Round 8 Recap: Get off the Field Katich!

Is what some hilarious fans were yelling at the GWS runner as the game ebbed away in the last well...4 quarters.

Apparently Simon Katich is a runner for GWS. He played cricket right?

Anyway, it was one of those days where nothing of note was occurring on field. Yes, we kicked 30 goals for the first time in our history. Yes, JJK kicked 11 straight (although one of them was an atrocious effort which somehow floated through). Yes, we won by over 100 points.

But really, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. The game was dull, uncompetitive and generally lacklustre. I know you can't blame us, but it's games like this that make me think 'why bother'? I don't find it fun to watch and the team gains nothing more than maybe some (artificial and temporary) confidence.

The weather was pleasant though. I was in the shade, trapped in the corner, my legs jammed up against the seat in front of me. The old fella in front continually turned to my friend and I and said: "They've got their kicking boots on today...something...something". We couldn't really understand what else he said, so we just nodded, said "yeah" and other general statements indicating agreement with whatever the hell he was saying. Something about the end of days, perhaps?

Anyway, yes, Kennedy was fun to watch. His tenth goal, the anticipation leading up to it, the celebration following it (of both teammates and fans) was almost worth the price of admission. Except not really, because $43 for those seats is a travesty.

But as I wrote, the win, although rather inflated, was to be expected. We are 4-4. We have a bye and then face the Pies, Kangas and Hawks. Um, yeah, so the next few weeks may very well determine whether we play finals. If we can beat the Roos and then somehow snatch one of the others we will be well positioned. Yet it's very difficult seeing us beat either of the Pies or Hawks away from home at the moment.

Round 4-7 Recap: We are Who We are.

And who we are is 'average'.

Firstly, apologies for the absence of posts, but hopefully they will return with a degree of regularity. Do I think that I have so much power that by not posting anything for a month, the Eagles simply folded in response? No, no I don't.

For you see, it's all in the fixtures. How foolish do those commentators look, who after 1 win over the Bulldogs, declared us Top 4 certainties? I thought it was crazy then, it still seemed crazy after 3 wins against minnows and it has been proved crazy now.

Let's recap a horror month shall we?

- A thrashing by the Cats in which we were held goalless for 3 quarters. I know injuries blah blah blah.
- A solid effort against an excellent Port side (but a loss nonetheless at home).
- A loss against (honest to God) the Blues after leading by 4 goals with 10 minutes remaining. This happened folks. It wasn't a bad dream. I mean it was, but it actually happened. A living nightmare perhaps.
- A Derby loss...on which I can't really commentate as I was 'playing' archery (...?)

I saw snippets of the Derby. This is what I gleaned from those snippets- WASTERS!!! We kicked plenty of points. It was mainly in the second quarter. Naitanui looked angry for some reason.

The point is though, we are a 'decent side'. We are capable of playing finals, but not of testing any of the top 4 teams when the pressure is on. The good news is: there are a swathe of mediocre teams this year. The bad news is: there are a swathe of mediocre teams this year and as such we may miss finals.

Is it time to panic? Not really. Unless you believed we were a chance to do anything significant this season, in which case please proceed to panic. If you're like me, you sort of expected this team. The season is young, things may improve, things may deteriorate. 

Winter is coming, and our next 3 opponents are GWS, Collingwood and North Melbourne. I can see us going anything from 2-1 to 0-3. Interesting times ahead.

Round 3 Preview: A Hat trick of Hammerings?

I debated whether to include the '?' at the end of the title. I didn't want to appear too arrogant.

The Saints are undefeated after edging out Melbourne and GWS. We are undefeated after destroying the Dogs and Demons.

I can't imagine a scenario in which we don't, at the very least, easily account for the Saints. They are team of two contrasts; ageing stars past their prime and young, untested rookies. That kind of combination screams death at Subiaco Oval.

We are full of confidence, immeasurably more talented, bigger, stronger. Essentially we are much, much, much better in every tangible category. Just look at their half back line for example. I honestly couldn't pick any of those guys out of a line-up. We will kick a massive score.

They should be at least competitive in the midfield, with whatever Hayes has left in his ageing legs keeping their head above water, but besides Riewoldt who is going to worry us?

WEST COAST
B Jamie Bennell, Darren Glass, Mitchell Brown
HB Matt Rosa, Eric Mackenzie, Elliot Yeo
C Chris Masten, Matt Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF Sharrod Wellingham, Josh Kennedy, Xavier Ellis
F Mark LeCras, Jack Darling, Jamie Cripps
FOLL Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C Nic Naitanui, Brad Sheppard, Brant Colledge, Callum Sinclair
IN Brant Colledge
OUT Shannon Hurn (Knee)

ST KILDA
B Sean Dempster, James Gwilt, Sam Gilbert
HB Nathan Wright, Luke Delaney, Jimmy Webster
C Jarryn Geary, Lenny Hayes, Farren Ray
HF Clinton Jones, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna
F Eli Templeton, Beau Maister, Josh Saunders
FOLL Tom Hickey, David Armitage, Tom Curren
I/C Jack Newnes, Rhys Stanley, Shane Savage, Luke Dunstan
IN Jimmy Webster
OUT Dylan Roberton (omitted)

Hurn is the big omission, reported to miss around 4 weeks, whilst Brant Colledge gets the nod. Interesting name Brant. I have no knowledge of him as a player, but it's a good game to ease into. Still no Hill, nor Schofield, nor Lycett.

There's not much left to write, except enjoy this game, because next week we face the Cats in Geelong. That's also known as 'when our season begins'.

Round 2 Recap: Just Like Last Year.

Were you embarrassed watching that demolition? No, me neither. But good God man/woman!

For although Roos is now standing where Neeld (remember that guy?) stood last year, the result was the same. The Dees are STILL the whipping boys of the comp, an unmitigated disaster of a football team, undeserving of playing in the league.

I wonder if Garry Lyon will spend time this week trawling over everything that Jamie Bennell did wrong? I wouldn't put it past him.

Yet I honestly don't derive all that much pleasure out of games like that. Sure, 4 points is good. Yes, percentage is a plus. Undoubtedly, our confidence is now sky-high. But, do we really want to see games like that?

Still, our performance was just like last week; powerful and unrelenting. We operated at a level far beyond the minions that we faced. It was a polished performance by a talented group.

I don't think I can write much about this game. Essentially everyone played well. Kennedy found form and kicked 5, Nic Nat did a few good things, the defence was untroubled and the midfield dominant. I even thought Sheppard showed signs of life after starting as the sub.

The only negative from the day was the knee injury suffered by Shannon Hurn. He will miss at least 2 weeks.

We play the Dees again in Round 22. That should be fun.

Next up is the undefeated Saints. I don't expect them to remain unbeaten for long.

Oh and we're on top of the perch, which is...nice.

Round 2 Preview: Eagles Face Old Nemesis

That would be Paul Roos, not the Demons. On the contrary, we, like all other self-respecting football teams, have historically enjoyed playing (and destroying) the Demons. Will the Roos-led Dees be any different?

Perhaps. But at this point in time the Demons are very much a 'work in progress'. To be honest, I didn't watch any of their game last week, I had better things to do like washing my cat. They lost. I picked them. Bastards.

But enough about them. If we are a genuine team we should beat a very inexperienced, perpetually losing team that is Melbourne. Although I will continue to caution against the wave of euphoria which has descended (mainly from external sources) upon us, I expect us to have far too much ability and intensity today.

A quick perusal of the respective team sheets suggests something of a slaughter could occur. The Demons forward line in particular is extremely impotent, with Jack 'Wolverine' Fitzpatrick named at full forward. As long as E-Mac and co. watch those dastard claws, I can't see the Dees kicking a winning score. 

In team news, Brad 'The Good Shepherd' Sheppard is the one inclusion, as Sheed is dropped. Hell of a guy Sheppard. He never has justified the draft pick we spent on him, but that may be as much a sign of our poor drafting as anything. Still, a new coach, a fresh start and an opportunity on Sunday. Sinclair continues to keep Lycett out, whilst Josh Hill, a man who played almost every game for 2 seasons, is overlooked again.

Melbourne make no change to the team that lost to the Saints. They do, however, have Viv Michie. A dark horse for the Brownlow?

MELBOURNE
Backs:         Dunn Frawley Georgiou
Half-backs:    Grimes McDonald Terlich
Centres:       Trengove Tyson Cross
Half-forwards: Watts Pedersen Toumpas
Forwards:      Howe Fitzpatrick Bail
Followers:     Spencer N Jones Vince
Interchange:   From: Byrnes M Jones Kennedy-Harris Michie


WEST COAST  
Backs:         Bennell Glass Brown
Half-backs:    Hurn Mackenzie Ellis
Centres:       Rosa Priddis Gaff
Half-forwards: Cripps Kennedy Masten
Forwards:      LeCras Darling Naitanui
Followers:     Cox Selwood Shuey
Interchange: Sheppard Sinclair Wellingham Yeo
In: Sheppard
Out: Sheed

I could go on and on about how we are better than they are in everyway. But, why bother? We should prevail quite comfortably and move to 2-0.

Have a pleasant Sunday!

Round 1 Recap: Reborn Eagles Breeze Past Disastrous Dogs

The Eagles destroyed a mediocre Dogs outfit, transferring an impressive preseason into a great result on Sunday.

I'm reluctant to make any grand recalibration of how I see this team. It's far too early. We were dominant yes, but the Dogs were extremely disappointing. Whether they're just plain bad, or the heat/humidity hurt their Victorian sensibilities, they couldn't muster much fight from the 2nd quarter onwards.

But you can only beat who you play. We beat who we played with ease, poise, passion and power. We moved the ball quickly. We demonstrated consistent pressure and intensity and were ferocious in our tackling. We had zeal.

Lecras and Darling were simply unstoppable up forward. Both seemed to spend considerable time right in the thick of the action and really flourished. The midfield was too powerful for what should be, theoretically, a solid outfit. Up forward, the underwhelming Crameri and not much else didn't both the ever consistent Glass and E-Mac.

The new guys looked solid. I thought Bennell in particular showed something, despite Garry Lyon's rather bitter decision to highlight every little thing he did wrong on Footy Classified. Really Garry?

Ellis and Yeo both probably did decent enough jobs, although as I was sitting in the clouds I didn't really notice them. Sheed, as expected, was green vested.

Overall, it was a demolition. It seems the team has restored a sense of pride in their play and the crowd reacted accordingly.

Despite this,  the panel shows on Monday night have surely gone too early in proclaiming us 'Top 4 chances' and certainties for the top 8. It was 1 game, at home, against the Dogs. We won't really know the level of our improvement until rounds 4 to 7, where we play the Cats and Blues away and face the Power and Dockers at home.

But until then, interesting games against the Demons and Saints await.

Round 1 Preview: It's not a House, it's a Home.

Last year it wasn't so much a house or a home. It was a place of pain.

But, who cares! Round 1: WOO HOO!

We find ourselves in an unfamiliar place at the start of this season. For the past few years we knew who we were come Round 1, or at least we thought we knew. This season is different. There's a rookie coach. There's a host of new additions. We simply don't know how this will play out. But it should be exciting nonetheless.

There are some advantages to this. Expectations which were perhaps unnervingly high last season haved ebbed away. There isn't the same pressure to succeed. There also shouldn't be any complacency, nor lack of desire nor passion.

We are somewhat eased into season 2014 with winnable games against 3 non-finals teams from last season. It certainly can't be as tough as what we faced last year, losing badly to the 2 grand finalists in the opening 2 rounds.

Pre-season form is generally meaningless, yet there was a certain verve, a drive, an intensity in our play which was lacking last year.  Finally, we are healthier than we were at this time last season.

All this, naturally, will mean nothing if we go out tomorrow and lose.

It's impossible to overestimate how important Round 1 is to us. Firstly, it sets a tone for the rest of the year. Secondly, we must, must must, re-establish a home ground advantage. It was MIA last season as teams waltzed in, thrashed us and waltzed away with the 4 points. Not this year.

The team has a fresh look to it, with 4 new additions to the line-up. Jamie Bennell finally debuts, an ex-Demon. I have to say he looked a little slow in the practice match against the Dockers, but erm, well, we'll see. Premiership Hawk Xavier Ellis also slots into the backline, whilst rookie Sheed and former Lion Yeo are named on the bench. You would imagine first gamer Sheed would be sporting green come bounce down.

I don't know what to expect from the new guys. They all seem like solid contributors, unlikely to be more than worthy, secure options adding to our depth. Perhaps Sheed is the exception. All will be revealed...

Other notable inclusions include Sinclair, beating out the forever nearly man the Big Lycee. I feel bad for Lycee, but Sinclair has simply played better with fewer opportunities. It's also encuraging to see Nic Nat, Hurn and Lecras playing after missing games towards the end of last year's train wreck.

WEST COAST
B: Bennell D.Glass M.Brown
HB: S.Hurn E.Mackenzie X.Ellis
C: M.Rosa M.Priddis A.Gaff
HF: S.Wellingham J.Kennedy C.Masten
F: M.LeCras J.Darling J.Cripps
FOLL: D.Cox S.Selwood L.Shuey
I/C: N.Naitanui D.Sheed C.Sinclair E.Yeo

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: L.Picken J.Roughead E.Wood
HB: B.Goodes D.Morris R.Murphy
C: J.Macrae A.Cooney K.Stevens
HF: S.Higgins S.Crameri D.Giansiracusa
F: L.Hunter J.Stringer T.Campbell
FOLL: W.Minson M.Boyd T.Liberatore
I/C: M.Wallis L.Dahlhaus T.Dickson  J.Johannisen

As for the Dogs...I don't know. They finished last year strongly. They defeated us to hurt our dwindling top 9 chances last season. Essentially, I expect them to push for finals, but perhaps a slight lack of talent will seem them miss out. Maybe. Who cares.

The point is: we should win this game by 4-5 goals. We're more talented. We're at home. We'll want o quickly dispel the ghosts of last year.

Enjoy the game!

Season 2014 Preview: Y'all ready for this!?

There is reportedly going to be a sequel to the much beloved, critically acclaimed (at least in my eyes) animated/sports epic 'Space Jam'. But this is an Eagles blog, so this is neither the time nor the place to dwell on such a tantalising prospect.

I only mention it because the theme song of 'Space Jam' is such that it seems appropriate to kick-start blog posts relating to Season 2014. Yes, the doom and gloom, the self-pity and the wallowing over last year has finally concluded.

I'm feeling fairly upbeat after a couple of strong performances in pre-season against the Dockers (twice) and the Swans. It is completely meaningless, but it's better than looking bad I suppose. I can't say I watched more than 7 minutes of the first 2 games but I glanced at some stats and recaps.

I did, however, attend the practice match against Freo a couple of weeks ago. It was a very pleasant evening, with half the ground closed, all spectators were shielded from the dwindling but hot sun under the cover of the grandstand. The crowd was in fairly good spirits, some seemed to take the game a little too seriously (booing at a practice match? Save it for Round 1 guys) but it was a nice and relaxed night. Oh and we played very well. The Eagles were clearly the more focused and intense of the two teams. The Dockers seemed a little slow and a little disinterested. UPDATE: The Dockers are still painfully difficult to beat...and watch.

After watching so many live games last year, I was struck by two things from our perspective:
1) We were very clean with possession
2) We moved the ball quickly and quite directly.

Whether these improvements hold for the season proper remain to be seen. But we looked confident and dedicated. Good omens.

I usually write several preview posts where I provide rather questionable predictions regarding the upcoming season. After much thought (over the past 25 seconds) I have come to the conclusion that I am just too lazy to do so again this year. Lazy and cognisant of the fact that many of those predictions had nothing to do with the Eagles...or football.

I guess this post will have to fill that void that I'm sure loyal readers will have been eagerly awaiting to be filled...

Here's how I see 2014 going down;

- Top Goalkicker: Kennedy will be our top goalkicker, kicking 63. Lecras, sporting a new hair do, and hopefully having more luck with injuries will bounce back from a disappointing 2013. Darling was decent last season, will he kick it up another gear?

- Our record- 11-11. It's a pessimistic prediction, but we do have many difficult games, an unproven coach, an unproven team. I think the competition should be fairly strong this year although there are many teams that could go either way (Essendon Buyer's Club for example).

- Best New recruit: This is tough, as there were some solid if not spectacular off-season recruits. Draftee Sheed? Yeo? X-Ellis? Maybe Adam Simpson, who should at least inject some rookie enthusiasm into what was a fairly lifeless outfit last season.

- Biggest Improver: I predict that Andrew 'Anonymous' Gaff will lose that middle name I assigned to him 3 seconds ago. He was a major disappointment last season, unable to break a tag and largely ineffective. As a player with superb foot skills, we (both him, the team, coaching staff) need to find a way to get him into the game.

- Biggest Disappointment: Perhaps not making finals. As you can discern from my record prediction above, I'm agnostic about our prospects. Start well and finals are a possibility, but nothing is certain.

- Must See Game: As always there are some great games; Derbies (but they contain a Ross Lyon team so 'zzzzzzz'), home games against the Pies, Swans and Roos. But personally, and perhaps ridiculously, I'm quite looking forward to our first ever home game against GWS. They have some exciting players, Cameron, Patton etc. and may actually be competitive this season. We should only win by 67 points.

There you have it. A short season preview, which I started 3 weeks ago, complete with 3 days to spare until bounce down.

Stay tuned for the Round 1 Preview in the next couple of days!

Season 2013 Review Part 4: The Final Self-Flagellation

Season 2013 has been over now for 5 months. Yet, the memories of humiliation remain fresh in the memory. That final dismal display against the Crows on a wet Saturday night in August feels like just yesterday. Remember Selwood and Embley did a lap of honour? Worsfold said a few words to the crowd, which turned out to be his final words? 

Thankfully the new season is nearly upon us, which will, if not permanently delete last year from our minds, will at least submerge it behind new hopes and dreams.

But for one final time, here are my last 3 predictions before last year:


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.

Oh yes, just a mere 9 out of 10. Easy as that huh? The guy that wrote that was an idealistic fool. He is no more. I will abstain from making similarly outlandish predictions this year. But everything started well enough last year. I mean the first quarter against the Dockers anyway. I remember us kicking the first few goals and sitting on the couch with a smug look on my face. I thought we were about to embark upon a thrashing of the Dockers despite our missing stars. Of course, the 3rd quarter happened and we never really recovered. I also remember being excited heading to the Hawks clash. That was depressing. We ended up losing 9 games at home. I think our number 1 mission this season is rebuilding a strong home ground advantage. In addition to, well, not being completely rubbish.


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.

Obviously, not quite the top 4. Not quite prelim. material. Or finals. Or anything resembling respectability. There isn't much to say really.
 

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.

Well when I made that prediction I was clearly under the mistaken apprehension that we were a quality side. I was also under the mistaken apprehension that the Dockers wouldn't be such a quality side. Mistakes were made. I didn't change this into a Dockers blog because nobody can make me do that; not you, not the courts, not even an arrogant pre-season prediction made by me.

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In other news, we destroyed the Dockers. It was fun.

Season 2013 Review Part 3: A Walk Down (Painful) Memory Lane + Offseason News

 One day we will all look back at 2013 and laugh. But if any of you are laughing now, then please do it silently. It still hurts.

But here is 3 more points for you to chew over. I'm hungry...


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.


Right again! JJK returned with full honours to his position as our number 1 forward threat. As those in the East relentlessly focussed on his admittedly bizarre (and getting more bizarre?) goal kicking run-up, Kennedy continued to kick goal after goal. Unfortunately, his run-up really does mean he does not receive the plaudits he deserved. As those around him struggled, JJK maintained a rare sense of poise sorely missed throughout the rest of the team. The Coleman may have alluded him, but I'm sure he'll get that in 2014.

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.

...That Round 22 game was one of the worst I've ever witnessed. It led me to write the following:

To summarise, in a game in which Priddis celebrated his 150th,  a man who since 2007 has more tackles than anyone else, the Eagles showed a distinct lack of pride, effort or skill.

Dark times lay ahead.

On a positive note, Glass did go nuts and try to murder an annoying Collingwood rookie. I believe it was one of our lowest scores ever.

So what was the most unmissable game? I think the two matches against Essendon had everything you want in a game of football. There was passion, excitement, fear, loathing, depression, elation. I attended the match-up in Perth and it had an atmosphere like nothing I had experienced before. Of course, it was the infamous boo-gate game, in which Jobe Watson endured the wrath of a fanbase rather peeved about his early week admission and consequent participation in the match. Of course, we blew that game. It made me sick. But it was an unforgettable.

Revenge, however, was sweet in the corresponding fixture at Etihad. After a seesaw game throughout the first half, the Eagles kicked away in the second, led by a courageous (and winged) Lecras. The players were happy, we were happy, the Dons were devastated. Besides the fact that Eddie was commentating, it was a perfect day.


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.

 The Saturday night commentary team in general is rather...erm how do I say this..."shit". Though generally it's "shit" in a manner which makes me laugh. Especially when the other two clowns start picking on the ultimate jester Richo. On the other hand, they kept lauding the Bombers and how well they were playing despite the ASADA investigation. Really guys?! If a man shoots himself in the foot and then goes about his business by hopping around do you say "What great spirit"? No, you laugh at him, because he was foolish and shot himself in the foot.

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Only 3 to recaps to go now!

Then I have to start writing predictions for this year. It never ends.
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 In other news:

- Nic Nat and Wellingham may be set for Round 1.
- Waters not so much.
- (Bullet-proof) Glass has retained the captaincy for a 7th consecutive season. Was there ever any doubt?
- Other members of the 'Leadership Group'; Priddis, Cox, Selwood, Kennedy
- I saw David Wirrpanda at the Merrywell on Saturday night. He looks in good shape....what? This is news!

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As you can see, I have temporarily replaced the 'Dockers without a Premiership' counter for a 'Countdown until Round 1' counter.

52 days to go! Get excited!

Season 2013 Review Part 2: If Loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right

I'm not exactly certain what I mean by that title. Maybe that I will always love the Eagles no matter how much pain they bring me. Sometimes I think how strange it is to 'love' a sporting team. What do we really love? It's not the players, they come and go. It's not the coaches, the board or the ground. Is it the jumper, or do we just love being part of something together with like-minded crazies, part of a movement with history, passion and belief...

Apologies, I think the heat is getting to me.

On to the review...

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.

This race was never close. Despite a midfield that from memory was being beaten on a regular basis, Swift-ing the ball into the forward line at every possible opportunity, JK flourished. For much of the season he looked like good money (gamble responsibly) for the  Coleman. Unfortunately, he fell away, as the team well and truly imploded with 3 of our worst losses in our history to end the season. Roughead topped the list. I was at the Eagles-Hawks game, where one rather surly Eagles supporter audibly noted: "Roughead, the way you play football is as ugly as your face". Harsh but hilarious.

Darling was very good, though  I seem to recall perhaps a slightly underwhelming return during some games. Lecras managed only 15 games. Remember when he was the most accurate kick for a goal in the competition? Those were the days. He kicked 30.27 in 2013, including returns of 0.3 against Port Adelaide (still haunts me), 1.4 against North and 1.3 against Adelaide. However, his last game of the season (that feel-good thrashing of the Don-Cheats) was brilliant, where he ended with 5.2...and I seem to recall he did it with a cracked rib or something.

On another note, Ashtom Hams retired.

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...
  
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.

I'm not going to harp on this prediction, because quite frankly it is ridiculous. On the other hand, the trend towards the Ned Kelly look annoys me greatly. It's all fine and dandy to look like you are a hermit living in the alps, but when you're getting thrashed every other week it doesn't feel right. Masten, you sir, looked horrendous. Plus, does anyone else think that those big beards slow down players. It's simply not aerodynamic! I was also preturbed by Sharrod Wellingham wearing designer sunglasses when he was sitting in the coaches box convalescing from his (self-inflicted) ankle injury. But who cares really? It only irritated me because we were losing.

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.

I disagree with myself here. Yes, I am such a contrarian I often take umbridge with my own opinions. It's a difficult and time-consuming way to live I assure you.

I think I was being too harsh on NicNat's 2012 efforts. Upon reflection he was very good, his impact on games is often decisive even if it's not uniform across games. Unfortunately, I was proved right about his 2013 season. He never fully recovered from his injuries. He did, however, provide some highlights in a season bereft of them; the standing ovation he recieved upon his return against the Dogs, his game winning goal against the Roos and at least 1 incredible goal against Hawthorn.

Was he the biggest disappointment? Impossible to tell. There was so many; Wellingham, Lecras, the invisible Gaff...the list goes on. The team was a big disappointment, let's leave it at that.

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

....um...erm...this is awkward. I don't know what to write here. One of the problems that I perceived throughout the season was Worsfold's lack of enthusiasm for the job. Of course, I'm not privy to inner-sanctum discussions, meetings etc. but at different times he appeared tired, disinterested and depressed. Although he has never been a big fan of press conferences, his meetings with the 'journos' this year took on a whole new level of antagonism.

It will be interesting to see what kind of coach Simpson is; placid like Worsfold (usually was) or more akin to the crazy, jerk-faced, irate, pain-in-the-ass, wall punching, child umpire abusing Clarkson.

Stay tuned for more reviewing in the coming week...and remember...

70 DAYS UNTIL ROUND 1!!!

Poll Results: Readers Wanted Ben Cousins as New Eagles Coach; Blogger Regrets Making him an Option

A Whopping 41% of blog readers, from an overwhelming large response of...erm...12, wanted Ben Cousins to be coach. I imagine they were joking. I know I was when I voted for him.

Nic Nat didn't get a look in, which will surely make his summer a time for reflection and soul searching.

On a serious note though, I did sense some sympathy/disappointment for Sumich, who continues to be overlooked as a coaching candidate. I wasn't one of them. As I referred to in this post, he was a bit of a jerk to me when I met him. Surely, that should have precluded him from the outset right?

I will shortly post a new poll, which will ask what is a satisfactory result in terms of ladder position for season 2014.

Season 2013 Review Part 1: Hey, at least we're not Bombers fans.

 Happy New Year! Too late?

 No, I think I'm fine.

 I probably should have written and posted these months ago, but the season left a bitter taste in my mouth; a bitter, poisonous taste. 

Whether a review is necessary is questionable. I could simply write it was 'shit' and leave it at that. But that doesn't satisfy my desire for an unduly verbose examination of our 2013 season.

The most efficient method of writing the review is to follow up my 13 fairly inaccurate predictions from the beginning of last year. There will be 3 instalments.

But before that, if I had to summarise season 2013 in one paragraph it would be this:

The Eagles started as equal premiership favourites. We had bolstered our midfield options during the off-season, our young guns were entering their prime and our back and forward lines looked like the prime of the competition. Then the games began. We were struck by injuries and an indefensible lack of desire to win. The coach looked spent. We lost games by big margins. We couldn't win at home. We were embarrassed nearly every second week. The fans became restless. We couldn't make the top 9. Stars retired. The coach resigned. But it could have been worse: we could all be Essendon supporters.

*Exhales*.

Now here are my first 3 predictions from the beginning of last year and an explanation of what really happened.

13. The Best new recruit will be...

Not including draft picks, as I couldn’t pretend to know anything about them, there are many established new additions to choose from. Two Melbourne drop-outs in Bennell and Cale Morton, Saints youngster Jamie Cripps and the more high profile Sharrod Wellingham. They’re all potentially handy acquisitions, but you can’t go past Wellingham. He was recruited to add some steel (nearly typed steele there, damn you Sidebottom!) (premiership) experience and depth to a rather limited midfield. Trampolines and pony tails aside, once all settles down, there’s no reason to suggest he won’t do just that. Of course, as an established AFL midfielder the pressure is on him to perform at a high level once he returns. There’s no such pressure on Morton (early season nickname suggestion: Mor(e)ton Bay Fig?), Bennell and Cripps who are all low-risk, high reward recruits. 

Ha. 

It's a nigh impossible task to identify a 'best new recruit'. Cale Morton played a couple of games and was delisted at the end of the season. I continue to read positive things about Jamie Bennell but he did not play a game in 2013. He has, however, been elevated off the rookie list for next season. An enticing prospect perhaps?

The great hope Wellingham, a potential X-Factor, failed to realise his promise mainly due to injury. The fact that his initial ankle complaint was as a result of trampolining accident didn't exactly ingratiate himself to the fans. Or to me at least. However, he did have two exemplary games against the Dogs and Dons late in the season. He just needs to find his fitness, maintain his form and reject stupid haircuts and he'll be alright.

But I think Jamie Cripps was the most consistent of the recruits. I don't think he had a stellar season, far from it. But he did a job on a weekly basis and that's more than can be said for many an Eagle.

12. We’ll miss you...

I prefer to look forward than back (that’s a lie) and I don’t bear any ill feelings towards departed Eagles (massive lie), but we did lose a few players in the off-season; Lynch, Stevens, Stevenson and Swift, M.D.  Honestly, out of all of these I’ll personally miss Tom Swift the most. With his erratic kicking, weird deer like running style and bizarre hairstyles, he reminded me of a lot of myself.  Plus, he was such a polarising figure amongst fans that it was always fun blogging about him. More to the point though, in terms of actual ‘football’ I think we’ll miss no-one. Stevens and Stevenson are guys who never fulfilled their alleged potential. Lynch meanwhile was a player who clearly had reached a point where he was a cusp member of the team and he was unwilling to fight for his position. I’m grateful that he helped us win the 06 flag, but he’s past his best and now we’re past him.

It often felt that Tom Swift, M.D or his spirit at least never left the Eagles. Erratic kicking, weird deer like running style and (to a lesser extent) bizarre hairstyles were plentiful throughout the season. But really, I didn't miss him because there was so much more to complain about. With the losses and all. As predicted none of the other guys were missed. Some might argue Koby Stevens could have played a role, but he's not exactly a game changer. Lynch did something weird to his hand at Collingwood. I really don't want to know what Eddie and Q were up to when that happened....

In conclusion, no one was missed, but the goals were missed...on a painfully frequent basis.

11. Best Old Man...

Old in the football sense, that is. Glass, Kerr, Cox, Embley and Adam Selwood are all battle-hardened veterans, but whereas the latter two seemed to struggle a little last season (injury and form), the first 3 flourished. The Kerr-surgence was particularly heart-warming after a few very dismal years of snaps, both of muscles and brain. But I think Glass will be the best old man as he’s still the glue holding our defence together, our leader and captain. The early Cox injury is a little disconcerting, but he has shown an amazing ability to play through injuries. I love that guy. Infact, I love all these guys, Selwood not withstanding (sorry Selly). At least I'm over the Embley toe poke, nearly definitely.

I think Glass was definitely the best old man of 2013. He is leadership personified. Unlike the 'lippy' Maxwell, who runs around with a really annoying scowl on his face, Glass actually can play football really proficiently as well. Cox had to shoulder much of the ruck burden himself, due to NicNat's injury issues and perhaps he showed signs of ageing, but he is still a stalwart.

Unfortunately Father Time has caught up to Kerr, Embley and Selwood. The latter two were given a farewell game against Adelaide. I would like to say it was a fitting tribute to the pair's contribution to the team, but it was a complete schmozzle. Kerr's last game turned out to be against Essendon in boo-gate. I was at both the Adelaide and Essendon games. It was a pleasure and a privilege to see these three champs in their final games for the club. Kerr especially is one of our all-time greats.

Stay tuned for part 2 and 3 of this depressing look at the lows and lows of 2013.