Congrats to the Dockers on their Premiership victory. They have achieved what no team has done before. They have crowned themselves champions after a mere 1 game into the season. Surely they must think that, as their celebrations as they kicked their final few goals were things of grand finals. Quite ridiculous, but typical of a team who still sees Derbies as their biggest games of the season.
Anyway, back to reality. We lost, essentially on the basis of a cataclysmic third quarter where they overran us and we fell to bits on the back of injuries.
Luckily for me, but perhaps not for this post, I missed the entire third quarter. Consequently, my views on the game aren't exactly 'fully informed'. But what else is new. We started well, we looked as solid as ever down back, potent up forward and on the verge of breaking away. Unfortunately, throughout the first half we didn't make the most of our chances. Worse still, at the end of the 1st and 2nd quarter we gave away cheap goals to keep the champions in touch. Then the 3rd quarter happened...
All I know is, I left one TV with the Eagles ahead by 9 points and went to another TV 30 minutes later and we were 4 goals down. It was a fairly horrible experience, mitigated by the fact that I assume it was worse to watch.
The score was bad enough, but then I was confronted by the news that Lecras had broken his arm. He looked so classy in his first half back and he's such a joy to watch. Yet, now it appears, although disappointing for him and us, he could be back as early as 2 weeks, but no longer than 6 weeks. So it could've been worse, but still- damn.
There's also concerns about Glass and E-Mac, but with 2 weeks until we face the Hawks they have plenty of time to recover.
But look, my theory is this: we lost 1 game against a decent team. We looked pretty good throughout MOST of the game. We have plenty of injuries to highly influential players. Plus, it was an 'away' derby, which is always tougher. I'm honestly not that concerned. Disappointed sure. But the season is young and there's much to look forward to. Perhaps something to keep our eyes on, is our inability to put in a full 4 quarter performance. I remember that being a key struggle last year and I just hope the 3rd quarter wasn't a continuation of that trend.
Anyway, 2 weeks until Hawthorn. I'm attending to that game and I won't let us lose. So chalk it up.
Monday 25 March 2013
Friday 22 March 2013
Round 1 Preview: D-Day as Eagles Face Dockers
Last Time they Met: Dockers by 63 points
Last 5 years: Dockers 8- Eagles 4
Biggest Fool in Dockers Team: Too many to Choose From
Number of Dockers Coaches Since 2002: 3
Number of Eagles Coaches Since 2002: 1
Funniest Derby Moment of All Time:
I believe it was Pink Floyd who said: "So you think you can tell, heaven from hell...". They wouldn't have been asking such a question had they been to a Derby. That may be putting too fine a point on things, but we know who we are, what they aren't and how much they suck. Quite a lot I would argue. See timer above.
Anyway, after finally ending the vice like hold the Dockers had on Derbies in 2011, the teams split the two games last season. We put in quite an abysmal performance in the second matchup, where a win would have given us a top 4 berth (it turned out).
But let's not look back, because it hurts both my neck and heart, and look forward to our huge game tomorrow. The first game sets the tone of the season. Win, everyone is happy and the sky is the limit. Lose and it's depressing, we'll be engulfed by a putrid purple haze and Hawks are menacingly circling on the horizon.
So let's not lose. Both teams come in to the game a little short-handed following an injury-ravaged pre-season. The loss of NicNat is offset by Sandiland's absence, who has played about 3 games in the last 2 seasons plus the injury to Zac Clarke. Meanwhile, Lecras and Waters make their triumphant return as Cripps debuts for the club. Pearce plays his first game for the Dockers, but nobody cares. Besides being a big game for the club, it's an important game for a few individuals as well. The Big Lychee (Scott Lycett) hasn't really shown much in his limited appearances for the club. Cripps has plenty to prove and the entire Eagles midfield will need to earn a spot with Kerr and Welly to return.
FREMANTLE:
B: Kepler Bradley, Zac Dawson, Michael Johnson
HB: Paul Duffield, Luke McPharlin, Nick Suban
C: Danyle Pearce, Michael Barlow, Clancee Pearce
HF: Ryan Crowley, Matthew Pavlich, Nat Fyfe
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Chris Mayne, Michael Walters
FOLL: Jon Griffin, David Mundy, Stephen Hill
INT: Matt De Boer, Tendai Mzungu, Lee Spurr, Cameron Sutcliffe
EMER: Jesse Crichton, Jack Hannath, Lachie Neale
WEST COAST:
B: Will Schofield, Darren Glass, Ash Smith
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Beau Waters
C: Andrew Gaff, Scott Selwood, Andrew Embley
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Scott Lycett, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras
FOLL: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey
INT: Adam Selwood, Ashton Hams, Jamie Cripps, Brad Sheppard
Honestly, anything could happen in this one. In my mind they're both finals bound teams. I would have little doubt that a full strength Eagles team with Kerr, Wellingham and Naitanui would be strong favourites. But with those omissions, the teams appear fairly even. Regardless, I think the Eagles strength up forward and back will ultimately allow us to kick more goals and escape with a narrow victory.
I'm really excited about this one. It's important to start the season well but it's almost as important to beat the Dockers.
Let's Eagle Rock!
Follow the blog on Facebook and Twitter to receive my free and silent gratitude!
Last 5 years: Dockers 8- Eagles 4
Biggest Fool in Dockers Team: Too many to Choose From
Number of Dockers Coaches Since 2002: 3
Number of Eagles Coaches Since 2002: 1
Funniest Derby Moment of All Time:
I believe it was Pink Floyd who said: "So you think you can tell, heaven from hell...". They wouldn't have been asking such a question had they been to a Derby. That may be putting too fine a point on things, but we know who we are, what they aren't and how much they suck. Quite a lot I would argue. See timer above.
Anyway, after finally ending the vice like hold the Dockers had on Derbies in 2011, the teams split the two games last season. We put in quite an abysmal performance in the second matchup, where a win would have given us a top 4 berth (it turned out).
But let's not look back, because it hurts both my neck and heart, and look forward to our huge game tomorrow. The first game sets the tone of the season. Win, everyone is happy and the sky is the limit. Lose and it's depressing, we'll be engulfed by a putrid purple haze and Hawks are menacingly circling on the horizon.
So let's not lose. Both teams come in to the game a little short-handed following an injury-ravaged pre-season. The loss of NicNat is offset by Sandiland's absence, who has played about 3 games in the last 2 seasons plus the injury to Zac Clarke. Meanwhile, Lecras and Waters make their triumphant return as Cripps debuts for the club. Pearce plays his first game for the Dockers, but nobody cares. Besides being a big game for the club, it's an important game for a few individuals as well. The Big Lychee (Scott Lycett) hasn't really shown much in his limited appearances for the club. Cripps has plenty to prove and the entire Eagles midfield will need to earn a spot with Kerr and Welly to return.
FREMANTLE:
B: Kepler Bradley, Zac Dawson, Michael Johnson
HB: Paul Duffield, Luke McPharlin, Nick Suban
C: Danyle Pearce, Michael Barlow, Clancee Pearce
HF: Ryan Crowley, Matthew Pavlich, Nat Fyfe
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Chris Mayne, Michael Walters
FOLL: Jon Griffin, David Mundy, Stephen Hill
INT: Matt De Boer, Tendai Mzungu, Lee Spurr, Cameron Sutcliffe
EMER: Jesse Crichton, Jack Hannath, Lachie Neale
WEST COAST:
B: Will Schofield, Darren Glass, Ash Smith
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Beau Waters
C: Andrew Gaff, Scott Selwood, Andrew Embley
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Scott Lycett, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras
FOLL: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey
INT: Adam Selwood, Ashton Hams, Jamie Cripps, Brad Sheppard
Honestly, anything could happen in this one. In my mind they're both finals bound teams. I would have little doubt that a full strength Eagles team with Kerr, Wellingham and Naitanui would be strong favourites. But with those omissions, the teams appear fairly even. Regardless, I think the Eagles strength up forward and back will ultimately allow us to kick more goals and escape with a narrow victory.
I'm really excited about this one. It's important to start the season well but it's almost as important to beat the Dockers.
Let's Eagle Rock!
Follow the blog on Facebook and Twitter to receive my free and silent gratitude!
Tuesday 19 March 2013
Season 2013 Predictions: The Final Countdown...
The final 3 predictions are here in all their glory.
Predictions 13-4 can be read and ridiculed here, here, here, here and here.
Now without further ado, let's get this over with:
3. The Eagles Record Will be...
Source: Footywire
Initially I selected us to win our first 10, but I don't think that's realistic. 9 of 10, on the other hand, is completely reasonable. I think we have a fairly decent draw in the sense that besides our first 2 outings we play plenty of (theoretically) non-finals teams. We do have a difficult run in to end the season but at that point I'm hoping that most of the currently wounded are back and playing well. Due to the imbalance in the fixture, I wouldn't want us to lose any more than 3 games (at worst) in the first 10 to truly establish ourselves in the top 4. 'Any given Sunday' and all that, but if we beat who would should beat then we'll be in good shape with a record of 16-6.
2. And the Eagles will be...
On the basis of that rough prediction we should sneak into the top 4. In terms of when our season ends it all depends on Home finals and the form of other teams. But, injuries permitting of course, I see us going 1 better than last year and making the Prelim. I don't rule out a Grand Final appearance or Premiership chance, but we haven't played 1 game yet and I'm not that bold.
Finally done. Yay! I'll be back to preview the Derby later in the week.
Follow on FB and Twitter, because everyday that goes by with the FB page stuck on '20' is like a dagger in my heart.
Predictions 13-4 can be read and ridiculed here, here, here, here and here.
Now without further ado, let's get this over with:
3. The Eagles Record Will be...
Initially I selected us to win our first 10, but I don't think that's realistic. 9 of 10, on the other hand, is completely reasonable. I think we have a fairly decent draw in the sense that besides our first 2 outings we play plenty of (theoretically) non-finals teams. We do have a difficult run in to end the season but at that point I'm hoping that most of the currently wounded are back and playing well. Due to the imbalance in the fixture, I wouldn't want us to lose any more than 3 games (at worst) in the first 10 to truly establish ourselves in the top 4. 'Any given Sunday' and all that, but if we beat who would should beat then we'll be in good shape with a record of 16-6.
2. And the Eagles will be...
On the basis of that rough prediction we should sneak into the top 4. In terms of when our season ends it all depends on Home finals and the form of other teams. But, injuries permitting of course, I see us going 1 better than last year and making the Prelim. I don't rule out a Grand Final appearance or Premiership chance, but we haven't played 1 game yet and I'm not that bold.
1. If the Eagles lose both derbies than I will change this into a Dockers blog for 1 week.
I really hope not, because besides that being a doomsday scenario for the team's prospects and the supporters' pride, it would be far too much work for me. Of course, we will win this Saturday making this prediction meaningless.
Finally done. Yay! I'll be back to preview the Derby later in the week.
Follow on FB and Twitter, because everyday that goes by with the FB page stuck on '20' is like a dagger in my heart.
Monday 18 March 2013
News: Injuries Mount. Don't Panic.
Yes, don't panic because I think I'm panicking enough for the rest of you.
Sure, none of these are 'new' injuries so much as 'setbacks' in terms of the expected return, but there's quite a list full of quality starters.
NicNat - 4 weeks
Kerr- 4 weeks
Wellingham- 4-6 weeks
Rosa- 6-8 weeks
Nicoski- indefinite
Still, we do have a bye after the Derby victory which should help ease some of the pain.
Sure, none of these are 'new' injuries so much as 'setbacks' in terms of the expected return, but there's quite a list full of quality starters.
NicNat - 4 weeks
Kerr- 4 weeks
Wellingham- 4-6 weeks
Rosa- 6-8 weeks
Nicoski- indefinite
Still, we do have a bye after the Derby victory which should help ease some of the pain.
Season 2013 Predictions: Blood Curdling Countdown Continues...
Not long now. Not long until the siren sounds, the ball is bounced, dreams are crushed and legends are made. Yes, I am so looking forward to playing some AFL Live against a kid in the ACT this afternoon...Oh and the AFL season begins this week too.
But before then, here are some more predictions for you to silently mock...
6. Biggest Improver?
Chris Masten is always a popular pick for this pre-season honour. But he's no longer the pariah that he once was, though not a star and I'm not sure whether he will get much better. In fact this is a rather difficult selection to make, as there's no one player of superb talent who hasn't already realised his potential (well, despite NicNat but I've already dissed him so there's no going back). I'm going with Kennedy on the basis that his 2012 season was fairly horrendous. Yes, it was mainly injury-related but when he did play it wasn't pretty and he seemed to operate as more of a decoy than a real threat. If he stays fit there's no reason why he won't return to his rightful place as our prime forward threat.
5. One Game you won't want to miss...
Our fixture is full of big matches against good teams, rivals and cheats^* (hint: see the ____ fly up!). But for me it's Round 22, a Friday night blockbuster against the Bogan Empire in Collingwood. This match is part of an absolutely brutal final month of matches including away to Essendon and home against the Cats and Crows. But this game is full of meaning. There's something special about beating the bloody annoying Pies, their bloody annoying fans and bloody annoying President. Especially after last year's superb effort in the corresponding fixture and the disappointing semi-final loss. There will be passion in this one plus a vital 4 points which again may influence who finishes top 4.
4. Oh Gee, Wow-ee, Did you see that!?
Yes, Brian Taylor will be of extreme annoyance this season. There will be talk of 'benders' and references to Mandurah, the Mining Tax and how great a player he was. But this prediction relates to the fact that I've run out of actual predictions and thought I'd make fun of this guy for a bit. So yeah, he'll be a pain the ass, but at least he's not Wallsy.
Tune in tomorrow for the final 3 predictions including; where we'll finish, our record and perhaps another filler Brian Taylor-esque prediction.
Follow on FB, Twitter etc.
^ Relax, it's a joke.
* Which may/may not be true.
 | ||
| I'm Ready! |
But before then, here are some more predictions for you to silently mock...
6. Biggest Improver?
Chris Masten is always a popular pick for this pre-season honour. But he's no longer the pariah that he once was, though not a star and I'm not sure whether he will get much better. In fact this is a rather difficult selection to make, as there's no one player of superb talent who hasn't already realised his potential (well, despite NicNat but I've already dissed him so there's no going back). I'm going with Kennedy on the basis that his 2012 season was fairly horrendous. Yes, it was mainly injury-related but when he did play it wasn't pretty and he seemed to operate as more of a decoy than a real threat. If he stays fit there's no reason why he won't return to his rightful place as our prime forward threat.
5. One Game you won't want to miss...
Our fixture is full of big matches against good teams, rivals and cheats^* (hint: see the ____ fly up!). But for me it's Round 22, a Friday night blockbuster against the Bogan Empire in Collingwood. This match is part of an absolutely brutal final month of matches including away to Essendon and home against the Cats and Crows. But this game is full of meaning. There's something special about beating the bloody annoying Pies, their bloody annoying fans and bloody annoying President. Especially after last year's superb effort in the corresponding fixture and the disappointing semi-final loss. There will be passion in this one plus a vital 4 points which again may influence who finishes top 4.
4. Oh Gee, Wow-ee, Did you see that!?
Yes, Brian Taylor will be of extreme annoyance this season. There will be talk of 'benders' and references to Mandurah, the Mining Tax and how great a player he was. But this prediction relates to the fact that I've run out of actual predictions and thought I'd make fun of this guy for a bit. So yeah, he'll be a pain the ass, but at least he's not Wallsy.
Tune in tomorrow for the final 3 predictions including; where we'll finish, our record and perhaps another filler Brian Taylor-esque prediction.
Follow on FB, Twitter etc.
^ Relax, it's a joke.
* Which may/may not be true.
Friday 15 March 2013
Season 2013 Predictions: Running Out of Time...
Okay, well I was planning on releasing one prediction per day, but for various reasons it didn't happen. (i.e I couldn't be bothered).
Regardless, here's the next 2. Plus, the Eagles lost to Port in a pre-season game...yawn.
8. Biggest Disappointment...
NicNat had a good season in 2012. It wasn't an All-Australian calibre season in any respect, except in the respect that he actually was All-Australian. Dearth of ruck talent perhaps? Too much emphasis placed on the amazing, tantalising and irresistible flashes by the big man? Maybe. Regardless, we expect him to continue to improve as a player and develop more consistency both within games and across the season. But, I'm not sure that will happen this season. The fact is that NicNat has already missed time with injury and unless you're Dean Cox, injuries seem to have a lasting impact on big men. In fact he's already been ruled out of the Derby in Round 1. Plus, I think people may have a view of him as an 'elite ruckman' which doesn't reflect reality (just yet). I hope I'm wrong of course.
7. Number of Times Worsfold will display human emotion....
I say this with all due respect, as I literally own his shirt, but let's be honest he is an android right? Still when we win the Premiership by 73 points I expect to see at least a form of smile emerge.
-----------
1 Week until the Derby!
I'm scared!!!
Facebook, Twitter blah blah blah.
Regardless, here's the next 2. Plus, the Eagles lost to Port in a pre-season game...yawn.
8. Biggest Disappointment...
NicNat had a good season in 2012. It wasn't an All-Australian calibre season in any respect, except in the respect that he actually was All-Australian. Dearth of ruck talent perhaps? Too much emphasis placed on the amazing, tantalising and irresistible flashes by the big man? Maybe. Regardless, we expect him to continue to improve as a player and develop more consistency both within games and across the season. But, I'm not sure that will happen this season. The fact is that NicNat has already missed time with injury and unless you're Dean Cox, injuries seem to have a lasting impact on big men. In fact he's already been ruled out of the Derby in Round 1. Plus, I think people may have a view of him as an 'elite ruckman' which doesn't reflect reality (just yet). I hope I'm wrong of course.
7. Number of Times Worsfold will display human emotion....
I say this with all due respect, as I literally own his shirt, but let's be honest he is an android right? Still when we win the Premiership by 73 points I expect to see at least a form of smile emerge.
-----------
1 Week until the Derby!
I'm scared!!!
Facebook, Twitter blah blah blah.
Saturday 9 March 2013
Pre-Season: Power vs Eagles Watch Live for Free!
Power vs Eagles Live and Free!
I'm assuming this is perfectly legitimate and legal given that the official Eagles Facebook page shared the link.
Anyway, for those of us sans Foxtel this should be a nice treat.
Enjoy.
P.S Only 2 Weeks til the Derby!
Follow the blog on facebook and on twitter.
I'm assuming this is perfectly legitimate and legal given that the official Eagles Facebook page shared the link.
Anyway, for those of us sans Foxtel this should be a nice treat.
Enjoy.
P.S Only 2 Weeks til the Derby!
Follow the blog on facebook and on twitter.
Sunday 3 March 2013
13 Predictions for 2013: No. 9
9. Worst style decision- the Beard or the Pony?
I’m feeling a little nostalgic about Dr Swift right about now...Anyway, in my mind; nothing surpasses the sheer absurdity of Schofield’s beard. Wellingham made a wrong choice to tie his hair like a horse. But with Schofield, it’s a long-term plan to grow, cultivate and promote the mass of hair spouting from his chin. I predict that by Round 3 a group of restless fans will band together and form a campaign to rid our side of the beard’s tormenting spirit. They’ll write a letter and it will go a little something like this...
 |
| There's a man underneath all that hair somewhere |
Dear Mr Schofield,
It has come to our attention, loyal Eagles fans and fashion aficionados, that you’re beard is in such a state of disrepair, owing to either your negligence or some misguided sense of style, that it is causing us great emotional anguish. There has even been rumours, unsubstantiated mind you, that members will boycott home games, in order to avoid any potential danger from the undoubtedly numerous crawling critters and rambunctious rodents inhabiting your face. We also have concerns over the effect the beard is having on your level of play. There have been multiple instances, with your head over the ball, of you being pulled down by the weight of the thing.
We have sent you a complimentary set of sheep sheers. Please do what is right and necessary.
You can read predictions 13-11, 10 and like and follow the blog.
Saturday 2 March 2013
13 Predictions for Season 2013: No. 10
As I sit here typing, I can't help but think I'd only have 7 predictions to go had I gone with the conventional '10'. But that would be too easy and...lame. But I’ve decided to post the final 10 one at a time to trick you into thinking I’ve done more work.
All the more impressive now that we know that
the Bombers are half-man, half-robot.
10. Leading Goalkicker
This is a difficult one. You would think that there are three bona-fide potential leaders here in Kennedy, Lecras and Darling. Looking back upon the last few years, due to injuries, form and other factors no one player has locked down the ‘No.1 goal kicker’ position.
|
2012 |
Jack Darling |
53 |
|
2011 |
Josh Kennedy |
59 |
|
2010 |
Mark Lecras |
63 |
|
2009 |
Mark Lecras |
58 |
|
2008 |
Ben Mckinley |
42 |
|
2007 |
Quinten ‘Magpie’ Lynch |
52 |
source: AFL Stats
In fact, that’s probably become one of the strengths of the team over the last couple of seasons. We have a strong array of options, making it difficult for opposing teams to focus on just one key guy. That strength was, of course, tested last season with the long-term injuries to stars Lecras and Kennedy, but others, notably Hams and Hill, stepped up and filled the void nicely. This year I also suspect we will see a nice spread of goals, with Lecras with 51 stealing the show. I’m a little worried about Kennedy’s propensity for injury, while I assume (my) Darling’s tally will come down a little with the return of the two guns.
Stay tuned for more things that you probably don't want to know by liking and following.
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