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE BALL OVER THE LINE IF YOU ARE UNDER PRESSURE. On several occasions, our guys preferred to keep the ball in play instead of conceding. It was ridiculous and cost us a goal at least once.

Andrew Embly, what can I say? We were up 60-58 when he decided to dribble the ball forward with a tiny toe poke. Devastating.

Great performance by Jolly. I didn't realise playing for Collingwood allowed you to tackle opposing ruckmen on every throw in. Congrats! Great game for the umps. And well done to Darcy and the other boobs for saying what a legend Jolly is. Pathetic.

Also, about 100 times our players lacked intensity tonight. Too slow; Gaff in particular had no idea what was going on. Naitanui had a lacklustre game. The forward line also in general wasn't good enough.

At this point it's hard to see that we made progress this year. I think we are further away from a premiership, our key players are older, other teams are better.

But maybe upon further reflection I will see some positives, but not now.

Heartbreaking loss.

Semi-Final Preview: 1 Down, 3 to Go

To glory that is.

Of course it won't be easy, but we go into Saturday night's game full of confidence. Our form is great: we have won 4 of our past 5 games. We absolutely obliterated a Jolly-less Magpies team in Round 22. The Pies, on the other hand, have lost 3 of their last 4 with their only win coming against a lame duck Bombers outfit in Round 23 and they barely won.

Of course, it's at the MCG, where we have traditionally struggled (we lost both games there this year) and the Pies have the additions of Jolly and Krakouer since our last meeting.You would imagine we wouldn't be able to dominate the ruck contest/clearance situation like we did in Round 22.

However, we should take confidence from the fact that the game we lost to Collingwood earlier in the year at the G was really anybody's game. We held our own at a time when Collingwood had won 8 in a row. To my surprise, the midfield really played well against the (fat) stars of the Pies. A bounce here or there and that foolish freak Joffa would've burned his ridiculous gold jacket in disgust.

Collingwood
B: Chris Tarrant, Heritier O'Brien, Nathan Brown
HB: Ben Johnson, Ben Reid, Tyson Goldsack
C: Sharrod Wellingham, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Chris Dawes, Heath Shaw
F: Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliott
Foll: Darren Jolly, Steele Sidebottom, Dayne Beams
I/C: Alan Didak, Jarryd Blair, Andrew Krakouer, Alex Fasolo
Emg: Martin Clarke, Ben Sinclair, Paul Seedsman
In: Tyson Goldsack, Jamie Elliott
Out: Nick Maxwell (Suspension), Ben Sinclair

West Coast Eagles
B: Jacob Brennan, Darren Glass, Adam Selwood
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Will Schofield
C: Daniel Kerr, Matthew Priddis, Matthew Rosa
HF: Quinten Lynch, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Andrew Embley, Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C: Sam Butler, Patrick McGinnity, Andrew Gaff, Josh Hill
Emg: Mitch Brown, Lewis Stevenson, Andrew Strijk
In: Matthew Rosa
Out: Beau Waters (Foot)

The Waters loss is huge but the Rosa addition is handy. I really think this game is winnable and I think we will prevail. The Pies have clearly lost something this year. Call it Malthouse, Swan's ability to stay off the grog for 10 minutes (and Big Macs of course), or Cloke's sense of 'team',  but they don't have the same swagger this year. 

To win a final against Collingwood at the MCG would be epic. I still haven't forgotten the terrible pain caused by their victory in overtime against us in the 07 Semi. 

We went out of the finals in straight sets. Time to repay the favour.

GO EAGLES GOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! 

P.S Plus, imagine McGuire's face when they lose. Priceless.

Elimination Final Recap: A Sunday Stroll

The numbers speak for themselves:

Margin of victory: 96
Number of goals kicked by the Eagles in the first term: 7
Number of goals kicked by the Roos in the first half: 2
Number of goals kicked by the Eagles in the final term: 9
Number of All-Australian defenders lost for the season: 1
Number of goals kicked by Darling: 4
Number of  hitouts by Dean Cox: 39
Number of victories over the Roos this year: 3
Number of times I felt bad for the Roos: 5
Number of times I stopped feeling bad for the Roos when I remembered who coached them: 5
Number of times Scott looked like he was going to cry: 176
Number of Scotts left in the finals: 0

A comprehensive victory indeed. And I wasn't all that surprised. Besides everything being in our favour, we are the far superior team.

 I don't really have much else to write. We dominated every facet of the game from the start. The Roos were far out of their depth and we really look like we could have a bit of a finals run over the next couple for weeks.

The loss of Waters is disappointing, but we can't do much about it. Lynch's suspension isn't really something that will hurt our chances next week.

We face the C-wood on Saturday night, contrary to my rant last week suggesting it would be Friday night, and I think we have a huge chance to progress. The Pies' will is fading fast, like the will of Swan to stay off the grog for a few hours, and we are in great form.

Then the Swans, then the Hawks...and then Immortality!!!

Elimination Final Preview: 4 Wins to Glory.

It really is as simple as that: Win 4 games in a row and we are, to use the ridiculous American-style proclamation 'WORLD CHAMPIONS'. Of course, it will be the 4 hardest games of the season, perhaps bar this one, and I don't really have much confidence that we can do it.

But, taking it one week at a time, I am extremely confident we will prevail in Sunday's contest against North Melbourne. At home we are nigh unbeatable: In the past 2 seasons we have only lost 2 'Home' games and both of those were against the Swans. The Roos have also looked a little shaky the past 2 weeks. They got thrashed by Freo and then only managed to edge GWS by 5 goals in Round 23. Not exactly the form you want going into finals. And of course they're coached by a man who is in the top 2 human beings in the world in terms of being a sore loser, pulling a sour face and generally being a sook. The other man is of course he's evil twin Brad...or Chris...I don't know which one is which and I'm not wasting valuable kbs of my Internet quota to find out. They're both really terrible, let's just leave it at that.

The Roos, however, are bolstered by the return of Daniel Wells and a couple of others I couldn't pick from a line-up. We also get back E-Mac, sorely missed for the most pivotal of 10 minutes last week and the Q replaces Strijk.

West Coast
Backs: Waters Glass A Selwood
Half-backs: Hurn Mackenzie Schofield
Centres: Kerr Priddis Gaff
Half-forwards: Hill Darling McGinnity
Forwards: Embley J Kennedy Naitanui
Followers: Cox S Selwood Shuey
I/C: Brennan Butler Masten Lynch
In: Lynch, Mackenzie
Out: Brown, Strijk

North Melbourne
B: McMahon Grima Firrito
HB: Atley Thompson MacMillan
C: Gibson Wells Anthony
HF: Cunnington Tarrant Thomas
F: Harvey Petrie Hansen
FOLL: Goldstein Swallow Rover: Ziebell
I/C:  Bastinac Wright Harper Campbell
IN: Wells Grima Wright
OUT: Delaney, Garlett, Mullett

We really should win this one comfortably. The Roos haven't been in finals for a while, they seem to be fading and it's going to be a very warm day. All those factors give us the edge and when you consider that we are a better team and we are at home, I think a 6 or 7 goal win is to be expected.

Plus it's Coxy's 250th game and he is definitely the best ruckman in the game today, perhaps ever. So let's hope it's a game to remember like the last time we faced them.

Congrats Coxy.

---

It's also been a busy week in terms of non-game news. Dick has been elevated (always the first step) to the Senior list meaning he could play during the finals. I don't think it will happen, but can you imagine if he played next week against the Pies at the G? It would be epic.

Meanwhile, both Hill and Hams have extended their contracts with the club. I've kind of cooled off on Hill in recent weeks but you can't deny he has done a sterling (that's right) job replacing the injured Nico and Le-snak. Hams also has had a decent year, definitely better than I thought him capable of. I can't, however, envisage him playing regularly next season with the return of the two above plus a possible role for Dick.

The Q may have a possible suitor when October comes with Carlton sniffing around like the pack of stray...poodles that they are. Honestly, I couldn't care less if Lynch left. Thanks for 06 but he really is surplus to requirements now given the emergence of Darling and (injuries notwithstanding) the presence of Kennedy. He's past his prime and maybe he will follow another guy who was past his prime when he left us back in 07 for the Blues.

Finally, the Eagles have 4 players in the 40 man All-Australian Team. Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Nic Naitanui and Beau Waters have been selected, with at least 3 of the above a shuey-in (sorry).

Round 23 Recap: The (5th) Best in the League!

It's fairly frustrating when your future success largely rests on the final game of the season, the players are aware of it, they're facing the top team and then they come out and....It was over within 10 minutes. Franklin kicked 4, they got a game winning lead and never, ever looked like relinquishing it. Sure there were flickers of life from our side, we showed some 'spirit' late, but where was that when it mattered? You can't discount the fact that the Hawks are very good, their kicking skills are quite impeccable but it doesn't make our start any less forgivable. We looked like we had no intensity and we were mistake prone.

Predictably C-wood won and we drop to 5th, miss out on the double chance and now are handed the worst draw by the AFL (who clearly don't care about any pretence of fairness). We play Sunday afternoon against the Roos. After we beat them and their sulky-faced coach and he whinges off back across the Nullarbor we will face (probably Collingwood) on the Friday night. Meaning the Hawks/Pies will have almost 2 extra days off then us and we have to travel. Ridiculous. Surely it makes sense to let us play on the Saturday? I know 'AFL' and 'sense' are mutually exclusive but still.

Regardless, the Roos are the best matchup we could hope for.  They've struggled in their last 2 and I honestly think we will easily deal with them at home. And furthermore, the draw does rather open up for us if, as expected, the Pies lose to the Hawks. I think we can at least challenge the Pies over there, and then we may face the Crows....Okay probably getting a bit ahead of ourselves.

The point is all is not lost, but still the premiership looks a long, long, long, way away.

Round 23 Preview: Win and We're (Probably) In!

After a (mostly) up and (a little) down season it all comes down to the final clash of the 2012 home and away season. Yes, it's conceivable that, as Selwood suggests, we could win the premiership from outside the top 4, but it's an extremely difficult task. Yet if we win against the Hawks and the Pies don't win by a ridiculous margin over the Bombers then we finish 4th.

Of course, it's an extremely difficult task. The Hawks are premiership favourites, they're top of the ladder, it's at the MCG, it's on a Friday night. But I'm heartened by our previous performance at the G and our last 2 games against elite-ish teams.

They're also strengthened by the addition of Cyril Rioli. When I was thinking about the game earlier in the week, I thought his absence was huge. He's an electric, dynamic game-breaker. In the midfield or up forward, he's someone it's nigh impossible to match-up on. Now it turns out he's playing and it's a damn shame. Another damn shame are our changes, both forced and both damaging. The unfortunate Pink Panther (Rosa) lasted only 1 game after his jaw injury, whilst E-Mac (MacKenzie) has a hamstring issue. E-Mac's absence is especially problematic given the presence of car enthusiast Lance Franklin. Brown's a capable replacement, but E-Mac's our 'big matchup' defender. Still, Mr Glass is still our best defender and although it's a blow, our backline is still strong enough. Brennan for Rosa is a bit strange, position-wise, but I'm guessing it might be a sub-switch situation (or not).

Hawthorn
B: Brent Guerra, Josh Gibson, Benjamin Stratton
HB: Grant Birchall, Ryan Schoenmakers, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Isaac Smith
HF: Luke Hodge, Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli
F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Liam Shiels
I/C: Clinton Young, Brendan Whitecross, Matt Suckling, Jack Gunston
Emg: Max Bailey, Xavier Ellis, Shane Savage
In: Cyril Rioli
Out: Xavier Ellis

West Coast Eagles
B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Adam Selwood
HB: Shannon Hurn, Mitch Brown, Will Schofield
C: Daniel Kerr, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Patrick McGinnity
F: Andrew Embley, Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C: Sam Butler, Chris Masten, Andrew Strijk, Jacob Brennan
Emg: Quinten Lynch, Bradd Dalziell, Lewis Stevenson
In: Mitch Brown, Jacob Brennan
Out: Matthew Rosa (collarbone), Eric Mackenzie (Hamstring)

So it's not great news on the team front. But, to me, it seems right that we have to beat a top 4 team in the final week to make the top 4. Sure, some teams were handed top 4 with relatively easy draws, but if we make it we would've definitely earned it. Lose and we finish 5th. The Bombers won't beat the Pies, barring a miracle of unbelievable proportions (like Freo winning the premiership...ever).

And win it we can. I know NicNat and Cox won't have the easy ride they did last week against (dead) Wood, but they still should reign supreme over Hale and co. Our forward line isn't in sparkling form, but JJK should be all the better for last week's outing and the Hawks have been known to be vulnerable down back. Despite the (bloody annoying) inclusion of Rioli, the Hawks midfield isn't overwhelming in the same way as say Collingwood. They aren't that quick, they're experienced and classy and in that regard we do matchup fairly well. Saying all that, however, I believe to win here we essentially have to play our best game of the season. 

It's going to be scary but if we win it will be epic. 
...
And then I'm sure Clarkson will complain about something. Probably his height. 

Round 22 Recap: "When your Team has been Embarassed and Your President is in Tears...Then You have My Permission to Leave Perth"

I like to think to myself that sometime during the humiliation of Collingwood, NicNat towered over Wood and uttered those words. Probably not, but I guess he said it with his actions. His amazing, giant cat-like actions.

There was some kind of rumbling that Cox would miss this one and then a similar murmur about NicNat, but they both played and they both dominated the game. NicNat in particular had a blinder with 30 hitouts, 17 possessions and 1 goal. He really should have kicked 3 or 4, but obviously goalkicking isn't his strength. As I said I don't rate Jolly at all, but compared to Wood, Jolly is...almost like Cox or NicNat. They absolutely obliterated whoever Collingwood put in the ruck; Wood, Dawes, Pendlebury for a brief moment... and a little surprisingly our midfield made the most of it. The Kerr-surgence (36 possessions, 4 tackles and 1 goal) well and truly continued, whilst Shuey (27 possessions, 2 goals and 6 frees (all there)) and Priddis (29 disposals, 6 tackles) were also great.

Our forwards started very slowly but worked their way on top as the game went on. JJK was predictably subdued, but he's such a presence up there that others could find the ball. And by others, I don't mean a few folk from the Dharma Initiative, but a whopping 14 individual goal kickers!  Our backline was also all over Collingwood, as Cloke (haha) and co. looked amazingly weak. Like really, the Pies looked okay early as they attempted to play keeping off, but that lasted all of a quarter. We destroyed them. It was our first victory over the Pies since 07 and it was beautiful.

Final 8...Subject to Change

 It truly was a special performance and victory and we should savour it...but now stop savouring and look to next week. Because by itself it means nothing.

We are currently 4th, a win next week against the Hawks all but guarantees top 4. Unless the Pies beat the Bombers by 150 points or something in which case I would be...very....tearful. Let's be realistic though.Win and we're in. Lose and we will almost definitely finish 5th, in which case we would almost definitely play Fremantle or North Melbourne. Honestly I'm not afraid of either. But I don't want to finish fifth. We can beat the Hawks at the G on Friday night. Unbelievably we are around $4, whilst the Hawks are $1.40ish. They're not that good. We've beaten them already and we can do it again.

 But for now let's enjoy the victory a bit longer...haha...Cloke.

Round 22 Preview: No Room for Dick as Kennedy Returns with Top 4 on the Line;

Although I gave up on Top 4 several weeks ago following the Derby Debacle, we still can make it. Some might say we control our own destiny. However, it really isn't that clear. With Collingwood a game clear and facing Premiership Favourites Cellar Dwellers Essendon next week, it's easy to imagine a scenario where they nab 4th on percentage even if we pull off the unlikely feat of beating the Hawks at the G.

GWS, Melbourne and WB- The Swans played these 3 teams twice...

  But it really doesn't matter this week. Because a win here gives us a chance; a loss and the best we can finish is 5th. Outside of the very important ramifications of the result, the game is against Collingwood, a team we haven't beaten since Round 2 2007 and I think we can all agree they are a really loathsome lot. Except for Travis Cloke, who's clearly a very decent human being, who just wants an honest day's pay for a honest day's work.

Anyway, the team changes are huge for both sides. We have three big inclusions with Kennedy, Rosa and Butler all returning. Obviously Kennedy is the big one and he will become the focal point of our attack again. Darling was superb in his absence and JJK's return should work to give Jack a lesser oponent. I was a little disappointed that a certain Brad Dick wasn't selected to make his debut for the club. According to everything I've read (admittedly minimal) he's been playing well for East Freo and he was talked up earlier in the week as a possible inclusion. He would've given us a real 'X Factor' upforward and I would've thought McG would've been the one to go. But, alas still no Dick and no fairytale return against his former team. But regardless, great inclusions and this is essentially our strongest side all year.

West Coast Eagles
B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Sam Butler
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Will Schofield
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Patrick McGinnity
F: Chris Masten, Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C: Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Quinten Lynch, Adam Selwood
Emg: Andrew Strijk, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan
In: Sam Butler, Matthew Rosa, Josh Kennedy
Out: Bradd Dalziell, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan

Which is important, because Collingwood enters the game without its strongest team. Sure Swan takes a break from the booze and hamburgers to get a game, but no Maxwell and no...Jolly! Sure, I have little respect for Jolly (I mean he did play for Sydney right?) but he's quite 'spry' for an old man. In comes Wood, who has shown very little in his career to suggest he's up to the top level. I really think Jolly's absence, coupled with the injury to Maxwell, gives us a huge edge. The best ruck duo in the league up against a nobody. Our very tall and strong forward line against a backline missing its leader. Collingwood's forward line is, also...well led by Travis Cloke. Enough Said.

Collingwood
B: Chris Tarrant, Heritier O’Brien, Nathan Brown
HB: Ben Johnson, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey
C: Sharrod Wellingham, Dane Swan, Jarryd Blair
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Chris Dawes, Heath Shaw
F: Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke, Steele Sidebottom
Foll: Cameron Wood, Ben Sinclair, Dayne Beams
I/C: Alan Didak, Tyson Goldsack, Alex Fasolo, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Martin Clarke, Josh Thomas, Kirk Ugle
In: Dane Swan, Alan Toovey, Ben Johnson, Tyson Goldsack, Cameron Wood
Out: Nick Maxwell (Groin), Martin Clarke, Darren Jolly (Soreness), Jamie Elliott (Groin), Caolan Mooney (Ankle)

The question remains, even with Cox and NicNat destined to destroy Wood, will our midfield reap the benefit? They really should and they really must. Collingwood have a great midfield, but if the ruck contest goes as expected we need to capitalise on it.

Our season depends on it.

Plus, it's Collingwood!

------------------

- In other news, the Eagles have decided not to sign a 29 year old basketballer. Seems reasonable to me.
- Sheppard to have season-ending surgery

Round 21 Preview: Nobody Likes Playing Port Adelaide

Because although you're almost guaranteed a win, it's just not fun playing in front of 13 bogans wearing Ford (or Holden) jackets. It's  also no fun playing a team with so little motivation, self-respect, intensity or effort. They also have little talent, with coach Whiskers still possessing more ability than his players. But still, you have to earn a win in the AFL; by earn I mean going through the hassle of going to the airport and hopping on a plane...and going to Adelaide.

Honestly though, we have to win and barring the entire Eagles squad contracting a flesh eating virus, we will win comfortably. Last week was a great effort and an important confidence booster. We need to put in a good performance tomorrow to both boost our percentage and to maintain our form ahead of two HUGE games against the Pies (boo) and Hawks (hiss).

Win all those (I know unlikely) and we 'may' finish 4th. We have to give ourselves a chance though by winning well this week. Regardless of top 4 though, we still have to ensure we finish 5th or 6th to secure a home final...so our feral fans can instill more fear in interstate coaches and scar 10 year olds for life. But seriously, if we finish 5th and win our first final anything can happen.

Dalziell returns after a knee injury....I don't really have a strong feeling on Brad D. But he replaces Swift so...

Port Adelaide
B: Nathan Blee, Alipate Carlile, Paul Stewart
HB: Thomas Jonas, Jackson Trengove, Danyle Pearce
C: Kane Cornes, Bradley Ebert, Matthew Broadbent
HF: Matt Thomas, Justin Westhoff, Andrew Moore
F: Brett Ebert, Jay Schulz, Daniel Stewart
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Travis Boak, Domenic Cassisi
I/C: David Rodan, Jarrad Redden, Tom Logan, Aaron Young, Chad Wingard, Darren Pfeiffer, John McCarthy
In: Alipate Carlile, Daniel Stewart, Aaron Young, Thomas Jonas, Chad Wingard Out: Troy Chaplin (Knee), Hamish Hartlett (Suspension), Redden, Logan, McCarthy

West Coast Eagles
B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Adam Selwood
C: Chris Masten, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Patrick McGinnity
F: Luke Shuey, Quinten Lynch, Dean Cox
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Andrew Embley, Mitch Brown, Bradd Dalziell, Andrew Strijk, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan, Lewis Stevenson
In: Bradd Dalziell
Out: Thomas Swift

In other news, this sounds strange. In more exciting news Kennedy should return against the Pies next week. 

So enjoy the win tomorrow and let's hope the Roos get up tonight.

Public Service Announcement: Eagles Fans Dangerously Passionate

Upon reflection, I think one of the evil Scott twins is right. We, as Eagles fans, are just too loud; too passionate. It's just not fair! Between 35 000 and 40 000 screaming Eagles fans greet opposition teams when they fly in to Subiaco (and then limp out, unless they're Sydney).

Something must be done! A football game is no place for cheering or barracking or booing or any such nonsense. Perhaps, we should be forced to limit our crowd to 15 000 (let's call it the 'expansion team maximum'). Then maybe opposition coaches and players can feel safe.  Or maybe we should have to reserve seats for opposition supporters, so the Geelong hicks don't get too scared. Or maybe there can be some kind of noise limit placed on our crowds and every time the decibels surpass that limit the opposition get a free goal.

Or maybe, this is revolutionary I know, Victorian coaches and players can just admit when they are being fools. A couple of morons may have booed Hawkins but that would happen anytime, anywhere.

They are essentially arguing our home ground advantage is just too great. Forget the fact that they only travel 5-ish times a year, or that these complaints always seem to come after they lose. You shouldn't be scared to send your 10 year olds to Subi, but you should be scared to send them to a Scott press conference. Mopey, sore loser, delusional, liar.

I hope our fans give Scott a royal reception next time he's at Subi. I just  hope he packs an extra pair of dacks in the future...and perhaps a pair of testicles also (ebay might be able to help him there).
 

Round 20 Recap: Eagles Have Too Much Heart for Cats, Umps; Sore Loser Scott Continues Family Tradition

That was a great win! The game may have been the most frustrating I have ever experienced (for at least 6 days) but we found a way to grab the vital 4 points against all the odds.

We started well before slipping a few goals behind. But, throughout the entire game the Cats were playing incredibly defensive, boring and reactive football. They weren't really interested in trying to win the game themselves (because let's face it they couldn't have) but instead they were trying to stymie us, kick goals on  the break (mostly umpire assisted of course) and generally be annoying. But we stuck to the task and we had the game won with a few minutes remaining despite the scoreboard. It really was exhilarating (mainly in a good way) and my hopes for this season are (probably temporarily) revived. Sort of.

It was nowhere near a perfect performance by us. Darling, as has been the trend recently, couldn't take a mark to save his life. But neither, it seemed, could many others. There was one passage where we moved the ball from one end to the other without taking a clean mark. Needless to say I was on the verge of losing my mind. Others despite Darling also didn't have great games such as Hill, Hams etc. (in fact the forward line in general was poor) but it was the spirit, intensity and perseverance that I absolutely loved in this one. It's been missing recently, but it was great to see some steely fight by the guys.

It was led by no other by 30 year old Dean Cox, who again was superb with 3 goals, 23 possessions and 8 marks. Oh and a few hitouts...45.  His partner in excellence was also dominant with 18 possessions (16 contested), 2 goals, 5 marks and 4 tackles. He also got the final clearance that ended any hope of a Geelong miracle. They were the difference and it serves the Cats right for thinking that the big 'O' (does it stand for orifice?) could stand up to our guns. The midfield was far better than late as well with Kerr, Shuey and Priddis having big games with 4 goals between them.

Look, the commentators and others might make a big deal over the Cats injuries, but I couldn't care less. We have played without some of our best players (definitely our best forwards) all season. We got on with the task.

On to the umps and they were...disgraceful. It was the worst umpired game I can remember. The deliberate decisions (9!) were ridiculous. It really was getting farcical towards the end of the game. But even more than that they missed several obvious frees to Darling and others, especially in the second quarter. They actually deserved the ritual booing they received when they left at the end of the game. Pathetic.

But the real villain of the night was one of the evil Scott twins. I don't know which one, they're both evil and they both are clearly delusional and sore losers. Scott questioned whether Subiaco was safe for ten year olds. He referenced the Hawkins concussion and the crowd reaction which was utterly....positive. If there was people booing or whatever it was probably a couple of drunks. They have those in Geelong I'm sure (outside of the ones that play for them of course) So essentially he seemed to be saying that the crowd was too 'loud' or 'raucous'. Put it another way, his team lost, the crowd loved it, little Scotty's bottom lip began to quiver and he pooped his pants. He needs to grow a pair and stop embarrassing himself and his team.

The Scott Family Sigil

But enough about losers. We showed great spirit and won a game we had to win. Great performance, great crowd, great win.

Now come on you Swannies! (I hate you!)

Round 20 Preview: Eagles vs Cats; 20th Anniversary Edition

20 years to the day (not literally) the Eagles became the first side from outside Victoria to claim the Premiership. We beat, nay, destroyed Geelong that day and although I was too 'pre-human' to appreciate the feat, it was a great achievement.

One of the key members of that inaugural premiership side (and probably my favourite Eagle of all time), Peter Matera, thinks the season is gone. I for one...pretty much agree. Injuries have played a big if not fully determinative role in what appears to be a disappointing season. I think they have not been fully determinative because a lacklustre and mediocre midfield as well as variable intensity have also contributed to our drop down the ladder. But I will try not to engage in post-mortems any more until our season has actually concluded.

I'm not sure I agree with Waltzing Matera on his statement that "Geelong and Hawthorn are clearly standouts". Hawthorn for sure. But in my mind Geelong aren't the same as last season. I know they've beaten some good teams of late (and last Friday night's game was an epic) but they're yet to prove they're a genuine premiership threat. Of course, based on our last month, I'm not exactly brimming with confidence over this one. You would expect a response from our team after being humiliated and by 'them' of all teams. But you would have expected us to play hard last week. That wasn't the case. We do get Glass and Embley back with Butler the notable exclusion. Geelong lose 3 important players in Chapman (despite what it says below...), Hunt and Kelly.

West Coast Eagles
B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Adam Selwood
C: Chris Masten, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Ashton Hams
F: Luke Shuey, Quinten Lynch, Dean Cox
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Andrew Embley, Thomas Swift, Patrick McGinnity, Jacob Brennan
Emg: Mitch Brown, Bradd Dalziell, Andrew Strijk
In: Andrew Embley, Darren Glass, Jacob Brennan
Out: Sam Butler (Calf), Mitch Brown, Brad Sheppard (Ankle)

Geelong Cats
B: Matthew Scarlett, Tom Lonergan, Cameron Guthrie
HB: Taylor Hunt, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Andrew Mackie, Steve Johnson, Steven Motlop
HF: Allen Christensen, James Podsiadly, Jimmy Bartel
F: Mathew Stokes, Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman
Foll: Orren Stephenson, Joel Selwood, Mitch Duncan
I/C: Jackson Sheringham, Jonathan Simpkin, Josh Walker, Jordan Murdoch
Emg: David Wojcinski, Mitch Brown, Jordan Schroder
In: Jonathan Simpkin, Cameron Guthrie, Jordan Murdoch
Out: Josh Hunt (Quad), James Kelly (Groin), Billie Smedts (Calf)

We need to win this game. If we don't we might only be in the 8 on percentage. I honestly think if we lose this one we could miss finals. That would be an appalling and unforgiveable slide from a dominant position earlier in the season. On the flipside, a win and a Sydney win (I hate those bastards) and there is a path (albeit dimly lit) to 4th spot. It's a long shot but I'm always positive (except for you know everything I said above...and last week etc.) But I want a better effort with actual intensity and pressure.

Let's do what we did 20 years ago and crush the cats.

Go EAGLES!!!!!

Round 19 Recap: The Rut Resumes; Time to Kiss the Baby

What to say after a complete schmozzle of a game like that? Obviously we were rubbish. Our effort, our intensity was nowhere near that of the opposition. Pretty much every single individual on our team decided to have their worst game of the season. Except of course for Kerr, who was outstanding in both effort and execution. But besides him, the Dockers destroyed us everywhere. Naitanui backed up a dominant performance with a big 'meh'. The backline was obliterated by Pavlich and other annoying cretins. The midfield, as is becoming a constant theme, was smashed. Oh and our forward line was lethargic and ineffective.

Maybe it shouldn't have come as such a shock. Last week was an anomaly in what has become the month of the season which has definitely ended any hopes we had of winning a premiership. We're not going to win a premiership. Top 2 is gone. Top 4 is effectively finished. At this depressing point in time, we may struggle to get 5th or 6th and a home final.  Hell, top 8 is not guaranteed.We face Geelong, Port, Collingwood and Hawthorn to round out the season. We will beat Port. Play like we did against the Dockers and we will get destroyed by the other 3 teams.

I can't really summon the enthusiasm to extend this post any further, so I bid you adieu.

Round 19 Preview: The Derby to End All Derbies...Until Next Year

Or perhaps the finals? But I suppose that would entail Freo actually making the finals, a feat against their very essence. It would also, probably, mean that we would finish 5th or below something still avoidable especially if we receive some advantageous results this weekend (Go Cats! Saints! Blues! (ew) Bombers! (ew)).

But enough about things that probably won't happen and onto things that probably will. Such as us beating the Dockers. It's not a foregone conclusion, they are knocking on the door of the eight after beating such accomplished sides as GWS and the Power in recent weeks. We haven't been great of late, last week notwithstanding and we received further bad news on the injury/suspension front this week. But let's be honest. That weird, possibly satanic, hold the Dockers had on these clashes has faded to the murky past. It was a time when that annoying Connolly guy couldn't get Freo motivated for anything but derbies. It's okay if you don't remember him, they have had about 13 coaches in the last decade. Anyway, we broke that last year and into this in a big way.

The Glass suspension and the Rosa injury are notable. However, I don't see their absences as debilitating as the pre-Sydney omissions. As long as Cox and Kerr start as named, we will have a side more than capable of beating Lyon's team. I have faith in Brown as an excellent replacement for the Captain, whilst (all jokes about his hair aside, even though it is ATROCIOUS) Swift needs to step up. He's had ample chances this season to demonstrate improvement and I haven't seen any. Folically or otherwise (sorry).

Fremantle
B: Lee Spurr, Luke McPharlin, Adam McPhee
HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Michael Johnson, David Mundy
C: Paul Duffield, Ryan Crowley, Tendai Mzungu
HF: Michael Walters, Kepler Bradley, Stephen Hill
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Christopher Mayne
Foll: Jonathon Griffin, Nathan Fyfe, Matthew de Boer
I/C: Clancee Pearce, Dylan Roberton, Michael Barlow, Zac Dawson
Emg: Zachary Clarke, Josh Mellington, Cameron Sutcliffe
In: Zac Dawson
Out: Cameron Sutcliffe

West Coast Eagles
B: Beau Waters, Mitch Brown, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Adam Selwood
C: Brad Sheppard, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Luke Shuey, Quinten Lynch, Dean Cox
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Sam Butler, Thomas Swift, Patrick McGinnity, Ashton Hams
Emg: Bradd Dalziell, Andrew Strijk, Jacob Brennan
In: Mitch Brown, Thomas Swift
Out: Darren Glass (Suspension), Matthew Rosa (Jaw)


Fyfe's return for the Dockers does give their midfield some real class. He may have plastic shoulders, who always seems one awkward fall away from injury, but he's a star. Pavlich has also had a very good season, despite not getting many plaudits because of his team's irrelevance. But I believe we can cover their better players. Even with key cogs missing the machine must and will continue to function at a good enough level.

And we really should have no reason not to match or exceed the Dockers' intensity. They may be fighting for 8th, but we're fighting for top 4 and a shot at a premiership. A loss here, which is probably going to be true the rest of the season, would mean 4th may vanish.

So let's win and stick it up them...figuratively speaking.

Round 18 Recap: Eagles Stay in Top 4 Contention, but Star Trio in Doubt for Derby

Well, it seems one of that trio will be missing to face the Dockers as Glass has been offered a 1 match suspension from the M.R.P. It seems like a decent deal to me with Glass getting a reduction in points due to good behaviour. Still, he will miss a huge game and it's disappointing given how late in the game his bump came.
In other bad news, Cox and Kerr are in doubt after both sustaining injuries during the demolition.

But enough of the bad news. The Eagles bounced back in a big way, with a terrific effort against, an admittedly average, Lions side. We dominated from the start, lost a bit of momentum in the second but really turned it on in the second half. The last quarter (outside of the Glass hit) was great viewing; 11 goals stretching the margin to near 100 points. Nothing less would have been acceptable either. We now have the third best percentage. Top 2 still looks gone but if we win out we should make top 4. However, with games against the Cats, Pies and Hawks remaining that still appears like an extremely difficult task.

But let's not lose sight of what was a great victory. We had stars all over the ground. Hurn and Waters, perhaps the best half-back tandem in the league, were at their rebounding best. Who needs clearances when you have these two? NicNat and Shuey were inspired from the opening siren. Shuey played like a guy who cost us the two previous games or something...which would be unfair to suggest. But his ability to break through packs, deliver the ball and kick goals is a huge asset to us. NicNat was also dominant with 36 hitouts, 15 disposals, 15 tackles and 3 goals. Darling was a beacon of strength with 5 goals whilst Hill showed his value with 4 goals on return. I couldn't believe the commentators were actually discussing whether Hill would lose his place when Embley comes back. He might not get too many possessions, but he's a bona fide goalkicker.

So a huge win and a great confidence booster ahead of the game against the Cockburn Dockers. Now we just nervously wait the health of Cox and Kerr.

Round 18 Preview: Top 4 Hopes Slip Sliding Away

...Damn. That was a bad 2 weeks.

Not for me, as I was holidaying in Melbourne. But the Eagles were well and truly smashed in the last 2 games, probably the 2 most important matches of the season to this point.

I do, to an extent, place blame on injuries and omissions for the Sydney debacle (when you have Masten starting the last quarter as full forward you know you're having some personnel issues) but both sides outplayed us. My/our concerns over our midfield have certainly been heightened over the past 2 weeks, with Shuey's stupidity exacerbating matters. We simply don't have enough quality and certainly not enough depth at this point.

Also, worryingly, although I only watched a bit of the first quarter of the Crows game (where the game was lost) we seemed to lack intensity. Just unacceptable.

So we could be 1st right now, instead we are teetering at 5th. In my mind, based on my predictions, top 2 is essentially gone. I also don't think we will make top 4, although it is still attainable. I'm not writing off our chances of winning a premiership, but there is now no room for error.

Falling...

On the injury-front, I'm beginning to think that Kennedy won't return this season. Nicoski and Lecras are already gone. We do get Hill and Shuey back this week. Embley also will return via the WAFL.

West Coast Eagles
B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Sam Butler
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Luke Shuey, Quinten Lynch, Dean Cox
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard,  Ashton Hams
In: Luke Shuey, Josh Hill
Out: Murray Newman, Jacob Brennan

Brisbane Lions
B: Ryan Harwood, Matt Maguire, Ryan Lester
HB: Josh Drummond, Joel Patfull, Jed Adcock
C: Elliot Yeo, Simon Black, Pearce Hanley
HF: Jack Redden, Jonathan Brown, Dayne Zorko
F: James Polkinghorne, Daniel Merrett, Jack Crisp
Foll: Ben Hudson, Tom Rockliff, Andrew Raines
I/C: James Hawksley, Todd Banfield, Niall McKeever, Claye Beams, Rohan Bewick, Sam Docherty, Stephen Wrigley
In: James Hawksley, Stephen Wrigley
Out: Aaron Cornelius, Jared Polec

I expect us to bounce back against the Lions, although as they showed us earlier in the season, they are no easy-beats. Still, at home, with the season on the line, nothing less than an emphatic win is necessary. Percentage is huge in what is still a relatively tight top 6, making a big victory even more important. But perhaps just as important is that we play a good, high pressure game.

It's all on the line.