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.
Sunday 30 September 2012
Saturday 29 September 2012
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.
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.
Thursday 27 September 2012
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-respectingEagles fan human being should do the same.
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
Friday 21 September 2012
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.
Full Story
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.
Full Story
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Season Review Part 1: 'Cause It's Over
 |
| This Eagle is sad. |
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
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.
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.
Saturday 15 September 2012
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.
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.
Friday 14 September 2012
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.
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.
Monday 10 September 2012
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!!!
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!!!
Friday 7 September 2012
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
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).
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
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).
Monday 3 September 2012
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.
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.
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