The Eagles are Unknown

In the sense that we don't know who they are, in a 'competence' sense. It's easy for Harry Potter (without the charisma) to make claims about flat track bullies, but then what was last season? We won many, many tough games last season, including the qualifying and preliminary finals.

That we have issues away from home may be more accurate. Or at least issues away from home when playing very good teams (except for the GCS, that was a crapshoot). Here are our last 5 results away from home:

Gold Coast Suns 12.11 (83) West Coast Eagles 11.17 (83)

Adelaide Crows 19.12 (126) West Coast Eagles 10.9 (69)

Hawthorn 16.11 (107) West Coast Eagles 8.13 (61)

Hawthorn 14.15 (99) West Coast Eagles 7.11 (53)

Sydney Swans 12.16 (88) West Coast Eagles 7.7 (49) 

 

  I have no memory of the third game on that list. I vaguely recollect Darling dropping a mark (how!?) in the third quarter of what could have been that game, but the veils of tears made it difficult do clearly see what was occurring. But moving on. Hopefully, I will. At some point. Potentially. 

Anyway, back to this season. The fact is Sydney and Hawthorn are terrific teams. We were smashed by the Hawks in the first quarter of the Round 2 game but then recovered well after it. Yes, we just stabilised the score and lost disappointingly. Against the Swans we were much better from the outset, we became engaged in a real slug-fest, were right with them half-way through the third and then...

 

We have some challenging games ahead away from home coming up against the Cats and Bulldogs in which hopefully we will be able to display 4 quarter performances. It is important to remember that away games have always been difficult even when we were at our best. Yet, we need to find a way to be more consistent in our efforts or a top 4 finish may evaporate.

 

This week we have Collingwood, who were made to look amazing by the worst list ever compiled by an AFL team (which still has 1 more win than the Dockers FYI). It's a game in which we should bounce back, and I'm sure Harry Potter (more of sorting hat reject really) will give us our due if we do.

Also, where do you guys think we will finish? Vote on the right.