Round 14 Preview: Zzzzzzzz...but Important!

Forgive me for not being super-excited about the upcoming game against the Suns, but there just isn't anything interesting or even in contention in this one. The Suns haven't won a game, there's no history between the clubs, I don't like their guernseys etc.

I do, however, like Guy McKenna. I was fortunate to (co-incidentally) attend his final ever match against Melbourne at Subi many years ago. We got placards reading 'Thanks Bluey' or something to that effect. We got thrashed, but there was a wonderful montage at the end of the game (or 3 quarter time) dedicated to the legend. What was the point of telling you that? Well, it takes up space for one and also, he's awesome.

Blogging of awesome, last Saturday I was in the Claremont vicinity in a car when I saw a man out of the corner of my eye, driving, he had a beard. I believe he was no other than a certain Josh Kennedy, some of you might remember him from our forward line...Anyway I stared at him for a few seconds and I think I may have freaked him out. If it wasn't him than that poor chap would've been especially freaked out by the gawking. I'm sure the real JJK reads this blog, so drop me a line if that was you Josh. Cheers.

The game is important though. As I alluded to in my recap of last week's agonising loss, we are on the brink of being outside the 4. With the Pies guaranteed to win, Essendon playing the Dogs and the Swans the GWS, a slip up here could be the end of a top 2 chance. It may seem a bit of a reactionary comment but based on my predictions we face a real fight in trying to lockup top 4, let alone the highly valuable top 2 spot.

There is one change to our team with Swift losing his place to debutante Murray Newman. I don’t know much about Newman, except that he’s been in decent form. Also, although his hair isn’t great and he does have a Swift-like moustache, he still surpasses Tom in the follicle stakes.

West Coast Eagles

B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Patrick McGinnity

HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Mitch Brown

C: Andrew Gaff, Matthew Priddis, Brad Sheppard

HF: Josh Hill, Quinten Lynch, Chris Masten

F: Nic Naitanui, Jack Darling, Daniel Kerr

Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey

I/C: Matthew Rosa, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan, Murray Newman

Emg: Sam Butler, Thomas Swift, Koby Stevens

In: Murray Newman

Out: Thomas Swift

Gold Coast Suns

B: Alex Sexton, Matthew Warnock, Taylor Hine

HB: Sam Iles, Steven May, Trent McKenzie

C: Matt Shaw, Karmichael Hunt, Harley Bennell

HF: Jared Brennan, Charlie Dixon, Liam Patrick

F: Daniel Stanley, Sam Day, Brandon Matera

Foll: Tom Hickey, Josh Caddy, Gary Ablett

I/C: Zac Smith, Jarrod Harbrow, Joel Wilkinson, Kyal Horsley

Emg: Jeremy Taylor, Aaron Hall, Andrew McQualter

In: Jarrod Harbrow, Charlie Dixon, Matt Shaw, Steven May

Out: Luke Russell (Hamstring), Rory Thompson (Ankle), Michael Rischitelli (Hamstring), Seb Tape (Knee)

We really need a decent win here. By decent I mean percentage boosting, especially as I expect most of the other top 4 aspirants to well and truly increase their percentage this weekend. A 75 point victory would be nice.

C'mon Eagles! 

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In other news, both Lycett and Butler have resigned for another 2 years. Lycett still has a lot of development to undergo, but with a nickname like ‘Big Lychee’ I can’t help but think he has a promising future. The Butler, as I’ve said on numerous occasions, is a very solid and experienced backman.

Lecras has said he has a chance of returning for finals but it still seems very 'pie in the sky' stuff. He would need a perfect recovery from here and still it would be a risky decision.

Brad Dick also has aspirations of playing finals and tomorrow he will play his first Senior game for East Fremantle, after kicking 3 goals amongst 13 possessions last week  for the reserves. If Dick is healthy then it's great news for him and us as he would provide another avenue for goals in our injury ravaged forward line. Still it's a big 'if'.

Finally, as for the ‘chuckers’ thing, I’m not going to dignify those claims with any response....except for this: yawn.

Round 13 Recap: Agony at the G

I was going to run with the title "What becomes of the Broken Hearted?" but you can't really be broken-hearted by a performance like that. The result, yes. But in the harsh light of a cool Sunday morn you have to accept that a bounce here or there and we would have prevailed. It was truly a titanic clash between two top teams.

I first must disclose that I was unable to watch the game live (heartbreaking in itself) so perhaps my reflections will be more measured and less emotion-motivated than usual.

The first few minutes matched what I feared. 3 goals to zip and we looked in danger of being blown away. But then we steadied. Then we really had a strong second quarter to grab the lead by a goal at the half. Then, we (it seemed) got blown away in the third. If I had've been watching the game live I imagine I would've been infuriated. We just couldn't match their intensity and their midfield controlled things. As I knew the final margin I was stunned to see the lead stretch out to 27 points (albeit briefly) as that would seem an insurmountable task. But again we responded extremely well. Goals from Masten and Kerr were critical.

Then, the last quarter and well...so close and yet so far. We dominated the first half of the last quarter but just couldn't seal the game. We didn't kick a goal in the final 10 minutes of the game and although the Pies only snagged 1 for the quarter it was enough.

We had chances too. Hill lined up from about 40 out with 8-9 minutes left to stretch the lead beyond a goal but he didn't score. The final few minutes, even though I knew the outcome, was agonising. Though the ball was inside our forward 50 we just couldn't get a clean shot on goal. Beams' goal with 6 minutes left turned out to be the winner. I was fairly disappointed with Waters. I know he did his usual courageous things but a couple of his efforts were just poor. He just plowed into Beams' back when the Pies didn't really look likely to score. Then back in the 3rd he marked the ball about 55 metres out and blazed away when he had time to find an option or run in and take a shot more likely to score. Also, Brennan's hurried miss late in the game was shocking. I think he's been very solid since he came into the side but he should've finished there or given the ball to a teammate.

I thought Kerr was superb throughout the game. At times it was vintage Kerr, like when he bounced off a couple of tacklers and won a clearance in the first. His goal in the 3rd, when he was evidently on the brink of exhaustion, was inspirational. He looked shattered after the game; both emotionally and physically.

Elsewhere I thought it was a very even effort. Although E-Mac had 5 kicked on him I didn't think he was terrible. Cox and NicNat probably didn't do as well as they should've, but NicNat especially was an effective focal point up forward. My big concern, our relatively inexperienced and less talented midfield, was better than I expected (excluding the third). I know Pendles was missing, but I think this game demonstrated that we have definitely improved from the corresponding match up last season. Who knows, maybe if we had a few more of our forward guns in we would've found a way to snatch the points.

Unfortunately, it means it's another loss to the Pies and another loss at the G. The third quarter was the big disappointment. You can't let that happen. We really have struggled to give complete performances of late.

We have also lost our last 3 away games (two narrowly) and 3 of our last 5 overall. In a season where this is no one truly dominant team it's a fine line between 1st and missing the top 4 altogether. We got lucky yesterday when the Roos upset the Crows which allowed us to remain 4th. But I don't think 4th is good enough. For us to be legitimate premiership contenders we need a top 2 finish. There is now little margin of error if we want to accomplish that. Next week it's the GCS (yawn), then the Roos in Tasmania and then we face the Crows in Adelaide and the (evil) Swans at Subiaco. We can win all 4. We probably need to win at least 3.

A kick away from 1st...

Finally, how annoying was Dwayne Russell's comment before the siren "You're about to hear one of the greatest sounds in the world" (that being 70 000 Pies fans cheering). Really?! I don't know about you but I would rather have Mike Tyson chew my ears off than listen to those orcs. They really are a soft bunch though aren't they? When we were on top they were blaming the umps. It doesn't surprise me though, for a club that considers games at Etihad 'away games', whenever things don't go their way they have somehow been cheated. In conclusion, yuck.

Eddie and Friends

Round 13 Preview: The Real Test

This game is the biggest test we face this season. We have a terrible record against Collingwood in recent years and an equally as bad record at the MCG. One could argue these two records are just symptomatic of the fact that for a few seasons (2008-10) we were atrocious.

Yet, the fact remains that when we faced a similar test of our credentials last season, at around the same time, we came up way short. We have improved since then and Collingwood have arguably returned to the field a little.

But although I don't like to predict an Eagles loss (because I'm usually right) I honestly believe that the Pies are still the better team. Our rucks will do well against the ageing and increasingly ineffectual Jolly, but our midfields aren't in the same class. Mercifully Pendles is still out, but fatty Swan, Sidebottom, Beams and Thomas are all premium mids. We just don't have that talent. Furthermore, although  I would usually view our forward line as capable of scoring highly on pretty much anyone, the Pies have a very strong and experienced back 6. Their inclusions merely add to the solidity. From memory they essentially dominated our forward line in round 10 last year, with the ball coming out of the 50 as soon as it came in. Worryingly, our forward line doesn't have the depth it did last year. Finally, their forward line might not look all that intimidating on paper, yet it usually does enough with their midfielders fairly potent goalkickers themselves. The addition of Waters is important but the losses of A. Selwood and Schofield seem to nullify any net benefit.

Collingwood
B: Heritier O’Brien, Nathan Brown, Chris Tarrant
HB: Nick Maxwell, Ben Reid, Martin Clarke
C: Simon Buckley, Dale Thomas, Jarryd Blair
HF: Alex Fasolo, Chris Dawes, Heath Shaw
F: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Tyson Goldsack
Foll: Darren Jolly, Dane Swan, Steele Sidebottom
I/C: Alan Toovey, Sharrod Wellingham, Jamie Elliott, Marley Williams
Emg: Cameron Wood, Tom Young, Kirk Ugle
In: Heath Shaw, Alan Toovey, Ben Reid
Out: Alan Didak (Adductor), Ben Sinclair (Ankle), Tom Young

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

Perhaps I'm being a little negative but I just don't see us winning. If we do find a way though, it will be our biggest win since sometime in 2007. This is one of the few occasions in which I hope I'm wrong.

Go Eagles!

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In other news, Josh Kennedy isn't likely to return until at least round 20. I'm starting to get the impression he's a minor setback from not playing again this season.  Just keep Cox away from him, please. On a positive note, Embley is only a few weeks away from returning. He's a hugely useful and experienced player. Finally, the headline of this article tricked me into being excited. But I would be shocked to see Lecras back in 2012, especially if it is "high risk".

Round 12 Recap: Naitanui Soars as Eagles Edge Blues

Overall, it wasn't a perfect performance but we get the 4 points and look forward, with great apprehension on my behalf, to the Pies next Saturday.

We dominated the first half and the final quarter, but a lacklustre third gave the Blues a sniff. Though, credit to the Blues because they looked gone midway through the second quarter. Our goal kicking was truly atrocious, which meant a game that could have been over at half time was still in the balance. Yet, when the game was there to be won in the last, we came up trumps. Part of that may be attributed to Carlton's heavy legs, but that's not our problem. Momentum was on their side and we managed to rest it back and claim the victory. Carlton may pout about free kicks, but they've lost 5 of their last 6 games. Here's an idea: get a forward line, a backline and some cojones. It might help. Plus, how annoying is Ratten? The ugliest cheerleader I've ever seen, that's for sure.

Save the Cheerleader, Save the Blues

The three standouts were S.Selwood, Darling and NicNat. I think the multiple key absences, especially JJK, have really enabled Darling to assert himself as a dominant forward. He came through with a brace of clutch goals in the third. His marking and goal kicking (3 goals last night) may be critical to our forward line getting a winning score. But it's his forward pressure and tackling which are fast becoming his hallmark. In fact, in a critical moment in the third, as the Blues looked to extend their small lead, Darling came from nowhere to tackle and dispossess a Carlton player in one of his 6 tackles. He has come a long way in a short time. I remember thinking he was a little bit weak when the ball was on the ground, but he really has continued to improve. An amazing prospect, indeed.

Scott Selwood had another great game against the Juddas. Although Woosha said it wasn't a hard tag, Judd was kept to a measly 10 possessions (!) whilst Selwood gathered a huge 33 disposals. Judd was visibly agitated towards the end of the game, giving away a free to Cox before the softest 50 in the history of the game. I almost felt sorry for Judd. Yeah, almost.

But the main plaudits have to go to NicNat, who probably had his best game for the club. He has had some stellar performances before, but they've mainly been confined to patches in the game (think Q4 vs Hawthorn 2009).

Last night was essentially a complete game for the big Fijian; 25 possessions (19 contested), 7 tackles and 5 marks. He probably should have had a goal or two as well, but that's being picky. He really is like having an extra guy in the midfield when he's in the ruck, as he has a propensity towards winning clearances off his own hands.

Back on top, with a top of the table clash against Collingwood next week. That will be the true test of our premiership credentials.

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In other news, this is ridiculous. Idiots.

Round 12 Preview: Celebrate 600 but Beware of the Bald Man

He may well be follicly challenged, but he's a champion. I may find it hard to appreciate his talent and incredible work effort, but I have decided to not dislike him anymore. Watching him in the Qualifying Final of 2006 reminded me that he is an Eagles champion. When he retires he will be remembered as that, a man who captained the Eagles to a Premiership, who played 134 games and kicked 138 goals for the club and who made the horrible decision to move to Carlton where he failed to reach the summit again. That's 134 out of the 600 total games played by this great club. He is a huge part of our history. But he is part of the past and not the present, so let's get him.

By the way, we're playing Carlton this week. A team who were Premiership favourites (haha) and who have, as usual, failed to live up to expectations. They seem to have as much spirit as Judd does hair. Their problems are accentuated by the fact that they're playing 5:30 Thursday night at Subi, against us, off a 5 day break. Good luck.

I'm a little annoyed that we get the 'semi-bye' again, but we do get an extra break after this game. Carlton do have a couple of massive inclusions, in Scotland and Carazzo. We get back Shuey and the Butler, whilst losing Waters and Swift. Butler is the perfect replacement for the suspended Waters, probably not up to his level but a Premiership player, solid, capable and strong. Swift showed nothing against the Lions to warrant another opportunity. Perhaps he should use his Thursday night to get a haircut...just a thought.

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

Carlton
B: Zach Tuohy, Michael Jamison, Matthew Watson
HB: Bryce Gibbs, Lachlan Henderson, Nick Duigan
C: Heath Scotland, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson
HF: Jeffrey Garlett, Matthew Kreuzer, Andrew Walker
F: Christopher Yarran, Shaun Hampson, Eddie Betts
Foll: Robert Warnock, Mitch Robinson, David Ellard
I/C: Andrew Carrazzo, Dennis Armfield, Brock McLean, Andrew Collins
Emg: Aaron Joseph, Kane Lucas, Joshua Bootsma
In: Andrew Carrazzo, Heath Scotland
Out: Aaron Joseph, Joshua Bootsma

We should win this game. Carlton do have a lot of talent, especially in the midfield. But I doubt this is the game they can pull it all together. Not against us. We're off the bye and we should be angry about the Lions game. You would expect Scott Selwood to resume his tagging role against Judd (who he kept to 17 possessions in both meetings last season).

Plus it's our 600th. It's our party and we will win if we want to. 

2006 Finals Re-Watch: QF vs Swans

So no Eagles game this week to enjoy, especially frustrating given the poor showing against the Lions. But it's an ideal time to look back on the Eagles most recent Premiership.

What follows are some random thoughts, which may or may not be of interest to anyone (including me).

The 2006 premiership was a special occasion, as I'm sure it was for many others, as it was the first premiership in which I was old enough to understand, appreciate and savour the moment of victory. I was semi-cognisant at the time of the 94 victory but I remember going to the Show on the day of the game. Then when I was told the Eagles won I was like "Good". Silly boy...

But beyond reliving the great emotion of 2006, it's also interesting to compare and contrast our current team and the 06 side. The difference in personnel, our strengths and weaknesses and the game plan are quite stunning. One thing remains the same though. Robert Walls hated the Eagles then (and had a massive boner for the Swans) and still does now.

...

The game started well for the Eagles, with Beau Waters (playing up forward) kicking the first 2 goals of the game. The Swans then proceeded to kick the next 5 to the delight of the Commentary team: "You've got to admire Sydney" gushed Wallsy. Adam Hunter, my favourite swing-man, was being the most annoying man in the world; continually bumping O'Loughlin who was attempting to stretch his groin. Mr O. ended up touching Hunter's neck and giving the free away...resulting in an eruption from the Swans Cheer Squad at Network Ten. Honestly though, I find it hard to believe that Walls was allowed to commentate on Swans games. Throughout the entire game he lavishes praise upon them whilst constantly criticising us and jumping on any error our players make. I considered muting the TV, but the crowd was electric.

But I digress...

Initially, I was struck by how young everyone looked (understandable given it was 6 years ago). Lecras was actually playing then, but wearing number 19 and looking like a 7 year old (except less effective). Jamie Graham (there's a name for you) seemed to be a surprise inclusion as an extra tall. Other interesting names include Steven Armstrong (who kicked that massive goal in the GF), plus some player wearing number 3. I thought it might be a guy named 'Chris Judd' who allegedly played a few games for us earlier in the decade, but that guy was always bald right? Or does playing for Carlton do that to you?

Although we still view Cox's work around the ground as impressive it is nothing like it was in 06. The man was seriously quick and mobile. He also did it all on his own on this occasion with the Seab omitted. Still, longevity as a ruckman isn't something to easy to attain. He is still probably the best in the competition today.

Our midfield also looked...well amazing. It was one of the best of the modern era, but it really is striking compared to the lack of power in the centre of the park today. Kerr didn't play in that game, I'm not sure why but the commentators didn't even mention him. Embles was also missing. But the tandem of Judd and Cousins; their workrate, ability to win clearances and to kick clutch goals was something special. It makes watching this a rather depressing exercise, knowing what was to come for both stars, but we did  get a Cup out of their time together. You can't take the memories or the silverware!

Yet, on the other hand, it's interesting to hear the commentators note the lack of 'marking power' of the Eagles up forward, something which is a massive strength today. It really is the greatest contrast. Tim Lane: "The Swans have 2 key forwards, the Eagles have none" and Walls "The Eagles haven't had a Centre Half Forward since Mitchell White in the early 90s". To be fair though Ash Hanson was missing.

But It was a little frustrating to watch our inability to get a mark inside 50. Woosha resorted to his standard move of throwing Hunter forward (and he kicked 2 in the third) but it was such a struggle. The Big Q had a great season that year, but he didn't have a great game. Though he did kick a 60 metre bomb in the third, which he just poked at. I think in recent times he might be trying to  kick the ball too hard, he doesn't need to.

 I would even argue our backline is better and deeper today. No Wirrpanda, Hunter, Brett Jones or even Chick. But the presence of Hurn today is huge. In Glass and E-Mac we also have two excellent key defenders. I think our gameplan also facilitates a more effective backline in that the coaches are more willing to send extra help when necessary.

Anyway, the Swans maintained a 2-3 goal buffer into the third when the Eagles sprung to life and hit the lead. Chick absolutely demolished Malceski (aka the Bionic Man), which was something of a turning point. Still, I'm not sure whether he gets suspended but it was a little reckless. Although some of those Eagles have had well-known off-field issues, I think Chick's a couple  of years ago is the one that is a little off-putting. Irksome even. Still, his hard work and determination were critical to that team, exemplified by 'that' smother in the GF.

Enter the 4th and the Eagles are down by 2 points. Hall and O'Loughlin had superb games, as much as I hate to admit it. They both were also rather knackered in that they seemed to suffer (minor) injuries throughout the game. Every time the Swans went forward they looked dangerous as they isolated their two stars. Conversely, literally half of each team were crammed into our forward line making it nigh impossible to score. But, three fantastic efforts from Judd, Cousins and Armstrong gave us a shot to win. I have to hand it to Armstrong, he kicked a great roving goal deep in the last and really played well.

Interestingly, that final Micky O. goal was actually complete luck. The ball gets kicked in, old man Banfield (what a legend) punched the ball it flies off towards the goal square and the ball sits up for O'Loughlin. Then, of course, the epic moment with the rather hefty Eagles die-hard.

 

Overall, what I gathered from this game is that if we could somehow 'merge' the 06 team's midfield and the rest of the current team we would be...unbeatable! Still, the current team (midfield aside) compares very well. The discipline of our current team is also far better than it was in 06. Our gameplan and the execution is also far more successful. Plus, I really do think we have more depth than we did then and a style that doesn't rely too heavily on stars.

Despite the fact we lost (it really could have gone either way) and the commentary, it was a great game to rewatch. It was especially nice to be able to appreciate Judd again...for a couple of hours at least.

Bye Week: Injury Update

Everyone knows ('it is known') that we have had a very tough start to the season in terms of injuries. Yet, relief is near (somewhat). We're still going to be missing key players all over the ground for big games against Judd Carlton and the Pies, but if we make it through the next month or so we're in excellent shape come September.

In other positive news, Brad Dick made it through his first match unscathed, playing 43 minutes in the first half for East Freo Reserves and kicking 2 goals. Although Dick has set playing AFL by the end of the season as a goal, I still see it as a pipe dream given his terrible injury history. Still, he would be an excellent addition to what is (at full strength) the best forward line in the AFL.

There doesn't appear to be any authoritative source for injuries, but Injury Update and the AFL list (which is a tad old) give us a general picture of where we stand.

Player	Injury	Estimated Return
Ash Smith	Ankle	Test
Sam Butler	Hamstring/Thigh	Test
Brad Dalziell	Knee (PCL Tear)	Round 14
Mark Nicoski	Hamstring	Round 15
Andrew Embley	Shoulder (dislocation)	Round 17
Josh Kennedy	Ankle	Round 18
Mark Lecras	Knee (ACL Rupture)	Season

On a slightly related matter, Jack Darling reminded of Wayne Carey   on the weekend in terms of the way he marked the ball. What a steal  he was in the draft...