Round 9 Recap: We are the Eagles!

It's not a guarantee of success in a given match against the Dockers, more of a guarantee of success in a grander sense. Some might say in life, which may be taking it a bit far, but it's all relative.
For example, relative to the Dockers.

But enough pop-existentialism, on to the absolute and utter demolition that was Derby the 35th...

It started like any game against a Lyon team, tight, scrappy and tough. Oh and low scoring. I was sitting there thinking, not worrying, that this will be a real struggle. We didn't kick a goal until the second quarter when Priddis snapped a major from a contest deep in our forward line. After that, the slog continued with the teams tied 20 all at the half.

Then...BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!...and BANG! 5 goals to none in the 3rd as the Eagles crushed the utterly listless and nigh-talentless Dockers. Schofield kicked the first; a terrific running goal from the middle of the ground to the 50 near the boundary. Nic-Nat took a great mark and the Dockers spirit was decimated. Not hard to decimate for sure, but nonetheless, it was a wonderful quarter.

It carried on into the 4th where the Eagles extended the number of goals kicked in a row to 9. To be fair though, the Dockers showed resolve to get to 5 goals 6: Their lowest score at Subiaco in their history. Considering how terrible they've been for...well however long they've been in the comp. that's quite an achievement.

The Hill was instrumental, per usual; 3 goals 4 (nearly as much as the Dockers scored), 18 disposals, 4 marks and 6 tackles. Shuey, Rosa, Gaff and Rosa (with 42 disposals) controlled the midfield. Down back, the two stalwarts in Waters and Hurn were superb. You really couldn't ask for a better duo to be leaders down back. They're both so courageous and strong. I also have to applaud the efforts of the Good Sheppard over the past 2 weeks. I write efforts not performance because his execution today was, only at times, fairly atrocious. His delivery into the forward in particular really is not sufficient for a contending team. Still, it appears as though he has come along since we last saw him.

The only sour note was an apparent thigh injury sustained by Butler.

But that can't spoil the fact that this was a dominant performance and victory. I don't know if I was the only one anxiously hoping we could maintain the margin in the last quarter. It meant that we retain 1st on percentage from the Bombers.

Mind the Chasm.

So still the best; in the state and nationwide.

Also, Sir Worsfold broke the games record for the club with his 244th appearance as coach. I'm glad he surpassed Malthouse. I see 'Mick' as a Collingwood coach. Plus, he's always been annoying in the extreme.

In conclusion: We are the Eagles!!!

Round 9 Preview: In Which We Meet Mr Lyon

I could sit here and write a post all about why I despise the Dockers. I would enjoy it, the 3.5 people reading this would enjoy it, the Dockers would cry and all would be well. But I'm not that kind of guy. Well, they aren't worth the carpel tunnel syndrome I would surely develop typing all the insults.

Still, I must give credit to our unwanted cousins. They have changed, evolved even. From a team capable of exciting if inconsistent performances under that weird Harvey guy to a dull, soporific even and inconsistent rabble under Mr Mercenary.

Yet, they are in the top 8. They also still have some great players in Pav. and Sandi. They've had a history of beating us, a consequence of a mindset which views the Derby as a Grand Final while we treat the Grand Final as the Grand Final. That came to an end last season, but we have to pay heed to their ability to get motivated for these games.

Regardless of the emotional side of the Derby, we need to win this game to have an opportunity to maintain top spot.

Live Ladder Round 9

 On the team selection front, we have one change as Matt Priddis replaces Kobe. The Dockers have included Griffin to try and stymie our ruck duo, but I still give us the advantage. 

West Coast Eagles

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


Fremantle

B: Paul Duffield, Zac Dawson, Greg Broughton
HB: Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu
C: Michael Barlow, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill
HF: Matthew de Boer, Christopher Mayne, Lachie Neale
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Zachary Clarke
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Clancee Pearce
I/C:  Jay van Berlo, Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin
In:  Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin,
Out: Garrick Ibbotson, Dylan Roberton, Lee Spurr

In fact, we have the advantage everywhere. Our team is better, our coach is better, our jerseys are WAY better. Not to mention our trophy cabinet. 

This is more than a Derby. Yes, winning these games is nice so we can laud it over the  anchorless freaks. But, we are trying to win a premiership. This game is part of that quest. They wouldn't understand...

Round 8 Recap: Welcome to the House of Pain

Although the Saints showed admirable spirit fighting back in the third, the Eagles were clearly the dominant team as we extend our unbeaten run at home. Premiership contenders, especially non-Victorian teams, must build a strong home ground advantage to have a legitimate chance to push for a flag. The Eagles seem to have re-engineered the sense of invincibility we possessed at home when we last hoisted the cup. Although they would never admit it I tend to believe teams look at games at Subiaco as games where 'honourable losses' may just be acceptable. That's fine by me, because it's a silent 'honourable', you suckers.

Neither was there anything honourable about the way the Eagles tore through the Saints in the first half. If last week our midfield was zombie-like they rose from the dead (again) to dominate this week. Shuey was sublime with S.Selwood and Gaff also excellent.

The importance of Naitanui was perhaps never better witnessed than a comparison of this week versus last. Last week, we struggled to take any marks in our forward 50. This week, as Naitanui reassumed the position (no. 1 ruckman), Cox pushed forward and kicked 5 huge goals including 3 in the second. NicNat himself also kicked 2. He is a catylyst. Take him out and we look lethargic and our forward line almost looks tiny. It's not only what he does but what he allows to happen.

Some may point to the Saint's second half resurgence as evidence of our inability to put teams away. But, StKilda have a very strong and experienced side. Such a team down by 8 goals at the half will always fight back to some degree. We held them off, despite all their momentum and never allowed them within 17 points.

So still top, by percentage points, and next we face our estranged cousins from across the way. This is one of two times this season I will tolerate watching the boring bastards.

Mind the Gap.

Round 8 Preview: Eagles Must Bounce Back Against Undefined Saints

This is a big game for the club, in the context of this season and what we want and can achieve. It's our first  game after a loss for the season. We need to end the semi-disturbing trend of underwhelming performances which began with the narrow wins over the Tiges and the Roos and ended with the thumping by the Dons. We also must win to maintain our dominance at Subiaco and the psychological edge which comes with such dominance. Amazingly, lose this game and there's every chance we could drop outside the top 4.

It won't be easy. I'm not exactly sure what to think of the Saints. In a larger sense I know exactly what I think of them; I hold them in abject contempt for all their off-field shenanigans. Lest we forget I say.

But in terms of football and 2012, prior to Monday I thought they were at best in the 9th to 6th range on the ladder. But then, to my great joy, they eased past Juddas and his hapless cronies. I'm not sure this makes them top 4 contenders, but they will be keen to show Monday was no fluke.
The saints may even be more confident given their recent success against us, winning the last 4 including two at our house.

Consequently, we need a much improved effort over the schmozzle we displayed last Saturday night. I want to see far more intensity than the zombie-like pace we provided against Essendon. Our midfield, so badly beaten last week, will have no respite this week as we face quite a distinguished bunch. Dal Santo, Hayes, Goddard and Montagna are some of the best in the comp. We need to step up or this season could quickly disintegrate before our eyes.

But never fear (well not too much), help is here. Naitanui, Adam Selwood and Will Schofield all return. These are big inclusions. NicNat is the X factor our team needs. He does so much, not only in the ruck contests, but in clearances in general and his tackling pressure is unrivalled. Plus, he's just a pure joy to watch. I think we also lacked Selwood's experience and tagging ability last week. As for Schofield, he's hugely underrated; good in marking contests, quick enough and generally solid. In other good news, Priddis has been included in the team despite suffering a concussion last week. Unsurprisingly, Neates, The Big Lychee and Brown have all been omitted.

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

St Kilda
B: Jason Gram, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake
HB: Tom Simpkin, Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary
C: Ahmed Saad, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard
HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna
F: Stephen Milne, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera
Foll: Justin Koschitzke, Nick Dal Santo, Clinton Jones
I/C: David Armitage, Farren Ray, Jamie Cripps, Beau Wilkes
Emg: James Gwilt, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes
In: Jamie Cripps
Out: Arryn Siposs

In other news, it's the Indigenous Round and Hill and Wirrpanda (much love) caught up and said some interesting things. Seriously though, the Eagles have been privileged to have some of the best indigenous players to every grace this game. Peter Matera, Chris Lewis and Little Matera top the list. Let's hope the Hill can continue to impress on his debut season for the club.

More than that though, I hope we win because losing last week was just a very demoralising experience. I had forgotten what is was like. You know who never forgets though? Dockers fans.

This might not be a 'must win' in any sense of the term, but it's definitely a game that could help determine where we finish at the end of the season.

GO EAGLES!!!

Round 7 Recap: Eagles Unsurprisingly Lose, Surprisingly Big

A predictable loss, yes. But the manner of the loss was unacceptable. It's one thing to be beaten on the night by a team with a nigh full squad and in decent form. But to be beaten by 61 points, including a goal-less 3rd quarter, is something that can't happen when you want to win a premiership.

We were too slow. We lacked energy. We lacked poise. We were embarrassed by a bunch of stripey strumpets. (they're not really strumpets, I just enjoy alliteration in bad times). It's all well and good to point to the injuries as the major source of the performance. However, the effort just didn't seem good enough. Our midfield was destroyed. Essendon had 63 inside 50s to our 41. They have always been a quick team (and we have always been not fast) but they tore us apart with ease.

Our replacements didn't perform well. Neates had a negligible impact. The Good Sheppard and The Big Lychee showed little to justify my honouring of them with clever nicknames. Our backline was undermanned. I think our last 2 weeks, but especially this game, showed just how underrated guys like Ash Smith and Will Schofield really are. In terms of our depleted forward line, it is was ineffectual.

On a positive note, Cox held down the fort like the champion that he is. However, we miss Naitanui. He allows Cox to free-roam around the ground. The Big Lychee isn't really a viable option as a second ruckman. We also missed Naitanui's energy and explosiveness in clearance situations. The man can tear a game apart. He's dynamic. We looked decidedly one paced.

I want to make it clear. We may have lost the game because of injuries. It was fairly foreseeable as we were missing 6 or 7 bona-fide starters. 3 of these are in our top 5 players. Yet, the performance and the margin seemed more a product of a sluggish, lethargic effort.

Still, credit where credit is due. Essendon played well. I mean we all know they still wouldn't have beaten us at Subi, or if we had a full team, but here's to you Bombers! I look forward to playing you in the finals (if you make it).

We need players back. Naitanui, Selwood and Smith could return. Schofield's suspension ends. Hopefully Priddis will be okay. But we also need a better effort a.s.a.p. Play like we did against the Dons and we will lose to the Saints next week, something which can't happen.

Round 7 Preview: Bombers vs Eagles

It's hard to over-emphasise just how big a game this is. 1st vs 4th. Saturday night. Prime Time. National TV.  Eagles (yay!) Bombers (yuck).

However, the Bombers are expected to win this game. They are the favourites. They are at home. They have far more of their squad available. Although overall our team is still fairly strong, we have essentially no real depth on the bench (Mitch Brown, McG, The Good Sheppard, Ryan Neates). Naitanui is still missing with hamstring soreness. Selwood is out with his 'webbing issues'. Ashton Hams has been suspended. Schofield is still suspended. I don't have to go through the litany of big names out to underscore how injury-ravaged we are.

Essendon
B: Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Courtenay Dempsey
HB: Kyle Hardingham, Jake Carlisle, Dustin Fletcher
C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis
HF: Jake Melksham, Stewart Crameri, Angus Monfries
F: Alwyn Davey, Patrick Ryder, Leroy Jetta
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett
I/C: Ricky Dyson, Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Travis Colyer
Emg: Mark McVeigh, Henry Slattery, Cory Dell’Olio

West Coast Eagles
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Jacob Brennan
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Josh Hill
F: Luke Shuey, Jack Darling, Scott Lycett
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Mitch Brown, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Ryan Neates
Emg: Thomas Swift, Koby Stevens, Murray Newman
In: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates
Out: Adam Selwood (Hand), Ashton Hams (Suspension)
New: Ryan Neates (Claremont (WA))
Milestones: Beau Waters – 100 games

On the other hand, Essendon are really only missing Hille and Hurley (who will now be roaming the streets to the fear of cab drivers in Melbourne). Essendon should win this game. The pressure is all on them. Will they wilt? We know they can beat up on teams like Brisbane. But besides a lucky win over the Kangas in Round 1, they haven't proved they can beat teams of any real substance. They have to win this game to prove their top 4 credentials. If they don't they lose all credibility (as much credibility that a team that has Kyle Reimers on their list can have).

I think they will win. Although this may appear to be rather defeatist, I'm not saying we can't win. But really, all the factors; all our injuries, the importance of the game for Jobe W. Bush and co., it's under the dome point to a win for Hird's men.

Despite this, it should be a great game! Congrats to Beau Waters who finally hits the 100 mark. He has been such a strong player in the backline for years now and his courage is inspiring. Here's to 100 more.

It's a big game for some young guys too. Neates makes his debut. He might not draw 12 free kicks a game like Hams, but it will be interesting to see how he does after injury ruined his 2011 season (I think...). Jacob Brennan also gets another game after a fairly impressive debut last week. The Big Lychee also stays in the side, to my delight as I get to use his awesome nickname again. One positive aspect about all our injuries is that it does provide these guys with games. Though I would prefer them to get opportunities against GWS and the GCS, they are trying to make a career. They won't have a deficit of desire and could add some real energy and enthusiasm to the team.

 In terms of the free kick issue, which has blown up as big as Brett Ebert's head (well nothing is that big),  it's essentially a beat up. I think Hams may be 'playing' for them, but so what? Ballantyne, Milne and countless other vertically challenged individuals do the exact same thing. I thought Woosha's press conference was rather classic.

Reporter: Are you happy with the way your players go about it?
Woosha:...Yep.

He then went on to say that perhaps our players go in harder than opposition jerks.

In a nutshell, screw the sore losers in the East and LETS GO EAGLES!!!

Round 6 Recap: Rumours of Our Demise have been Greatly Exaggerated

It was gritty. It was ugly. At times we looked quite shaky, but in the end, when it mattered, we ran all over the Roos to remain the only unbeaten team at the conclusion of Round 6.

Mind the Gap.

The day didn't start all that well for us, with NicNat withdrawing after a botched dunk attempt experiencing hamstring tightness and being replaced by Scott Lycett (hereafter the 'Big Lychee'). So no JJK, NicNat, Lecca, Nico., Embles, Ashley Smith, Schofield or Mitch Brown. At times it looked like we were missing some important players, but we showed great resolve to win the game.

Oh...and Adam Selwood split his webbing. I know I shouldn't joke about it, as it looked horrendously painful, but I can't help but think of ducks when I hear the word webbing...haha...ducks. Hams has also been suspended for a high bump on Swallow (which looked like a high bump on Hill).

The Roos played fairly well. Swallow was impressive and some other guys did some other things. I was going to be a bit more complimentary, but it turns out Brad Scott comes from the Clarkson school of losing.
 Maybe teams should learn how to tackle without decapitating our diminutive players. The East Coast media is also obsessed with our free kick tally, but too bad. We're not breaking any rules and consequently it is not our problem. Move on, losers.

Still, even if we didn't draw a lot of frees, I'm sure they would find other excuses as to why they didn't win. Such as we poisoned their food, or something like Mark Harvey's peculiar claims. Wasn't Harvey great though? A little on the 'insane' side but so much less soporific than Wossy Lyon

Anyway, enough about losers, back to the invincibles. Josh Hill was again superb. I may have been a little ambivalent about the acquisition initially, but I did see the promise.(Plus we rid ourselves of Ernie's friend) Then from the start of preseason I have been extremely impressed. I'm not saying we don't miss Lecras, but just look at his scoring;

Goals from the Hill

More than his goals, though huge, he is more than pulling his weight in the forward press. It was interesting today to hear the commentators ask Brad Johnson why Hill didn't put on this sort of pressure playing for the Dogs: "We Tried" said Johnno. I'm not trying to mock the Dogs or anything, but I think  the difference is our team, with its experienced players and strong work ethic, demands 100% effort...versus...well having a team with Brian Lake.

You can watch Hill's one question at the presser above.

Kudos too to Cox. I was beginning to think the big man was in decline, but today's performance suggests otherwise. 32 hitouts, 21 disposals and 5 marks. If anything this game demonstrates that Cox has voluntarily allowed NicNat to assume the Number One rucking role whilst he does whatever he feels like down back or forward.

But today was also a little concerning. For obvious reasons our forward is not as potent. Yes, we could have kicked more goals (18 behinds!) but we still lacked something (see injured players above). Yet, considering everything, this was a great win. I can't really complain.

Next week is a huge test: The Bombers at Docklands on Saturday night. NicNat should be back plus maybe a couple of others. It's going to be our biggest game of the season against Jobe W Bush and his weapons of mass delusion.


In conclusion, please no training injuries during the week...

Round 6 Preview: Eagles vs Roos

I really think the club needs to go elsewhere for scans. It's quite clear that the machine we have been using lately is a complete, for want of a better word, jerk. Every time one of our players gets a knock, a twist or a strain the machine takes the opportunity to give us the rude finger. Stupid machine.

Yet, as I wrote when Lecras went down...and Nicoski went down....and Embley went down...and now that JJK is down, the success of this team doesn't depend on one, two or three great players. (Though seriously please stop!) It's built on the system. However, saying that, we need competent players for the system to function as it should. I think we may be on the verge of lacking the pieces for us to play to our capacity. Yet our midfield is essentially unaffected. Our backline is strong. Our rucks are dominant. The question is increasingly about whether our forward line will be able to kick a winning score and maintain the press. Q and Darling (coming off his best game last week) are now our two key forwards. I'm not sure whether the Q can play that role any more, but we will see. Hill and Hams have and must continue to kick goals.

It looked as if Scott Lycett was going to be the replacement for Kennedy. However, he hasn't been included in the final team for Sunday's game. Mitch Brown is out with the eye, not due to Dean Cox throwing a tennis ball at him, plus Schofield has been suspended (apparently) for 2 weeks. Shouldn't there be an asterisk in the rules saying you can do what you want to J. Riewoldt? Anyway, our backline actually looks a bit thin with Sheppard returning. He's an interesting case. He seems to be from the 'Chris Masten School' of first round draft picks. Yet, there must be a reason he was selected so high, such as we can't draft properly.


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

In: Eric Mackenzie, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan,
Out: Mitch Brown (eye), Will Schofield (Suspension), Josh Kennedy (Ankle), Ashley Smith
New: Jacob Brennan (East Fremantle), Murray Newman (Swan Districts)

North Melbourne
B: Jamie Macmillan, Scott Thompson, Shaun Atley
HB: Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Luke Delaney
C: Leigh Adams, Andrew Swallow, Samuel Wright
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robert Tarrant, Brent Harvey
F: Kieran Harper, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac
I/C: Aaron Edwards, Todd Goldstein, Cruize Garlett, Liam Anthony, Cameron Pedersen, Aaron Mullett, Brad McKenzie

In: Cameron Pedersen
Out: Levi Greenwood
New: Brad McKenzie (Sturt)

As for our opponents, well I think they will provide a stern if not total test of where we now stand. They seem to be improved from years past, but aren't elite. All things being equal, you would expect us to win by 5 to 6 goals. But things aren't equal and consequently this should be a real litmus test.

Kennedy out for 3 months...It's Time to Start Panicking

In news that has hit this blogger like a rickshaw being driven by Q, Josh Kennedy will miss the next 3 months as he waits to undergo surgery on his injured ankle.
Needless to say, this is very frightening. For the majority of the season our forward line will be without its two stars- Lecras and JJK. Nicoski is also out, as is Andrew Embley. The phrase the 'straw that broke the camel's back' comes to mind, but I'm trying to remain calm.
We're 5-0. We have a fairly easy next few weeks. We still have Darling and Lynch in our forward line, along with in form duo Hams and Hill. We can still win the premiership if the majority of those injured return for the finals.

On the other hand, we may also be cursed
 ....

I'm scared...and demoralised.

go eagles...