Off-Season Musings: Simpson Beats Burns; Becomes Eagles' 6th Coach

Adam Simpson has been announced as the new Eagles coach for the next 3 seasons. He beat out a field which, while not in anyone world's stellar, was fairly experienced and well-credentialed. Peter Sumich and Scott Burns are the two unlucky ones. Sumich has been overlooked for years as a head-coaching candidate, whilst Burns has been highly-touted over the past few years.  From the outside it appears that the club wanted someone completely removed from the organisation. It's an understandable position to hold. After the unmitigated disaster and disappointment of season 2013, culminating in 3 of the worst losses in out history, change was necessary. It turns out that it comes not in the form of reform, but revolution.

Sumich was understandably miffed at being overlooked once again, questioning whether the board was merely a bunch of witless suits with dollar signs in their eyes. Okay, okay, what he implied was that the Freo board actually has people who understand football, not just the more corporate types. It's a fair criticism, and I've pointed to my own distrust/dislike of the board, but Sumich is obviously just suffering from sour grapes.

As for Burns, Simpson stated he wanted him to continue as an assistant. The club has also offered him a new contract. It would be unusual for an assistant who fails at becoming head coach to continue in an assistant position. It would be especially unusual considering the antipathy between Simpson and Burns. Here I have exclusive footage of a chance meeting between the two in the erm...Chairman's Suite at Subiaco. Yes, that'll do.

 Simpson had his first press conference today, in which he appeared a very measured guy and very happy with the opportunity. He said all the customary things about 'admiring the club from afar'...blah blah blah. He didn't, however, really commit to saying anything definitive about what he thinks of the list. 

Is this a good appointment? Who knows. We'll see in 3 years. Although, really, we need to see improvement in effort next season. But for now, congratulations to Adam. It's a great honour to be a coach of this club. It's an honour and huge responsibility. Good luck to him.

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In other news;

 

- Kerr will reportedly make a firm decision regarding playing on after speaking to the new coach.

- Brisbane's Elliot Yeo will probably join the Eagles via trade next week. He could be okay, but it's not something I can get excited about.

- In other, less substantiated, more complete BS news, most sourced from AFL Trade Radio:

            - Hawthorn want Darling, Melbourne want Shuey and Sheppard wants out.

Off-Season Musings: Gone in a Woosh! Worsfold Resigns; Nic Nat Endorses Burns

It has been a week now since John Worsfold resigned as Coach. The greatest contributor in the club's history, our 1 and only true icon, playing a leadership role in all 3 premierships (you get them when you win things Freo fans) called it quits after 12 years at the club.

I did start writing this post last Thursday, but I was feeling rather rudderless at that stage. But the dust has (relatively) settled now, so here we go.

Worsfold resigned. It appears of his own volition. One 'expert', quite probably full of crap, implies that he was pushed due to player unease.

I'm a cynical person by nature. But I don't see any evidence that Worsfold was given an ultimatum.

Although it did appear strange that he wasn't at the press conference, Worsfold released a statement outlining his decision:

"I have come to that decision around the fact I shouldn't do the job if I don't have the energy to give it absolutely everything; that wouldn't be the right thing for the club and basically that's where it got to.
It's not the right thing for me or for the club. The players will feel it, the staff will feel it, if the senior coach is not warts and all in. And that means emotionally you have to be right in, you have to be all over everything.
It has been in the back of my mind and I have been convincing myself that at the end of the season there's less intensity, you'll rekindle all the energy, you'll have a break and you'll be up and going again, but I just think it's time now.
I think I could do that, but I don’t want to have that doubt. There are plenty of people out there who are ready for this opportunity. This club will give them a wonderful opportunity.
My time is done as coach of this footy club. I couldn't have had a better time, I couldn't have asked for any more. I certainly couldn't have given any more."

So, as has been self-evident since the start of the season, the man does not have the passion nor energy anymore. It's been a strange season. He started off looking disinterested. He then shocked everyone by saying he wanted to coach on. Now, he has shocked everyone again by resigning.

But all that does not matter now. It's time to reflect on what an amazing person Worsfold has been for the Eagles. He may have ended his tenure on a very sour note on the field, with 3 of the worst losses you'll ever see, yet his overall record stacks up very well:

Coaching career
West Coast senior coach: 2002-2013
Games coached: 281
Games won: 149
Games lost: 130
Drawn: 2
Premierships: 1

Honours: premiership coach 2006

He built us up twice, from nothing, to premiers on one occasion and to a finals outfit on the other. He has been a superb leader, both on and off the field. You never got any hysterics from John. No moping like the Scotts, no abusing umpires at a kids game like 'Clarko', no jerkishness like Malthouse.

He has been an upstanding member of the organisation. He leaves a huge hole to fill, as coach and icon. He was loved by players and fans alike.

But all things must end. He made the right decision to quit, in that, if the desire wasn't there, the results would be atrocious. We saw that this season. But I say thanks to John and all the great things he has done for the club.

--------------

Now where for the club?
- Burns?
- Sumich?
- Adam Simpson?
- Voss!?

These are names that have been mentioned. Naitanui endorsed Scott Burns. Not that you put much stock in that. He knows Burns, they're probably friendly, what else would he say?

In my opinion, the options are wholly uninspiring. If I was forced to choose, I'd pick Burns. He's highly regarded, he seems well liked by players and would hit the ground running. Conversely, the fact he was part of the system may count against him. He has been the midfield coach of a group which has been mediocre at best. The club may also want a complete clean out.

As for Sumich...not my type of fellow. It's personal in his case: I met him when I was a kid and he was rather on the rude side. Plus, doesn't he love the Dockers or something? I think the ship has sailed on this one.

Like Burns, Simpson is a well-regarded assistant at the Hawks. It's impossible for us to now his quality, but working under that angry gnome may be a good thing.

Then there is Voss. Out of all those mentioned, Voss would be the one I would be most afraid of.  Contrary to what the AFL media has been running about him being 'unfairly dealt with', the facts are these:

Games Coached: 109
Wins: 43
Losses: 65
Win %: 39.4%

The man had a decent first season, before absolutely wrecking the club with disastrous trading decisions. The man traded for Fevola...and Staker! Following that his teams have been the definition of mediocre at best. I think the Lions board did the right thing in firing him and we would be fools to give him a second chance.

So overall, we aren't in good shape. Regardless of who gets the gig, there are huge problems with our team. Putting aside the gameplan, effort and intensity issues, the talent deficit is obvious. The midfield isn't good enough, we are lacking an elite crumber and our backline looked especially vulnerable as the season ended.

Who do you want to be our new coach? Vote in the poll in the above right.

Off-Season Musings: Kerr-tains for Daniel the Eagle-hearted

Daniel Kerr has now officially retired. Kerr will join the list which has doubled in recent days to include Adam Selwood, Mark Nicoski, Andrew Embley, Ashton Hams and Brad Dick in hanging up the boots.

With all due respect to 250 gamer Embley and the tireless Selwood (and Dick who played a memorable...erm...ah...let me get my abacus...0 games) Kerr easily headlines that group.

As I remarked earlier in the year, after a completely unfathomable, unjustified and unfair attack on Kerr by Worsfold, I consider him one of the real giants in our history. 

He debuted in 2001 and as I recall he had hair. Beyond his follicles, I think it was clear from his early days that he was a player with exquisite skills, damaging pace and goal kicking ability.

But to me, his extraordinary talent, precision and vision were merely the superficial beauty of number 4. It was the man's toughness, his tenacity in the bottom of the pack and his ability to fight and never give up which will etch his name into the history books.

For me, his amazing goals are great. But that last-ditch tackle to ensure victory against the evil Swans in 2007 will live forever in my memory. 

 

Yes, we shouldn't forget the dark days. He wasn't a Saint off the field in his early days. Not that he was bad as the 'Saints' or anything, but he did partly  contribute to an unsavoury culture. He also endured a horror 3 year run, from 2008-10 where he was seemingly suspended or injured every other week. But I see those times as a reflection of the state of the club.

Source: Fanfooty

 In fact, I'd go further to say that the fact he stuck it out is admirable. I remember there were rumours of interest from Carlton (apparently the Juddas was willing to take a paycut) but Kerr wanted to stay an Eagle and he did.

He may have never won the Brownlow, finishing 2nd twice, but out of the big 3, Kerr is the Eagles Legend. There is no but after that statement. He stuck with the club whilst others left us for various reasons which aren't necessary to repeat here.

In 2011, there was the Kerr-surgence, as he played a critical role in lifting the Eagles from last to a preliminary final.

His final season wasn't great, but he was far from the worst player on the team. We were always better with him than without him. Unfortunately his body finally seems to have abandoned him, as he clearly had the desire to play on.

It's also a little unfortunate that his last game was against Essendon, a match which will not be remembered for his departure. On the other hand, I attended that game, a moment in our history and now the closing chapter in an illustrious career.

Thanks Kerr-y: Star, Legend, Eagle.

Round 23 Preview: The End.

I look forward to Saturday night's game with anticipation. Not because I'm desperate to see the Eagles play Adealide in what is a dead-rubber (ish) match. I look forward to it because when the final siren sounds, we never have to see the 2013 version of the Eagles ever again. It will be a relief, as following the Eagles this season has been an extremely disappointing experience. Some might say harrowing. I would be included in that some.

I say we will never see this version of the Eagles again, but I have deep concerns about next year. Who's to say the same thing won't happen again in 2014? But that's for then.

I don't know what to expect from this game. We are 3-8 over our 11 home games so far. The days of us taking games at Subi for granted are long gone. We've only beaten the Dogs (when they were bad), the Suns and the Roos (in a miracle). We did of course defeat the Crows at Football Park earlier in the season (in what is our best win of the season) but I don't have any confidence we can repeat the dose on Saturday night. I thought we would bounce back after the Geelong schmozzle. How naive of me. I won't be making that same prediction again, because no matter how many times different Eagles come out and say they'll do better...they never do.

Masten was rolled out this week and actually was fairly honest. I will match his honesty by saying his beard is the most hideous thing I've ever seen on a human being's face. But I digress.

He said some interesting things such as:

Obviously, the last two (games) haven't done any favours for Woosha and as a playing group that's a bit disgusting...

The last couple (games) have been pretty poor, so a lot of players are probably playing for their careers a little bit...

Woosha has made mention that a lot of the boys have been playing not up to AFL standard...

 Hmmm. I appreciate his candour and he is right about how bad we have been. But as I've written before, I doubt whether Worsfold's job is truly under threat. I also doubt whether careers are on the line. I look at the team and I don't see many guys under threat. I mean sure if I was coach...no one would be safe, so it's probably a good thing I'm not. As a point of exercise, I've highlighted guys who next season will be under INTENSE pressure to keep their spot in the side...or others that perhaps should be but won't be.

WEST COAST
B: Mitchell Brown, Darren Glass, Patrick McGinnity
HB: Sam Butler, Eric Mackenzie, Ashley Smith
C: Chris Masten, Sharrod Wellingham, Matt Rosa
HF: Andrew Embley, Josh Kennedy, Josh Hill
F: Adam Selwood, Scott Lycett, Jack Darling
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Matt Priddis
I/C: Blayne Wilson, Simon Tunbridge, Jamie Cripps, Andrew Gaff

In: Simon Tunbridge, Andrew Embley, Adam Selwood
Out: Will Schofield (cheek), Brad Sheppard (Omitted), Bradd Dalziell (Omitted)

ADELAIDE
B: Kyle Hartigan, Ben Rutten, Rory Laird
HB: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Brodie Smith
C: Sam Kerridge, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane
HF: Mitchell Grigg, Lewis Johnston, Richard Douglas
F: Ian Callinan, Andrew Otten, Bernie Vince
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Nathan van Berlo, Scott Thompson
I/C: David Mackay, Brad Crouch, Richard Tambling, Matthew Wright
Emg: Shaun McKernan, Sam Shaw, Jason Porplyzia
In: Matthew Wright
Out: Petrenko 

I'd be concerned if I was Sheppard. He has has a bad season and being axed for the final game isn't a good sign. On the other hand, I get the sense he has been anointed Embley's successor (of sorts) so who knows. Schofield misses after spending time in his home town of Geelong (classy mob) and Brad. D. is omitted. Tunbridge is given a game because...well why not.

Embley and Selwood return for farewell games. They deserve it.

I don't think we will win, but I hope we can at least give the two retirees the respect they richly deserve by actually trying.

Round 22 Recap: Not Worthy of Wearing the Jumper

Warning! Intensely negative words lay ahead.

An unmitigated disaster.

The Eagles are a team without a soul right now. They have no drive, no effort, nothing. They don't seem to be trying, there's no intensity and no desire. We don't want to be out there. One of the coach's key jobs is to motivate his players. Worsfold has failed at that dismally at different times throughout the year. The question has to be asked: are the players listening anymore?

On the other side of the coin, our execution is now all the way back to 2010 levels. I'm now more surprised when we hit a target. Be it via foot or hand, I wonder if our players grew up in an abattoir or something because they are butchering the ball (zing!)

I have grave concerns about our future. We have players like Sheppard, Gaff, Masten, Shuey, Schofield, Brown, Lycett, Hill and Selwood who seem to have stagnated. They are what they are. There appears to be no "they're going to be..." This is it. It's the best we are going to get and it's not good enough.

We are light years away from the top 4. Looking at the 8 and the teams outside it, it may be a struggle to make finals again next season. Naitanui may be the key to hiding our speed deficit and midfield mediocrity, but you're asking for trouble putting it on 1 guy. Especially when said guy has shown himself vulnerable to injury in his short career.

So where to now?

The status-quo I fear. Nisbett may say Worsfold isn't guaranteed a new contract, but I simply don't believe him. The board would not have the cajones to axe a club legend. I'm not baying for his blood or anything, but there seems to be no one taking responsibility for this abject and unacceptable season.

Worsfold did say in his presser post-match that the club's belief in him may be shaken (and his self-belief for that matter) by the scandalous past 2 weeks. I appreciate his candour.

Yet, I can't imagine him not being here next season. When the board is comprised of people like Julie Bishop, you have to wonder how seriously they take their job. These people get on boards just to look good essentially.

Here's how a board meeting held in mid-September will go:

Nisbett: "Julie, what are your thoughts on John's future?"
Bishop: "Give me a sec. Trev. I'm a bit busy buying all these Indonesian fishing boats at the moment"

I haven't mentioned much of the game itself but here are the low lights:

 - In other bad news, Darling was subbed off with hamstring tightness
- Wellingham hurt his ankle for the 17th time this season.
- Kennedy didn't kick a goal as he continued his goal kicking slump. He has now kicked 1 in the past 3 weeks. One of the only potential positives from the season, JK winning the Coleman, is sliding away. I blame the service more than anything.

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.

Round 22 Preview: Eagles Must Show Something in Dead Rubber

This game doesn't have much practical meaning for either team. We aren't playing finals. The Pies are effectively locked into 5th or 6th; unable to climb into the top 4 nor to slide into 7th or 8th.

But, for us, this is still an important game. With Worsfold almost certain to sign a 2 year contract in the coming weeks, fans would want to see at least a real crack from players in the final rounds. I doubt there will be much fanfare when Worsfold inks his deal regardless, but another big loss and murmurs of discontent may grow more audible. The way I see it now is this: Is there a better candidate? No. Does Worsfold deserve another go? Meh. I don't like the fact that his name essentially gets him another deal. We know from the Essendon fiasco that putting former players on pedestals and creating organisations around quasi-cult figures can have dire consequences. I'm not suggesting that West Coast has the same dictatorial regime that the Bombers seemed to have last season, but it should serve as a warning that there must be proper process. Rubber stamps get you no where. No man is bigger than the club.

I also find it curious that Worsfold wants a 2 year contract whilst last week saying our premiership window was in the next 4-5 years. I'd like to think we would have to show GREAT improvement in the next 2 seasons to justify another contract for John.

Anyway, I fully expect a response after last week's schmozzle of a performance. The lowest ever score at home must be backed up by a fierce effort under the bright glow of Friday Night Lights (read the book, watch the film, live the TV show).

Collingwood is also the one big Victorian side we've played well against in Melbourne over the past 2 seasons. Sure, we lost to them 4 times at the G over 2011-12 yet, except for the first in '11, we've been right in those games.

We went down fighting in the 2011 QF by 20, were a bounce away from winning in Round 13, going down by 3 points and botched the semi-final with late mistakes leading to a 13 point loss. I seem to recall a certain 'toe poke' by a certain Eagles champion who may or may not be the guy retiring...Then again, history has meant nothing this season with all the dreadful home losses.

COLLINGWOOD
B: Nathan Brown, Nick Maxwell. Heath Shaw
HB: Marley Williams, Lachlan Keeffe, Tyson Goldsack
C: Harry O’Brien, Dayne Beams, Luke Ball
HF: Steele Sidebottom, REDACTED DUE TO TREASON, Jarryd Blair
F: Alan Didak, Travis Cloke, Ben Reid
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan
I/C: Brent Macaffer, Josh Thomas, Ben Kennedy, Sam Dwyer
In: A.Didak, B.Kennedy
Out: B.Sinclair (shoulder), J.Elliott (hamstring)

WEST COAST
B: Mitchell Brown, Darren Glass, Patrick McGinnity
HB: Sam Butler, Eric Mackenzie, Ashley Smith
C: Andrew Gaff, Sharrod Wellingham, Bradd Dalziell
HF: Jamie Cripps, Josh Kennedy, Josh Hill
F: Will Schofield, Scott Lycett, Jack Darling
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Matt Priddis
I/C: Blayne Wilson, Brad Sheppard, Chris Masten, Matt Rosa
In: M.Rosa, C.Masten, B.Wilson
Out: L.Shuey (hamstring), A.Carter, A.Embley

Shuey is out again with his hamstring. That makes 7 weeks he has missed in total. Embley is omitted, certain to return for his final match next week and Wilson comes in for Carter.

 As I wrote last week, we now have enough of our team out there to be competitive. The effort and intensity was sorely lacking last week. It can't be missing this week.

That's primarily because that would make Eddie happy. That's an unacceptable situation for any self-respecting football fan, nay self-respecting human being. Can you imagine the shade of red his face would become if we knocked them off? In fact I have exclusive pictures of that very scenario:

Hmmm...I have a slight craving for a certain sour candy right now, I wonder why?

Other things to watch tonight include:

- Wellingham against his old side- expect him to continue his good run of form
- REDACTED DUE TO TREASON   or the 'gloved one' will do nothing, as he has all season.
- Can Pendlebury be tackled? Does this guy ever get caught with the ball? Seriously.
- JJK has kicked 1 goal in the past 2 weeks. He's level for the Coleman with 60 goals. A big bag would do nicely.
- Best ruckmen ever Cox against rising star Grundy. It would've been more interesting to see Nic Nat vs Grundy, similar types of players, but this will do.
- Wil the Big Lycee prove his worth?
- Can Travis Cloke kick straight? Maybe. Can Travis Cloke ever be considered anything other than a greedy, selfish gargoyle? Unlikely.

 But I digress. The point is this. The Eagles must respond. They were humiliated last week. This game is on the big stage. They hate Collingwood (we do anyway).

Let's beat these guys.

GO EAGLES!!!

Mid-Week Musings: Andrew Embley to Retire

Andrew  Embley has joined Adam Selwood and Mark Nicoski in deciding to hang up the boots.

At his peak Andrew Embley was one of the best midfielders/wingmen/half-forward in the game. I probably should've just written 'utility', but he was so much more than that. He had pace ,athleticism and the courage to take the game on and run with the ball. He was also a goal-kicking threat, along with the other stars of the middle of last-decade. I seem to recall he was part of the extended 'Fab 5' with the big 3 in Cousins, Judd, Kerr along with the less celebrated but equally as important Fletcher.

Above all, he was exciting and a pleasure to watch. He was a guy that could really set the game and the crowd alight with his inspirational runs and goals.

Of course he won the 2006 Norm Smith medal, which is the real testament to his influence. That was an extremely hard fought game with Brownlow medallists on both sides, but Embley was awarded with best on ground.

Nothing would be more fitting than for Embles to get a farewell game in Round 23 against the Crows at Subi. It will also be his 250th.

Worsfold said:

"I think to have one more game at Patersons Stadium in front of the people who have watched him over the last 14 years would be pretty good...I think he warrants that sort of respect."

As for the decision to retire, I think he made the right one. I actually think his form has been okay (especially relative to our season) but he hasn't been able to hold down a position in the team. Worsfold indicated in an interview on ABC 720 Perth on the weekend that whether Embley would continue (or encouraged to) would depend on whether the difference between him and guys like Sheppard was great enough to warrant him playing on. It seems the coaching staff, and perhaps Embley, believe that guys similar to him have bridged that gap and should be given a more permanent opportunity.

It's impossible to know whether that's right or not. But after 14 seasons, 250 games and 200 odd goals we do know this: Embley is an Eagles great.

Round 21 Recap: EXCLUSIVE: Eagles Throw Game to Give Finger to Freo

There's no other  feasible explanation is there? Yes, Geelong are a very good team. Yes, we are mediocre. But how do you explain such an abysmal performance? Injuries are no longer an excuse. We have enough of our team in to be at least competitive. We were competitive. For about 2 minutes. It was over within the first 15 as the Cats had kicked 5 goals to none.

No positives can come from that. We were smashed early. Then we were smashed a bit later. Then it rained and we were smashed some more.

Actually, was that rain or was it the collective tears of a fan base that expected a top 4 finish? We are now officially out of top 8 calculations. Forget 9th. We don't deserve to play finals. To play finals would be to validate this train-wreck.

But we have a coach who doesn't truly believe there's much wrong with this team besides injuries. In an interview on ABC Radio yesterday, he said that when fit our midfield can match it with anyone. Madness. We weren't even close in 2011 or 2012. We always lost to the good teams in Melbourne. We are so far from the top 4 right now that we need binoculars a telescope to see it. I imagine a scenario where we go into next year with no real game plan changes or structural changes and just think fit we're good enough. We have bigger issues. Worsfold has been out-coached most of the season. He has been slow to react, he's been disengaged and presented extremely negative body language. It's a huge worry to me that it took him 6 months to figure out whether he had the passion to coach. Surely it shouldn't be something you need to convince yourself about? You either do or you don't? Do I like Coke or don't I? If you need to think about it for a year then your heart probably isn' t in it. I also don't think our midfield personnel is good enough. We're too slow. I'm also concerned what happens post-Cox. Yes, Nic Nat is great but he's injury prone. Who is the second option? Sinclair? Doubtful. Lycett? He hasn't done much to allay my fears over the past month.

As for the game, I was embarrassed to be there. It was our lowest score ever at home. Ever. In our history. It was a joke in which the punchline was the fact that most Eagles fans bothered to sit through the entire game. I sat through it as the chorus emanating from the Geelong hillbillies (wow) grew louder and louder.

Teams used to be scared to come to Subiaco. Now they are absolutely relishing it.

2 weeks until the season ends. I can't wait.

Round 21 Preview: Tears will Flow as the Other Scott comes to Town

Tears definitely flowed back in Round 8 when the Evil Scott twin was in town and a little bit of Nic Nat magic stole the game from the Roos. Now the other, equally as Evil, Scott twin flies over to Perth to try to establish a top 2 spot on the ladder for the Cats. I have it on good authority that Kleenex has sent over 5 tonnes of tissues just for the occasion.

In fact, it seems Scott has started his sulking early. After the Cats beat the Power, Scott criticised his own fans for giving 'short shorts' Hawkins Bronx cheers whenever he touched the ball. So whatever you do on Saturday: Please refrain from showing any emotion! He's very sensitive to loud sounds. In fact, you may wish to read this public service announcement I posted after his ridiculous criticisms of our fans last season.

What else is interesting about that Roos game is that it was the second in our only back to back home wins of the season. That's unforgivable. The whole season is unforgivable but our home record in particular is just embarassing.

I'd love to win this game. The sake of winning is enough. But to stick it up Scott, 'Stevie J', Bartel and the rest would be a fine way to spend a Saturday night. It wouldn't mean anything season wise. We can now forget about finals. The Bombers will play in September. Which is fine as they shall be thrashed by the Tigers or Pies and I will enjoy that mightily. Our only chance would be a Port loss at home to the Suns, which is just inconceivable.

As for this game, I don't expect us to win. The Cats are a premiership contender. The only top 8 team we have beaten this season is the Bombers, who are now shot.

But it's not a completely lost cause. The Cats have shown vulnerability on the road this year with losses to Brisbane and Adelaide, both mediocre-ish outfits. In fact, in the second half of the season they have lost to 3 non-finals teams, including to North Melbourne a couple of weeks back. You'd think that would mean they would be very wary this week, but you never know.

We also have been showing some good signs over the past few weeks. Unfortunately these 'good signs' haven't included eliminating mistakes. Our turnovers are still crippling and if we make the same errors against the Cats as we did against the Bombers, then we will lose.

WEST COAST
B: Brown, Glass, McGinnity
HB: Butler, Mackenzie, Smith
C: Gaff, Wellingham, Dalziell
HF: Cripps, Kennedy, Hill
F: Shuey, Lycett, Darling
Foll: Cox, Selwood, Priddis
I/C: Schofield, Sheppard, Masten, Carter
In: Shuey, Carter
Out: Wilson (Omitted), LeCras (ribs)

GEELONG
B: Rivers, Lonergan, Enright
HB: Guthrie, Taylor, Bartel
C: Christensen, Selwood, Kelly
HF: Stokes, Blicavs, Johnson
F: Motlop, Podsiadly, Varcoe
FOL: Vardy, Caddy, Duncan
I/C: Corey, Mackie, Murdoch, Walker

IN: Jordan Murdoch , Mark Blicavs
OUT: Tom Hawkins (Back), Jesse Stringer (Omitted)

We are bolstered by the addition of Shuey, who looked great for that 1 quarter he played against the Swans. But of course, as has always been the case this season, we gain 1, we lose 1 as Lecras misses with broken ribs. It makes his performance against the Dons even more impressive, but he just can't catch a break can he? Except for the ribs of course (sorry). But it's particularly annoying because Monfries (a guy I've always affectionately referred to as "the crap version of Lecras") kicked 7 against the Cats last week. Lecras would kick at least 15 by that measure.

Meanwhile, the Cats lose an essentially immobile Hawkins (overrated even when fit) and some guy called Stringer.

It's worth noting that we haven't lost to the Cats at home under Evil Scott.

It's also worth noting that this happened in 2009:

McNamara was never seen again.

Let's not do that tonight.

Mid-week Musings: Tagger Extraodinaire Selwood, Born Again Forward Nicoski Call it Quits

I always feel rather sad when players retire. I know it's not like they're dead or anything and they're still young men with careers in other fields to pursue. But it's still a moment of reflection on what they did for the club, which brings up memories of good times and bad.

Firstly, there's Adam Selwood. At his peak during the middle to late part of last decade, he was the embodiment of everything a great tagger should be; hard, courageous, tough, tireless. Or in other words: a complete pain in the arse. I mean that in a good way.  His work ethic and his desire to win is reflected in the youtube results you get when you type in his name. Essentially, there's plenty of opposition supporters complaining about him or celebrating him getting flattened. They hated the guy. And that's why we love him. It's perhaps fitting that one of his final moments, or most memorable from this season anyway, was winning the free kick to set up the Nic Nat winning goal against the Roos. He wasn't all that talented, but man did he get the most out of himself and it was us as fans who benefited. Perhaps he should've called it quits earlier, but hindsight is perfect.

 

Then there is Mark Nicoski. There's a little bit of a tinge of sadness related to this one. He was the utility with the penetrating left boot during his early years (not always applied perfectly mind you). He played in the losing 2005 Grand Final, only to miss out in the winning 2006 flag. I seem to recall Nico coming onto the ground at the end of the GF to celebrate. It was just bad luck. He then went through a bad patch, as did the team, towards the end of last decade before his really notable and quite simply astounding 2011. Worsfold said it was one of the best seasons by a small forward in the club's history. That may be stretching it, given the existence of Matera and Lecras, but it was special. He kicked 41 goals, including 6 against the Tigers. He was a part of that incredible resurgence from wooden spoon to preliminary final. But alas, injuries over the past 2 seasons has meant he hasn't played a single game since.

Both players will be remembered by fans for their toughness, tenacity and team spirit. Thanks for the memories.

Round 20 Recap: Eagles HUMILIATE Dons; Unequivocally #StandOnHird

In what can only be described as comeuppance, the West Coast Eagles trampled all over Essendon on Sunday afternoon under...erm...in the...dome. They went into the Dons home with mud on their shoes, slept on the couch, left empty takeaway containers on the lounge, played some indoor hockey, broke the TV and put toast in the VCR (yes, the Bomber's home is from the 90s).

They had a grand old time. And this all happened in the context of a week all about Essendon. Eddie McGuire, this is true, was egging the Bombers fans on at the start of the game: "What do you think of Hird!" he shouted to Dons fans near the fence, to which the delusional  devotees of the cult of Saint James replied with delirious cheers of approval. It was strange. But this is the same man who last night said he now knows what it's like to suffer the disadvantage of being an indigenous Australian. True story. So he implies that Goodes is an ape, people call him on it and he cries foul over 'media persecution'. Turn it up.

But back to the good stuff. The Eagles kicked the first 2 goals to raise our collective hopes that we had come to play. The Dons then responded with 3 of their own. Pretty much from that point it was goal for goal (ish) throughout the first half. It was truly an ugly game. Every Eagles turnover (and there were plenty) were matched by the ineptitude (a word that quite appropriately looks like 'peptide') of the Bombers kicking. But although our execution was lacking, our effort and intensity was not. The tackling in particular was, especially the context of this season, unusually fierce, embodied by a bone-rattling tackle (sorry to go all NHL here) from Chris Masten.

At half time it was even and I had the sense we had wasted good play. Our entries into the 50 were particularly ill-conceived. But then the second half began and BOOM! Only one side came out to play and that was the side that wasn't pepped up. Our efficiency increased, our link play and run was stunning. Though, to be honest, I wasn't convinced we were home until we got over 5 goals up. Then, it was glorious. The ball went flying through the goals as often as weak and beaten Bombers fans flew out of the ground. And although the booing of Mr AOD was audible throughout, it became especially so when the red and black hordes had fled in disappointment.

The chant of EEEEEEAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLESSSSSSSSSSSS then spread around the lid-less dome, capping off a great afternoon for the club.

There were plenty of great performances by individuals. The entire backline deserves our appreciation for completely nullifying Essendon's attack. Their disposal may have been poor at times (Smith, I'm looking at you) but more often than not they got the job done.

Lecras was awesome. I did sort of slam him on twitter for missing a sitter in the first quarter, and upon reflection, that may have been the inspiration behind his stellar second half. Seriously though, he suffered some rib issue in the second and he got smashed in the head by a reckless Dons defender, but he fought it out. 5 goals, all in the second half. Hopefully, the old Lecras can become the new Lecras. Wellingham again showed his class with 2 vital goals in the 3rd. He's really coming into his own now. Another recruit, Jamie Cripps, has turned into a really effective role player this season. He's tough and demonstrated an uncanny ability to get a good goal. There was also the usual suspects with Cox demolishing the Ryder-Bellchambers duo and Priddis starring in midfield. Dalziell has also shone this season. He kicked another couple of goals today and has to be applauded for his solidity whilst all around him have melted away via injury.

Overall, it was a great result. The performance wasn't perfect and Essendon look spent, but it was an emotion-charged clash in hostile territory and we were triumphant. In the grand scheme of things...meh. There are too many questions that make speculating on finals pointless right now. But this we do know: Barring a meltdown by Port (highly unlikely) we won't make 8th. So it then comes to Essendon being stripped of points. If they are, then 9th becomes 8th. We are no guarantee to even finish 9th. We'd need to probably win at least  2 of our last 3.

But let's forget that. It was great day for the club. Cats next, they'll be favourites but it should be a good game if we can maintain our intensity.

Round 20 Preview: Eagles Face Presumptive Wooden Spooners

But unfortunately, James Hird might not be able to make it. I've heard he has an appointment with a New York Doctor he just has to make. See, the Bombers have been struggling over the past fortnight and instead of trying to work harder, or coach harder or something silly like that, Hird desperately needs a dose of magical cream to apply to Jobe's...back.

To be fair to Hird though, the reason the Bombers lost to the Hawks and Pies in such an abysmal fashion is because those clubs are 'up to something'. They're just so 'biologically advanced' that no amount of training or tactics or effort will ever be enough to beat them.

We used to also be better than the Bombers, and thus in the twisted world of 'Saint James', we were undoubtedly up to something in the supplements department. I like to think to myself that although 2011 didn't result in a Premiership, our performances did in some way lead to the death of one of the most self-righteous clubs and people in the league.

But alas, no one would think we were cheating this season.

Still, this game is very winnable. Of course, I make such a statement on the proviso that the Bombers play like they have the past fortnight. They've looked rudderless the past 2 weeks. Completely shattered.

To be fair to the players though, it's hard to perform well when you've been constantly tweeting #standbyhird through out the week. Carpal tunnel much? You know, I found it hilarious that the Bombers players, like electric sheep, mechanically sprung to Hird's defence. Don't they realise that part of the reason they're in this mess is because pretty much all of them refused to use their independence and ask questions. Like, for example, "Why do I, one of the fittest people in the country at age 27, need to take an anti-obesity drug?" I keep hearing how 'smart' Jobe is, but if he's so smart then why did he agree to take that rubbish?

But I digress. As I said to an Essendon supporting friend/enemy (frenemy?)

We shall see ____ If you guys play like you have most of the season: easy 4-5 goal win. But, I'm not sure whether it's just the perennial Essendon drop off, the emotional burden of the ASADA guillotine hovering over head or withdrawals (from the DRUGS) but they sort of looked spent last week. Big ins for Eagles too; Priddis, Masten, Lecras.

I particularly enjoyed my reference to withdrawals.

We haven't shown any ability to beat top 8 teams this season. They are a top 8 team...for now. If they do rediscover their form of earlier this season then we probably won't stand much of a chance.

ESSENDON
B: M.Baguley J.Carlisle M.Hibberd
HB: T.Pears C.Hooker D.Fletcher
C: J.Winderlich J.Watson D.Heppell
HF: A.Davey S.Gumbleton N.Kommer
F: B.Stanton P.Ryder J.Melksham
R: T.Bellchambers H.Hocking K.Hardingham
I/C: D.Hille D.Myers B.Howlett D.Zaharakis L.Jetta T.Colyer B.Goddard
In:  A.Davey , J.Winderlich , B.Howlett , T.Pears
Out: C.Dempsey (Hamstring) , C.Dell’Olio (Omitted), Travis Colyer  (Omitted), Leroy Jetta  (Omitted)

WEST COAST
B: M.Brown D.Glass B.Wilson
HB: S.Butler E.Mackenzie As.Smith
C: A.Gaff S.Wellingham B.Dalziell
HF: J.Cripps JJ.Kennedy J.Hill
F: W.Schofield S.Lycett J.Darling
R: D.Cox S.Selwood B.Sheppard
I/C:  C.Masten M.LeCras P.McGinnity M.Priddis
In: M.LeCras , M.Priddis , C.Masten , P.McGinnity
Out: A.Carter (Rested), Embley (omitted), Hutchings (omitted), Hams (omitted)

Our ins, however, are hugely significant. We're still missing Hurn, Waters, Kerr, Nic Nat and Shuey...but relative to the rest of this season this is a fairly strong outfit. As long as our effort is there, which it definitely was last week (application meh-ish), it should be a close game.

Those midfield additions in particular are massive. They have a very strong midfield but we should hold our own with the likes of Priddis, Wellingham and Masten. They're backline was well and truly demolished by big guns over the last 2 weeks and you would imagine if, and only if, we can win enough of the ball we could put up a big score. Hopefully JJK can continue his push for the Coleman.

I imagine there will be a lot of emotion in this one. There was at Subi earlier this season, where despite us having a WAFL midfield, late withdrawals, a short week and the Bombers off the bye, Essendon only just lucked their way to 7 point win.

I'm sure Bombers fans will be moronically cheering Watson on Sunday, showering him with vials of AOD as he enters the ground. I hope they enjoy this game too. 'Cause we may only have 4 games left, but so, fingers crossed, do they.

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Darren 'Bulletproof' Glass re-signed for another year this week. No words are necessary to describe his contribution to this club, both as an on-field legend and in rehabilitating our off-filed image post-Cousins. You'd imagine he has re-signed in the hopes of one more push for a premiership and although I have grave doubts of that possibility, it is certainly increased by his ongoing presence and leadership. Congrats Glassy.

Round 19 Recap: Phew!

Something strange happened after the final siren on Saturday evening. Eagles players didn't look forlorn. Eagles fans didn't rush to the exits. Children were laughing and the world seemed a slightly brighter place. Then this song broke out over the speakers:

Have you heard that before? It's been a while that's for sure. Then the Eagle Rock rang out. Man I enjoyed it. I've been to 6 Eagles games this season. This was only the 2nd win. I do like a victory here and there.

As for the game, it wasn't easy nor was it pretty. There was still soul-destroying turnovers and poor decision-making. We also continue to get burned by speedy opponents. But I thought, considering the team we put out there, with Priddis a late withdrawal, it was a gritty and determined effort. We really don't have much to play for, the Suns wouldn't go away, but we fought it out. In fact, despite the Suns hovering around for essentially the entire game, we never let them get in front from midway through the 1st.

Cox, no. 46 from the 3rd (too weird) was dominant with 44 hitouts. JJK was the man up forward again with 5, moving to outright 1st on the Coleman tally. Remember all those years when the Eagles couldn't buy a decent forward line? I mean we did have Sumich, Cummings, Wilson and Phil Matera. But this is different. We have an embarrassment of riches up forward with JJK, Darling and Lecras. Another good forward option, Hill, had his second decent outing in a row with 3 goals. However, he does seem to shine in games against lesser opponents while vanishing against the elite teams. Plus, there's E-Mac who kicked another brilliant goal to seal the game. I still don't trust his kicking in general play, especially when he chips it around, but what a player he has developed into.

I thought whoever did the job (I'm guessing Selwood) on that annoying little, bald guy (overrated much?) was decent. Ablett kicked 2 okay goals from memory, took a few typically selfish snaps, but nothing of note really. Maybe now we won't have to hear how he is the greatest play ever for at least 1 week.

Finally, a special word for Campbell Brown.  That man is reckless. Reckless and dumb. 4 frees against, including a couple late in the game. Does anyone else think he jumped into the fence. E-Mac certainly didn't push him into it. Is he Alastair Clarkson's son? Both small, angry men.

The win doesn't change anything. It's been a terrible season. But it's nice to be able to enjoy a win. And we should savour this for a few days, because there might not be another 'W' until Round 23. Games against the Bombers, Cats and Pies might not be pretty, but if we play with the same spirit we did today the result shouldn't be too unbearable. Plus, who knows? With a few key players to possibly/maybe return we might just play the spoiler.

I'd especially like to win the next one. According to the chosen one we really should win as well. We are, after all, "biologically advanced" and definitely "up to something".

Round 19 Preview: Too Humiliating to Contemplate

I can't bear the thought of losing this game. I know the Suns are no longer the league's whipping boy, a role now assigned to the winless Giants and hapless Dees, but we simply can't let this one slip. We've already lost 7 at home. That's an indefensible record no matter our injury situation.

Like I thought before last week, we should be too good for the Suns. They've had some decent wins this season, most notably against Collingwood 2 weeks ago, but I don't think they have the experience to win a game across the country just yet.

We are also strengthened by some key additions as the 'sore' Glass returns, along with Andrew Embley and the Good Sheppard. Masten is out with the ankle, thankfully not as serious as initially believed, whilst Morton is omitted...as is the recently re-signed Mitch Brown. I imagine one of the reasons Brown re-signed is because he's been an established starter this season unlike in previous years. It seems like a bit of a slap in the face to then drop him for Glass, but I suppose it's a balancing act between tall and running defenders.

WEST COAST
B: Schofield, Glass, Wilson
HB: Butler, Mackenzie, Smith
C: Gaff, Priddis, Dalziell
HF: Cripps, Kennedy, Hill
F: Wellingham, Lycett, Dalziell
Foll: Cox, S Selwood, Hutchings
I/C: Hams, Sheppard, Embley, Carter
In: Glass, Sheppard, Embley
Out: Morton, Masten, Brown

GOLD COAST
B: McKenzie, May, Tape
HB: Broughton, Thompson, Russell
C: Bennell, Ablett, Sexton
HF: Swallow, Day, Hall
F: Brown, Dixon, Sumner
Foll: Gorringe, Stanley, Prestia
I/C: Shaw, Harbrow, Boston, O’Meara
In: Swallow, Prestia, Thompson, Gorringe
Out: Brennan, Nicholls (knee), Gilbee, Weller

This is must-not-lose game. A win does not mean much, but a loss means everything. It's especially so for a coach who seems like he wants to coach on. Losing to a 3rd year franchise, losing at home for the 8th time this season may have some impact on his future tenure. Then again, the board a.k.a 'the rubber stamp', does not seem to countenance a future without Worsfold.  

Round 18 recap: Wellingham Shines; We lost.

A season of embarrassing performances and results, of unfortunate injuries and disappointments just got worse.

Yes, I know it's hard to play good football when you're missing 5-10 of your best. But the Dogs are a team that lost to Melbourne. That lost to the Gold Coast. That beat GWS by under a kick.

We had enough quality to win this game. Worryingly, the Dogs wanted it more. They played well under pressure. The Eagles for large parts of the game, namely in the 2nd and 3rd looked rudderless. There didn't appear to be much method to our madness. There wasn't much leadership or direction.

If the season wasn't already over, it now certainly is cooked. Right at this moment, admittedly engulfed in negativity, it's hard to see a win in the last 5 games. No chance against the Essendon 'we aren't drug cheats but we called in ASADA to investigate our use of drugs to improve performance' Bombers. No chance against the mediocre Pies. No chance against the smug Cats. Little chance against Adelaide.

Next week against the Suns may be our only chance for another 'W'. If it was on the Gold Coast we would be underdogs. In fact, given our home record, 2-7, I repeat 2-7, I suggest they still should be favourites. I'm now deeply regretting  purchasing tickets to that game. But on the other hand, I'd watch it on TV anyway, so I might as well see the potential disaster in person.

The loss was compounded by what appeared to be a serious ankle injury to Masten. Until today he was one of the only midfielders to avoid bodily harm this season. Be careful Priddis.

There were still some positives. Wellingham stepped up his play big time. He showed the class and flair that drove us to recruit him last spring. Those 2 goals in the second were sublime. He also took a great mark in the the last quarter. Hopefully he will give us something to look forward to the remainder of the season. Hill also had productive outing against his old team, including a superb goal in the first term. Then there's JJK. That tackle was a thing of beauty. That's the ferocity, the never say die attitude this team needs. It was an amazing effort against the greatest player ever, Luke Dalhaus.

Kudos to the commentators as well. A very neutral performance by the pros at 7. Led by the inimitable Leigh "I hope the Dogs win" Montagna. I'm glad he said that though. I would hate to have any one associated with the stinking carcass of a club which is Stkilda support the Eagles.

Does this result affect Worsfold's future? I Wouldn't think so. Rightly or wrongly (wrongly in my opinion) the board has already rubber stamped a new contract for John. Just because he's a club legend doesn't mean he is beyond reproach. Ultimately, he is the one responsible for this mess of a season. Yes, injuries have been devastating. Indeed, we have used 37 players in total this season and only four players - Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis, Dean Cox and Jack Darling - have managed to play all 17 games. But the team has been asleep for most of the season. They failed in critical games. I'm not saying I want him to be fired. But his reappointment should not be a fait accompli.

Cometti wrote:

Injuries played a part, sure, but this Eagles model seemed lacklustre, regardless. Even the best loved Eagle of them all, John Worsfold, found himself too unstable to provide stability. The coach took us on a remarkable detour concerning his future when the present was slipping away. Yet, I'm sure most Eagles fans remain keen to see him continue into his 13th season in 2014.

I've wrote it before, but Worsfold has acted rather erratically this season. He conveyed poor body language to the team, he was out coached and even took a cheap shot at Kerr. As for Cometti's line about most fans would be keen to see him stay, I'm not sure about that. Obviously, I don't have any stats, but based on what I've seen on twitter, I'd suggest right now the reaction is 'lukewarm' to his inevitable reappointment. I've yet to see a fan vehemently in favour of his return.

I think I'll put up a poll to gauge opinion, hopefully it gets more than 10 votes...

Round 18 Preview: 'Cause We're Contractually Obligated to Play out the Season

If we weren't contractually obligated, you'd imagine we'd just pull up stumps and go home. Except for the fact that 'home' has been a place of misery, disappointment and ultimately losing this year.

But there are signs that we're beginning to 'give up' in a wink, wink, nudge, nudge say no more kind of way. Naitanui has been mothballed for at least the next couple of weeks and possibly the rest of the season. You'd imagine of we win the next 2, no means assured, then we'll try to get him right for a last desperate fight for the finals. But realistically are we any chance of winning against Essendon, Geelong or Collingwood?

Now Lecras (foot in mouth) and Glass (soreness) have been left out.  Erm, huh...if I was a betting man, I'd get on the Dogs right now. But I'm not.

We're not 'tanking' because that would be against the rules. What we are doing is not risking stars in what are probably meaningless games.

Anyway, as for this game, I'm reasonably confident that we will win. We've beaten all the cellar dwellers this season with varying degrees of comfort. We would want to as well. Because unless we win the next couple we could very well plummet even further down the ladder.

Forget who isn't there, we've still got a powerful forward line led by JJK and Darling, a solid if severely undermanned midfield with Selwood, Priddis, Masten and Gaff and a decent defence.

Western Bulldogs
B: L.Picken, J.Roughead, J.Tutt
HB: D.Morris, M.Talia, A.Cooney
C: M.Boyd, T.Liberatore, R.Murphy
HF: D.Giansiracusa, L.Jones, K.Stevens
F: L.Dahlhaus, J.Grant, T.Dickson
R: W.Minson, R.Griffen, M.Wallis
I/C: J.Macrae, D.Addison, L.Hunter, T.Young,
IN: Tom Young, Matthew Boyd
OUT: Brett Goodes (Arm) , Nathan Hrovat (Soreness)

West Coast Eagles
B: W.Schofield, M.Brown, S.Butler
HB: A.Carter, E.Mackenzie, As.Smith
C: A.Gaff, M.Priddis, B.Dalziell
HF: J.Cripps, JJ.Kennedy, J.Hill
F: A.Hams, S.Lycett, J.Darling
R: D.Cox, S.Selwood, C.Masten
I/C: M.Hutchings, C.Morton, S.Wellingham, B.Wilson
IN: Blayne Wilson, Ashton Hams, Sam Butler, Scott Lycett, Scott Selwood
OUT: Mark LeCras (Foot) , Nic Naitanui (Soreness) , Darren Glass (Soreness) , Luke Shuey (Hamstring), Adam Selwood (omitted)

But it's not the result of the game that interests me much (except if we lose then it becomes very interesting). It's about the performance of individuals.

Careers might be on the line for some. Hams has been frozen out this season after ably holding down the fort last season. Hill has struggled in recent times so both will need to impress for their future prospects. Wilson was impressive in his first couple of games and can push for a more permanent role. Wellingham, as I alluded to last week, must show something for the remainder of the season. He was meant to be the missing link. Injuries aside, he has had zero influence on this team. With a fully fit squad should he be in the starting 22? Not on recent form. He also has to placate us, the fans, that he's worthy of wearing that jumper. A few more anonymous performances and you can imagine a Masten/Ebert/Swift angst starting to rumble at Paterson's. Ask Masten how long it takes to get rid of that antagonism.

Then there's Morton. I think he showed something last week, albeit running as the free man, and his future is certainly at stake. I just hope he's not the sub so we can see him over a full game.

Finally, and most importantly, there's Scott Lycett. Huge game for the Big Lycee. He's had chances before only to come up noticeably short. After Callum Wilson's impressive displays earlier in the season, Lycett's time may very well be now or never.

--------------

It's been a hectic week outside of preparation for this game. It started after the Swans loss when Worsfold was questioned over Kerr's absence. You'd expect something of a weak dismissal from John, not known for criticising players publicly, but instead he gave Kerr an almighty whack.

"While he does his good stoppage work, other players are having to pick up the slack around the ground...Daniel has to be up and be able to run and play offensive and defensive footy as well as being good at stoppages...That is what we have to measure going into next week's game...Is one hit-out enough to say that he can run at AFL level like he needs to be able to run?"

As an unabashed fan of Kerr, I have to say I find those comments, resisting the urge to swear, absolutely apocryphal. I don't accept those criticisms for one second. It just doesn't add up, when you consider that Adam Selwood, who really hasn't been able to run all season , played on Sunday. Making Kerr some kind of scape-goat for a team that has been a in a malaise for most the season is unfair, untrue and just plain bizarre. For even if you agree that Kerr has been struggling, why does Worsfold choose now to throw a player under the bus, least of all Kerr?

If he was a young star not lifting his weight then maybe it makes sense. But what possible benefit is there in publicly panning him at age 30?

Daniel Kerr is a 223 game legend. He could've/should've won a Brownlow in the middle of the last decade. He's indefatigable, strong, powerful and has shown reckless disregard for his body for the good of the team. Remember the Fab 3 of the glory days? 2 of those guys absolutely gutted the Eagles; Cousins through his off-field actions which immeasurably tarnished the reputation of this club, Judd through his decision to flee back to Melbourne which left us a shell of a team. Kerr stuck it out. I know he had his own off-field issues and I know he went through a period of perpetual report-suspensions, but he will be the one I remember most fondly and who has given the most to the club.

Perhaps Kerr's manager sums up the weirdness of the comments best: ""I am absolutely mystified by John's quotes."

 --------

In other news, also bizarre, John Worsfold has indicated, in a very vague, general way that he plans on staying next year. I was genuinely surprised by this. I remember earlier in the season he refused to say whether he even had the desire to coach at the moment. His body language, his acidic performances at press conferences all indicated that he was a man who had had enough of the gig. The lethargic, non-committal performances of the team seemed to reflect this indifference. But now he wants to stay? What's changed? Maybe he doesn't want his time remembered by this season?

I can't say I'm happy or disappointed by this. I don't like the fact the club has already rubber stamped his reappointment, even though he said they hadn't.

He must want one final push for a premiership within the next 3 years. I hope he has some plan in place, besides a belief that a fit team is good enough. Good enough to make finals maybe. Good enough to challenge? Doubtful.

---------

Finally, Mitch Brown has re-signed with the club for 3 years. He's been a solid but overlooked player for a long time. He wanted to play for the Saints last season, even requesting a trade, but has decided to stay in the nest. A no-brainer in my mind, but a welcome decision none the less.

Round 17 Recap: Time to Call it Doc.

Finished. Kaput. Finito.

The season is dead. Our home ground advantage lay in ruins. This was a year that many predicted, quite reasonably, would end in at least a very deep finals run, perhaps a Grand Final appearance or maybe even a premiership triumph. I wasn't as optimistic, it's not in my nature unfortunately, but I still expected a team that would probably sneak into the top 4 and with some luck make it to the preliminary final.

There's no point keeping up the pretence of finals now. You have to win at home to make finals. You have to be able to beat a few decent teams to make finals. You have to be consistent in effort and application to make finals. There are only 2 things we've been consistent at this season.

1. Players are consistently dropping like flies.
2. We consistently turn the ball over.

It happened yet again today. Sydney humiliated us on our home ground. The 34 point margin is a little flattering as they dominated after midway through the first. Far too strong, too powerful, too good. We fought out the game in the last quarter, but we never had it in us to win this one.

I'm not sure why but Rosa and Brennan were late withdrawals as Adam Selwood and Cale Morton got a call-up. Morton was the sub. for the first half before Shuey did his hammy, I guess, again, and was subbed off.

I really don't know what to say. The Swans were harder, more efficient, more resilient. We had decent patches, but patches don't win games.

I actually thought Morton was OK and might as well be given the rest of the season to show what he's got. Play the 'kids' I say. Nic Nat needs to be rested as he can't offer anything near his best at the moment. Some senior Eagles also need to consider whether this should be their last season and that very much includes the coach, a great Eagle, but ultimately the man responsible for this train wreck.

Nothing much else to say about the game per se. Except, good god, that was grim.

------------------------------

On a positive note, for me anyway, I actually won seats in a corporate suite for this game. Besides the atrocious and dismal game unfortunately occurring before my eyes it was a pretty great, if slightly surreal experience. It was in the SGIO suite, as part of that work crew promotion thing, hats off to the chef, steward and co. Gourmet food, unlimited drinks, great vantage point (saw every Eagles turnover perfectly). The steward literally kept coming back and forth asking if we wanted food/drink. So this is how the other half lives huh?

Good seats, atrocious game.

 The surreal part was at half time when Auzzie the Eagle and Brad Sheppard swung by. I was a little concerned that a meeting between Auzzie the Eagle and the Misanthropic Eagle would not go well, but he was impeccably behaved.

Both unimpressed with the performance.

 As for Brad Sheppard- very nice and affable fellow. My guest and I even had an opportunity for a little chat with the Good Sheppard (now forever known as the GOOD Sheppard) for a few minutes. Highlights;

- Explanation for what's gone on this season? Lack of consistency re injuries + mistakes, turnovers etc.
- All players want Worsfold to stay, but the Good Sheppard has no idea either way.
-Favourite moments from career thus far; Debut + win after the siren vs North Melbourne
- Steven Baker is the most annoying person the Good Sheppard has had the displeasure of manning up on. Apparently he was only on him for 5 minutes but that was enough as Baker pinched, poked and stamped down on his feet behind the ball. Geez, makes Crowley seem like a half-decent human being.
- His reaction to the meagre 2 weeks handed down to McKernan after the elbow to the head- "I was shocked". Apparently, he felt very dazed after that horrible 'effort' from McKernan. Fair to say we all felt the same.

Nickname confirmed: He is The Good Sheppard

In conclusion, really seems like a good guy. It's fair to say he hasn't reached the heights that his high draft pick might suggest he could/should, but he did have a decent 2012. Hopefully he can continue to improve and grow into the future.

So yeah, if you ever have the chance to get into a corporate suite grab it with both hands, or claws in my case.

Round 17 Preview: Our Swan Song?

If we're to win this game we're going to have to end three streaks, each with its own level of disappointment and humiliation:

1. We haven't beaten Sydney since 2007
2. We haven't beaten a Top 8 side all season
3. We haven't won at home since the North Melbourne miracle, one of only two home wins all season.

That 3rd streak is quite simply abysmal. Ever since I've been following the Eagles we've pretty much had the best home ground advantage in the league. But not this season. Losses to the Dockers (twice), Hawks, Blues, Tigers and Bombers have obliterated the 'House of Pain' moniker.

Worrying is the fact that in 2011 we lost 1 game at home. That game was against Sydney. In 2012, we lost 2 games at home, one an 'away' loss to the Dockers, the other was against, you guessed it, Sydney.

It's fair to say history is against us. As is form...and common-sense.

Over the past month, I seem to be repeating the mantra that just because of form, injuries etc. doesn't mean we can't win. 

We have definitely shown decent form over the past month. But if you can't win the game, the effort is fairly meaningless. In fact, the very idea of us 'celebrating effort' is an indictment of just how poor this season has been. The effort that we've displayed recently just wasn't there at the start of the season. The buck must ultimately stop with the coach for that.  It was a general malaise, rather than just a few individuals and it took half the season to reverse. The season was essentially lost before we even started showing any intensity.

Now, halfway through Round 17, we are 2 wins outside the 8. Do you remember when we were joint premiership favourites?..No, me either.

West Coast
B: Will Schofield, Darren Glass, Mitch Brown
HB: Jacob Brennan, Eric Mackenzie, Ash Smith
C: Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF: Mark Hutchings, Josh Kennedy, Josh Hill
F: Mark LeCras, Dean Cox, Jack Darling
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Chris Masten, Luke Shuey
Int: Jamie Cripps, Adam Carter, Sharrod Wellingham, Bradd Dalziell
In: Shuey, Wellingham
Out: Embley (suspended), Morton (sent back to Melbourne)

Sydney
B: Dane Rampe, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
HB: Nick Malceski, Ted Richards, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Brandon Jack, Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack
HF: Craig Bird, Jesse White, Luke Parker
F: Jude Bolton, Money Bags, Mike Pyke
Foll: Shane Mumford, Ryan O'Keefe, Dan Hannebery
Int: Harry Cunningham, Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb,Tom Mitchell
In: Cunningham
Out: McGlynn (suspended)

In good news, the Swans are missing a few players with Goodes, Jetta, McGlynn and Reid all out. The bad news is that they're the kind of team that doesn't rely on individuals, but rather on a very consistent and annoying team ethos.

We get Shuey (though there are murmurs regarding a possible late omission) and Wellingham back.  I think this is a huge game for Wellingham and his Eagles career. He was our marquee recruit (besides star Cale Morton) during the free agency period. We put our faith in him with a massive contract and then he decided to go bouncing on a trampoline. Although he subsequently suffered a 'legitimate injury' the fact remains that he's played 2.25 games this season. He really needs to show something before 2013 ends.

I was hoping that Kerr would return, but assumed that he was still recovering from injury when he wasn't named. Thus, you can forgive me for thinking I was imagining things when I saw this on twitter: "Kerr in the book as Sharks tame Lions". Erm, come again? Daniel Kerr, one of the best midfielders we've ever seen, one of the toughest, most talented players to ever wear the Eagles guernsey, played in the WAFL. Oh yeah AND he was reported. Have we put the cue in the rack? Surely, if Kerr can play WAFL he can play for us. Especially against an elite opponent, in a game we really have to win. Especially considering that he's only missed 2 games.

I don't get it. It really sums up this season. A bizarre, inexplicable lack of intensity at the start of the season. A seemingly disinterested, non-committal coach. Horrible goal-kicking. A never-ending injury toll. A man earning $400 000 plus to play football, bouncing on a trampoline. An inability to win at home. I don't get any of it.

Anyway, I'm sick of seeing Sydney celebrate on our turf. I'm sick of hearing the Sydney-philes in the media fawn over the Swans. Remember, this is the team who stole the 2005 premiership on the back of thug Barry Hall, a man who had no right to be playing in that game. He punched McGuire in the gut the previous week and yet was let off by the Tribunal on the basis that...oh yeah the AFL wants to see Sydney succeed. They're handed concessions, they're somehow given a 'cost of living' bonus for their salary cap (try living in Perth!) and as Premiers they are able to recruit (due to their concessions) salary cap cheat Tippett. I hate them.

That's reason enough to want to win today.

------------

- Hmmm, Daniel Wells on Before the Game said that he was 'very close' to joining the Eagles before Scott arrived as Roos coach. Well, that makes me sick. Another reason to hate Scott I suppose.

Round 16 Recap: BREAKING NEWS: Premiership tally remains Eagles 3 - Dockers 0.

I could go on and on about how it's yet ANOTHER home loss. That it's ANOTHER loss against a top 8 team.

I could...and I will. That's 6 losses at home. The house of pain has become the house of self-inflicted pain, with costly turnovers all too common, as undermanned Eagles teams continue to fall short.

Of course it's hard to win when 6 of your best are missing. But the fact is if we had have won earlier in the season, these losses wouldn't be so costly now. 

It was a rather frenzied, emotionally charged and even nasty affair. And that was just the crowd. Sitting amongst the nest, no hoarde of Dockers fans at the City End, it's surprising that I remain with all limbs intact. I wasn't even abused upon making a hasty exit following the final siren. But during the game, geez, it got rather edgy. I don't engage in any banter at all, but quite a bit flew around as the game went on. Most of it in good fun, but having a Dockers scarf waved near your face after every last quarter goal (8 by the way) isn't  exactly a great feeling (not that it was being waved at me, rather at the drunken lout a few seats up, who started cheering for the Dampier Sharks when Cox got the ball...hmmmm). I was actually sitting a few rows back from injured/useless Dockers like Suban and Crichton.

Back to the game. We need to address our starts. 4 weeks in a row...actually that's 5 weeks in a row; St Kilda, Hawthorn, Essendon, Adelaide and Freo we have gone down by around 3-4 goals. To our credit we have bounced back every time, but surely our chances would've been lifted in every one of those games had we not conceded the early edge.

Our intensity was superb for 3 quarters. It was impressive that guys like Dalziell, Hutchings and first gamer Carter really did hold their own against more established opponents. But we could never gain any advantage on the scoreboard. We were never more than a goal ahead. Personally, I felt the Dockers always held the game in their hands and they finally wore us down in the last. In the end it was 28 points for the 2nd time this year.

In terms of individuals, Jack Darling was the standout with 5 huge goals. He's been quiet in recent weeks but he really did have a big impact on this game. I thought Schofield was good too. He showed his versatility as he swung forward and kicked a couple. Glass and E-Mac were as solid as ever down back. I also thought Cripps had a decent outing with 2 goals. I must mention Hutchings who laid a staggering 16 tackles. I have to be honest. I don't think I've ever realised that he's on the field. It's probably that I'm focusing on other players, but he's clearly been giving everything out there.

I also have to say that the umpiring was fairly atrocious. We didn't lose the game because of it, but on several occasions the Dockers were handed frees for high tackles where there players ducked their head and ran into an Eagle. There was also the free kick for Walters in the goal square. Somehow he missed from 5 metres out, but there was NOT significant contact to deem a push in the back. Horrible. You weren't hear about the umpiring anywhere though. As long as it doesn't involve a Victorian team, the AFL media doesn't care.

In other news, Embley was reported and offered a 2 match ban for his bump on 'Clancee'. Hell, what's losing another mid to a team missing 4-5 already? Pavlich was also reported for his clumsy bump on Brown and was offered a 3 match ban. So...haha.

We're still 1 game outside the 8. Nothing's really changed in that regard. I'll update my finals post later.

We face the Swans next week, a team we haven't beaten since 2007. Unlike last week, I fully expect that absolutely no quality addtions will be made to this side. In fact I half expect that we'll lose another few players.

Finally, congrats to the Dockers. We might have 3 premierships, appeared in 5 grand finals, 2 Brownlow Medallists and 4 Norm Smith Medallists but you purple punks have heaps of those derby trophies. They've got to be worth at least $75 a pop at Cash Converters. #foreverinourshadow

Round 16 Preview: Eagles Face Soporific Dockers

The thing about being successful is that it's great fun. Well, that's the general rule. Cynical coaches like Ro$$ Lyon, also known by many (just me) as 'the man who killed football' have turned that on its head. Because although the Dockers will probably push into the top 4, to the disproportionate cheers of their finals-starved fans, watching them play is usually an exercise in trying to stay awake. In fact, you know the expressions 'I'd rather watch grass grow' or it's like 'watching paint dry'? Well 10-15 years from now, those sayings will be replaced by "I'd rather watch a Freo Dockers game". It's a twisted, perverted almost pseudo-football that they trot out each week.

gyigluiyg h.......sorry, my head fell onto the keyboard, as I fell asleep thinking about the Freo-North game a few weeks back....

Saying all that, I really can't wait for this one! It's the first derby I will ever attend (owing to the fact I won tickets) and it could be the last until the new stadium (haha) is in use (because I'll probably never win tickets again). I should say I 'plan' on attending, as I live in the southern suburbs and there's every chance I'll have to endure some Crowley-esque torment to make it to the ground. Tough gig.

The stakes are huge. Which makes me feel very hungry. And nervous. We're 1 one game outside the 8. The Dockers are percentage outside the top 4. Both teams will be desperate.

Coming into the game, we are in fine form. The spectacular win over Adelaide followed up very good (but not quite good enough) efforts against the Hawks and Bombers. Our last 4 games in fact have been decided by an aggregate margin of 37 points. We're in the best form of our season.

The Dockers on the other hand, are difficult to gauge. A smashing at the hands of Geelong, followed up by an extremely lacklustre performance against the tanking (there, I said it) Saints leaves me a little unsure of what to expect.

They've definitely performed the better of the two sides over the course of the season. But, right now, I'm not sure you can say they're the better team. I'm happy that both Sandilands and Pavlich playing. Although I never want to see players injured, the chances of Sandi performing anywhere near his best, for anywhere near the whole game is doubtful. Plus, Pavlich, after a long lay-off will hopefully be a little sore following his first outing last week. Up forward, I'm feeling very confident that we have a big edge. No McPharlin is massive. Although Zac Dawson isn't the lightweight like back in his early days, he's vulnerable. So is Alex Silvagni.

Yes, their midfield is stronger than ours. It's usually the case. But, as the group showed last week (against a very strong Crows midfield) they are good enough. That effort is coupled with the addition of.................Why do I keep writing the previews before the teams come out!

I was expecting at least a couple of Shuey, Kerr and Wellingham to return. Instead, we're confronted with this situation:

WEST COAST

B: Schofield Glass Brown
HB: Brennan  Mackenzie Smith
C: Gaff Priddis Rosa
HF: Hutchings Kennedy Hill
F:  LeCras Cox Darling
FOLL: Naitanui Masten Dalziell
I/C FROM: Cripps Sheppard Embley Morton
IN: Smith Morton
OUT: Waters (knee) McGinnity


FREMANTLE

B: Silvagni Dawson Ibbotson
HB: Spurr  Johnson Mundy
C: Mzungu Crowley Hill
HF: Fyfe Mayne C Pearce
F:  Ballantyne Pavlich Sandilands
FOLL: Clarke de Boer  Suban
I/C:  D Pearce Walters Barlow Sheridan
IN: Silvagni  Sutcliffe Neale Taberner   
OUT: McPharlin (calf)

Cale Morton, who played 73 forgettable games for the Demons makes his debut for the club....erm, I have no words. Thursdays at 4:15 has been a harrowing experience for us this season.

Again this was written before the teams came out: 

I'd be lying if I said I'm extremely confident. But I'm cautiously optimistic. In my mind, it's a 50-50 game. I know all the 'experts' have picked Freo without a second thought, but they did the same to the Crows as well. They're also failing to recognise the significance of this being an Eagles home game. I know it's not quite the same as playing an interstate team, but surely the extra support gives us the emotional edge.

I originally picked the Eagles by 15 points...more sober now...

Trying to stay positive, I'll say what I said last week- there's no reason for this not to be a close game. We'll need another herculean effort from what I'm going to term the 'replacements'. We have the firepower to kick a winning score against anyone. But getting it inside our 50 will be a problem against Lyon's drones. I still think we can win. 'Can' and 'will' are different propositions, but we're a chance. And if we win, man, that would be something.

And if we lose, well, we'll just have to go home and polish our premierships (that's not a metaphor for anything by the way).