Season Review Part 3: Better Late Than Never...

There was a slight hiatus between reviews, but to be fair, after the thrill and excitement of the inaugural free agency period, looking back on 2012 is rather a mundane task. But I hate to leave things incomplete. Also, without posting this I wouldn't have the opportunity to congratulate the City of Fremantle in finally ridding itself of the (now) Cockburn Dockers.

You can view the original predictions here.

Now, without further ado...


9. Eagles Fans won't see much Dick and Cox (Together)

This is rather bold by the standards of my previous predictions. I hope it's wrong, because all wonderful genitalia word-play possibilities aside, Dick's a great player when fit. Unfortunately 'when fit' for Dick has pretty much been close to never. Even if he does recover fully from his most recent ailment (knee I believe), it will be a long road back to top flight. He'll play WAFL then have to force his way into what will hopefully be a good team. But then again if he's healthy I'm certain he'll play because Dick can fill a huge hole for us. The big gaping hole...which is the small forward role. The fact that he didn't play in our first 2 preseason games doesn't give me much hope.


Hmmm, I'm not sure what I meant by the last line there. How could he play if he was injured? That strangeness aside, I was unfortunately right in the sense that Cox and Dick didn't play a single game together. But my more general point about Dick's health was happily proved wrong, as he did recover and had a very productive season in the WAFL. I remember there were even some suggestions he could play in the Finals, as he was elevated off the Rookie List, but it wasn't to be. He's an enticing prospect for 2013.


10. Mark Lecras will be Sorely Missed

Lecras has kicked 58, 63 and 43 goals in the last 3 seasons. Who can replace that production; Hams, Dick, Hill, Nicoski? The fact is that he's the best medium forward in the competition. He often draws a key defender allowing guys like JJK and Darling to do their thing. He's simply irreplaceable. Viva Lecras!

Not exactly bold this one. He was missed, but I have to hand it to Hill and Hams as they both played very well throughout parts of the season. Hill especially proved the doubters wrong kicking 30+ goals.  But, I can't wait to have Lecras back in the forward line, as his class is (to quote past me) "simply irreplaceable".

11.. 2012 will not be the Year of the Juddas

Oh, Juddas. Although this prediction is not strictly about the Eagles...it so is. I may have written that I'm 'over' Judd's departure but that may have been an untruth. I don't hate him or anything, I just think he should be back where he belongs...in Azkaban. Seriously though, the Blues won't win the premiership this year nor next. When they eventually do (or hopefully don't) the Eagles will have already reached the precipice and Robert Walls won't be able to hide behind his beard anymore. In summary, no premiership medallion in 2012 for Judd.

 Quite a prescient prediction indeed. Juddas and his gaggle of fools had a dismal season, despite, or perhaps due to, having the world's ugliest cheerleader as their head coach. They didn't even make the finals and Judd was back to his old tricks, gouging helpless kangaroos.


11. We will Defeat the Dockers Twice (at least)

The thing about the Dockers is...well they aint nothing special. No, I'm not judging that on one preseason game (however hilariously poor they were). I'm judging it on a history of mediocrity from their performances on the field to their jumper and their new jumper and their song and their new song and their coaches and their players. They are in a general 'blah'. Still that blah has usually stepped it up against us. It's what often happens when a crap side treats a derby like a grand final. That time, though, is well past. We are a very strong team with a solid game plan. We shall triumph and if we don't I still will claim we're winners...because We are the Eagles and they are the dockers. Enough said.


(Groans in pain), yuck. Well the first game went to script and the second game also went to ‘a’ script, if the script involved being slaughtered. That’s one script I hope doesn’t get green-lit again.


-------

 So ends my series of season recaps. It took took around 6 months, which is on the 'long' side. But, now I get the fun task of making NEW season predictions as the Pre-Season Cup is just around the corner.

Until then, remember you can follow me on twitter and on facebook.

Off-Season Tinkerings: Now on Facebook!

Well, I've always on been on the "The" Facebook, but as a person not a page. Though I still have my profile, I thought it would be more efficient and appropriate to create a page. Hopefully, it can act as meeting point throughout the season to discuss our successes, disappointments, hopes etc. Maybe I can create a poll or two. No promises though.

Anyway, that's all I have to say today. I fully intend to post some pre-season musings soon-ish, but I perhaps should finish my reflections on last season first. It being the new year and all.

Oh, of course you can also follower on twitter. Just ignore the appalling handle.

UPDATE: If you don't want to miss a post, once liking my page hover over the "Liked" button and click on "Get Notifications". For the true believers.