Especially when gaining those four points shouldn't involve too much exertion. Sure, it's in Brisbane and they've been 'okay' (at times) and we have injuries but that won't stop me putting this in the win column 2 days before the game. Seriously, I'm glad Voss ended up passing on the assistant coaching gig with us to lead his former team to an embarrassing demise. I wonder how long he has left? None of my concern really, but they're terrible.
Still, on any giving Sunday...blah...blah...blah. We can't be complacent and we won't. We're not that good or that comfortable in the top 4 to let a game like this slip. The Lions have some damaging players in the likes of Brown and Adcock but elsewhere they're fairly average. Play our game and we should win comfortably and hopefully retain the number one spot on the ladder.
Shuey's stupid slip was rather disappointing, but players make mistakes and they all pay the price (unless your name is Barry and it's September 2005). Butler joins him on the sideline with a hamstring injury. Swift gets a chance whilst Ashton 'Little Piggy' Hams returns from suspension + omission.
Brisbane Lions
B: Ashley McGrath, Matt Maguire, Ryan Lester
HB: Mitchell Golby, Joel Patfull, Josh Drummond
C: Pearce Hanley, Daniel Rich, Jed Adcock
HF: Jack Redden, Jonathan Brown, Dayne Zorko
F: Rohan Bewick, Daniel Merrett, Aaron Cornelius
Foll: Ben Hudson, Tom Rockliff, Andrew Raines
I/C: James Polkinghorne, Niall McKeever, Jared Polec, Joshua Green
Emg: Claye Beams, Patrick Karnezis, Elliot Yeo
In: Niall McKeever, Jared Polec, Ben Hudson
Out: Simon Black (Knee), Billy Longer (Back), Elliot Yeo
West Coast Eagles
B: Patrick McGinnity, Darren Glass, Will Schofield
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Jack Darling, Brad Sheppard
F: Dean Cox, Quinten Lynch, Josh Hill
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Thomas Swift, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan
Emg: Mitch Brown, Koby Stevens, Scott Lycett
In: Thomas Swift, Ashton Hams
Out: Sam Butler (Hamstring), Luke Shuey (Suspension)
So I don't have much else to write on the game except that I expect us to win by 6-8 goals.
Onto the good news this week and Mr Glass and Mr Pink have both resigned with the club. That is, they have signed on, not quit...which is a bonus. I'm a little surprised that Glass is playing on but with the form he has displayed I'm quite ectstatic he will continue to grace us with his presence in our backline. As for Rosa, well I'm not his biggest fan but he's a worthy member of the midfield. He seems to play fairly well every week without ever being truly spectacular (even his 42 possession game wasn't amazing in my mind).
In other good news, Brad Dick (who I totally forgot about) will play his first game this season for East Fremantle Reserves on Monday. With luck we might actually see him play a game in the blue and gold this year. Kudos to the West for the headline too.
Overall, a very positive week for the club looking forward. We are challenging for a Premiership without some of our best players. Imagine a fully fit Eagles team in 2013...scary.
P.S The Dockers lost.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Round 9 Recap: We are the Eagles!
It's not a guarantee of success in a given match against the Dockers, more
of a guarantee of success in a grander sense. Some might say in life, which may
be taking it a bit far, but it's all relative.
For example, relative to the Dockers.
But enough pop-existentialism, on to the absolute and utter demolition that was Derby the 35th...
It started like any game against a Lyon team, tight, scrappy and tough. Oh and low scoring. I was sitting there thinking, not worrying, that this will be a real struggle. We didn't kick a goal until the second quarter when Priddis snapped a major from a contest deep in our forward line. After that, the slog continued with the teams tied 20 all at the half.
Then...BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!...and BANG! 5 goals to none in the 3rd as the Eagles crushed the utterly listless and nigh-talentless Dockers. Schofield kicked the first; a terrific running goal from the middle of the ground to the 50 near the boundary. Nic-Nat took a great mark and the Dockers spirit was decimated. Not hard to decimate for sure, but nonetheless, it was a wonderful quarter.
It carried on into the 4th where the Eagles extended the number of goals kicked in a row to 9. To be fair though, the Dockers showed resolve to get to 5 goals 6: Their lowest score at Subiaco in their history. Considering how terrible they've been for...well however long they've been in the comp. that's quite an achievement.
The Hill was instrumental, per usual; 3 goals 4 (nearly as much as the Dockers scored), 18 disposals, 4 marks and 6 tackles. Shuey, Rosa, Gaff and Rosa (with 42 disposals) controlled the midfield. Down back, the two stalwarts in Waters and Hurn were superb. You really couldn't ask for a better duo to be leaders down back. They're both so courageous and strong. I also have to applaud the efforts of the Good Sheppard over the past 2 weeks. I write efforts not performance because his execution today was, only at times, fairly atrocious. His delivery into the forward in particular really is not sufficient for a contending team. Still, it appears as though he has come along since we last saw him.
The only sour note was an apparent thigh injury sustained by Butler.
But that can't spoil the fact that this was a dominant performance and victory. I don't know if I was the only one anxiously hoping we could maintain the margin in the last quarter. It meant that we retain 1st on percentage from the Bombers.
So still the best; in the state and nationwide.
Also, Sir Worsfold broke the games record for the club with his 244th appearance as coach. I'm glad he surpassed Malthouse. I see 'Mick' as a Collingwood coach. Plus, he's always been annoying in the extreme.
In conclusion: We are the Eagles!!!
For example, relative to the Dockers.
But enough pop-existentialism, on to the absolute and utter demolition that was Derby the 35th...
It started like any game against a Lyon team, tight, scrappy and tough. Oh and low scoring. I was sitting there thinking, not worrying, that this will be a real struggle. We didn't kick a goal until the second quarter when Priddis snapped a major from a contest deep in our forward line. After that, the slog continued with the teams tied 20 all at the half.
Then...BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!...and BANG! 5 goals to none in the 3rd as the Eagles crushed the utterly listless and nigh-talentless Dockers. Schofield kicked the first; a terrific running goal from the middle of the ground to the 50 near the boundary. Nic-Nat took a great mark and the Dockers spirit was decimated. Not hard to decimate for sure, but nonetheless, it was a wonderful quarter.
It carried on into the 4th where the Eagles extended the number of goals kicked in a row to 9. To be fair though, the Dockers showed resolve to get to 5 goals 6: Their lowest score at Subiaco in their history. Considering how terrible they've been for...well however long they've been in the comp. that's quite an achievement.
The Hill was instrumental, per usual; 3 goals 4 (nearly as much as the Dockers scored), 18 disposals, 4 marks and 6 tackles. Shuey, Rosa, Gaff and Rosa (with 42 disposals) controlled the midfield. Down back, the two stalwarts in Waters and Hurn were superb. You really couldn't ask for a better duo to be leaders down back. They're both so courageous and strong. I also have to applaud the efforts of the Good Sheppard over the past 2 weeks. I write efforts not performance because his execution today was, only at times, fairly atrocious. His delivery into the forward in particular really is not sufficient for a contending team. Still, it appears as though he has come along since we last saw him.
The only sour note was an apparent thigh injury sustained by Butler.
But that can't spoil the fact that this was a dominant performance and victory. I don't know if I was the only one anxiously hoping we could maintain the margin in the last quarter. It meant that we retain 1st on percentage from the Bombers.
 | |
| Mind the Chasm. |
So still the best; in the state and nationwide.
Also, Sir Worsfold broke the games record for the club with his 244th appearance as coach. I'm glad he surpassed Malthouse. I see 'Mick' as a Collingwood coach. Plus, he's always been annoying in the extreme.
In conclusion: We are the Eagles!!!
Round 9 Preview: In Which We Meet Mr Lyon
I could sit here and write a post all about why I despise the Dockers. I would enjoy it, the 3.5 people reading this would enjoy it, the Dockers would cry and all would be well. But I'm not that kind of guy. Well, they aren't worth the carpel tunnel syndrome I would surely develop typing all the insults.
Still, I must give credit to our unwanted cousins. They have changed, evolved even. From a team capable of exciting if inconsistent performances under that weird Harvey guy to a dull, soporific even and inconsistent rabble under Mr Mercenary.
Yet, they are in the top 8. They also still have some great players in Pav. and Sandi. They've had a history of beating us, a consequence of a mindset which views the Derby as a Grand Final while we treat the Grand Final as the Grand Final. That came to an end last season, but we have to pay heed to their ability to get motivated for these games.
Regardless of the emotional side of the Derby, we need to win this game to have an opportunity to maintain top spot.
On the team selection front, we have one change as Matt Priddis replaces Kobe. The Dockers have included Griffin to try and stymie our ruck duo, but I still give us the advantage.
West Coast Eagles
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Will Schofield
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Jack Darling, Luke Shuey
F: Dean Cox, Quinten Lynch, Josh Hill
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan
In: Matthew Priddis
Out: Koby Stevens
Fremantle
B: Paul Duffield, Zac Dawson, Greg Broughton
HB: Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu
C: Michael Barlow, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill
HF: Matthew de Boer, Christopher Mayne, Lachie Neale
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Zachary Clarke
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Clancee Pearce
I/C: Jay van Berlo, Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin
In: Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin,
Out: Garrick Ibbotson, Dylan Roberton, Lee Spurr
In fact, we have the advantage everywhere. Our team is better, our coach is better, our jerseys are WAY better. Not to mention our trophy cabinet.
This is more than a Derby. Yes, winning these games is nice so we can laud it over the anchorless freaks. But, we are trying to win a premiership. This game is part of that quest. They wouldn't understand...
Still, I must give credit to our unwanted cousins. They have changed, evolved even. From a team capable of exciting if inconsistent performances under that weird Harvey guy to a dull, soporific even and inconsistent rabble under Mr Mercenary.
Yet, they are in the top 8. They also still have some great players in Pav. and Sandi. They've had a history of beating us, a consequence of a mindset which views the Derby as a Grand Final while we treat the Grand Final as the Grand Final. That came to an end last season, but we have to pay heed to their ability to get motivated for these games.
Regardless of the emotional side of the Derby, we need to win this game to have an opportunity to maintain top spot.
 | ||||||
| Live Ladder Round 9 |
West Coast Eagles
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Will Schofield
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Jack Darling, Luke Shuey
F: Dean Cox, Quinten Lynch, Josh Hill
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan
In: Matthew Priddis
Out: Koby Stevens
Fremantle
B: Paul Duffield, Zac Dawson, Greg Broughton
HB: Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu
C: Michael Barlow, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill
HF: Matthew de Boer, Christopher Mayne, Lachie Neale
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Zachary Clarke
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Clancee Pearce
I/C: Jay van Berlo, Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin
In: Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin,
Out: Garrick Ibbotson, Dylan Roberton, Lee Spurr
In fact, we have the advantage everywhere. Our team is better, our coach is better, our jerseys are WAY better. Not to mention our trophy cabinet.
This is more than a Derby. Yes, winning these games is nice so we can laud it over the anchorless freaks. But, we are trying to win a premiership. This game is part of that quest. They wouldn't understand...
Monday, 21 May 2012
Round 8 Recap: Welcome to the House of Pain
Although the Saints showed admirable spirit fighting back in the third, the Eagles were clearly the dominant team as we extend our unbeaten run at home. Premiership contenders, especially non-Victorian teams, must build a strong home ground advantage to have a legitimate chance to push for a flag. The Eagles seem to have re-engineered the sense of invincibility we possessed at home when we last hoisted the cup. Although they would never admit it I tend to believe teams look at games at Subiaco as games where 'honourable losses' may just be acceptable. That's fine by me, because it's a silent 'honourable', you suckers.
Neither was there anything honourable about the way the Eagles tore through the Saints in the first half. If last week our midfield was zombie-like they rose from the dead (again) to dominate this week. Shuey was sublime with S.Selwood and Gaff also excellent.
The importance of Naitanui was perhaps never better witnessed than a comparison of this week versus last. Last week, we struggled to take any marks in our forward 50. This week, as Naitanui reassumed the position (no. 1 ruckman), Cox pushed forward and kicked 5 huge goals including 3 in the second. NicNat himself also kicked 2. He is a catylyst. Take him out and we look lethargic and our forward line almost looks tiny. It's not only what he does but what he allows to happen.
Some may point to the Saint's second half resurgence as evidence of our inability to put teams away. But, StKilda have a very strong and experienced side. Such a team down by 8 goals at the half will always fight back to some degree. We held them off, despite all their momentum and never allowed them within 17 points.
So still top, by percentage points, and next we face our estranged cousins from across the way. This is one of two times this season I will tolerate watching the boring bastards.
Neither was there anything honourable about the way the Eagles tore through the Saints in the first half. If last week our midfield was zombie-like they rose from the dead (again) to dominate this week. Shuey was sublime with S.Selwood and Gaff also excellent.
The importance of Naitanui was perhaps never better witnessed than a comparison of this week versus last. Last week, we struggled to take any marks in our forward 50. This week, as Naitanui reassumed the position (no. 1 ruckman), Cox pushed forward and kicked 5 huge goals including 3 in the second. NicNat himself also kicked 2. He is a catylyst. Take him out and we look lethargic and our forward line almost looks tiny. It's not only what he does but what he allows to happen.
Some may point to the Saint's second half resurgence as evidence of our inability to put teams away. But, StKilda have a very strong and experienced side. Such a team down by 8 goals at the half will always fight back to some degree. We held them off, despite all their momentum and never allowed them within 17 points.
So still top, by percentage points, and next we face our estranged cousins from across the way. This is one of two times this season I will tolerate watching the boring bastards.
 |
| Mind the Gap. |
Friday, 18 May 2012
Round 8 Preview: Eagles Must Bounce Back Against Undefined Saints
This is a big game for the club, in the context of this season and what we want and can achieve. It's our first game after a loss for the season. We need to end the semi-disturbing trend of underwhelming performances which began with the narrow wins over the Tiges and the Roos and ended with the thumping by the Dons. We also must win to maintain our dominance at Subiaco and the psychological edge which comes with such dominance. Amazingly, lose this game and there's every chance we could drop outside the top 4.
It won't be easy. I'm not exactly sure what to think of the Saints. In a larger sense I know exactly what I think of them; I hold them in abject contempt for all their off-field shenanigans. Lest we forget I say.
But in terms of football and 2012, prior to Monday I thought they were at best in the 9th to 6th range on the ladder. But then, to my great joy, they eased past Juddas and his hapless cronies. I'm not sure this makes them top 4 contenders, but they will be keen to show Monday was no fluke.
The saints may even be more confident given their recent success against us, winning the last 4 including two at our house.
Consequently, we need a much improved effort over the schmozzle we displayed last Saturday night. I want to see far more intensity than the zombie-like pace we provided against Essendon. Our midfield, so badly beaten last week, will have no respite this week as we face quite a distinguished bunch. Dal Santo, Hayes, Goddard and Montagna are some of the best in the comp. We need to step up or this season could quickly disintegrate before our eyes.
But never fear (well not too much), help is here. Naitanui, Adam Selwood and Will Schofield all return. These are big inclusions. NicNat is the X factor our team needs. He does so much, not only in the ruck contests, but in clearances in general and his tackling pressure is unrivalled. Plus, he's just a pure joy to watch. I think we also lacked Selwood's experience and tagging ability last week. As for Schofield, he's hugely underrated; good in marking contests, quick enough and generally solid. In other good news, Priddis has been included in the team despite suffering a concussion last week. Unsurprisingly, Neates, The Big Lychee and Brown have all been omitted.
West Coast Eagles
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Will Schofield
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Luke Shuey
F: Dean Cox, Jack Darling, Josh Hill
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan
Emg: Thomas Swift, Lewis Stevenson, Koby Stevens
In: Adam Selwood, Will Schofield, Nic Naitanui
Out: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates, Scott Lycett
St Kilda
B: Jason Gram, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake
HB: Tom Simpkin, Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary
C: Ahmed Saad, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard
HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna
F: Stephen Milne, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera
Foll: Justin Koschitzke, Nick Dal Santo, Clinton Jones
I/C: David Armitage, Farren Ray, Jamie Cripps, Beau Wilkes
Emg: James Gwilt, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes
In: Jamie Cripps
Out: Arryn Siposs
In other news, it's the Indigenous Round and Hill and Wirrpanda (much love) caught up and said some interesting things. Seriously though, the Eagles have been privileged to have some of the best indigenous players to every grace this game. Peter Matera, Chris Lewis and Little Matera top the list. Let's hope the Hill can continue to impress on his debut season for the club.
More than that though, I hope we win because losing last week was just a very demoralising experience. I had forgotten what is was like. You know who never forgets though? Dockers fans.
This might not be a 'must win' in any sense of the term, but it's definitely a game that could help determine where we finish at the end of the season.
GO EAGLES!!!
It won't be easy. I'm not exactly sure what to think of the Saints. In a larger sense I know exactly what I think of them; I hold them in abject contempt for all their off-field shenanigans. Lest we forget I say.
But in terms of football and 2012, prior to Monday I thought they were at best in the 9th to 6th range on the ladder. But then, to my great joy, they eased past Juddas and his hapless cronies. I'm not sure this makes them top 4 contenders, but they will be keen to show Monday was no fluke.
The saints may even be more confident given their recent success against us, winning the last 4 including two at our house.
Consequently, we need a much improved effort over the schmozzle we displayed last Saturday night. I want to see far more intensity than the zombie-like pace we provided against Essendon. Our midfield, so badly beaten last week, will have no respite this week as we face quite a distinguished bunch. Dal Santo, Hayes, Goddard and Montagna are some of the best in the comp. We need to step up or this season could quickly disintegrate before our eyes.
But never fear (well not too much), help is here. Naitanui, Adam Selwood and Will Schofield all return. These are big inclusions. NicNat is the X factor our team needs. He does so much, not only in the ruck contests, but in clearances in general and his tackling pressure is unrivalled. Plus, he's just a pure joy to watch. I think we also lacked Selwood's experience and tagging ability last week. As for Schofield, he's hugely underrated; good in marking contests, quick enough and generally solid. In other good news, Priddis has been included in the team despite suffering a concussion last week. Unsurprisingly, Neates, The Big Lychee and Brown have all been omitted.
West Coast Eagles
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Will Schofield
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Luke Shuey
F: Dean Cox, Jack Darling, Josh Hill
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan
Emg: Thomas Swift, Lewis Stevenson, Koby Stevens
In: Adam Selwood, Will Schofield, Nic Naitanui
Out: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates, Scott Lycett
St Kilda
B: Jason Gram, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake
HB: Tom Simpkin, Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary
C: Ahmed Saad, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard
HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna
F: Stephen Milne, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera
Foll: Justin Koschitzke, Nick Dal Santo, Clinton Jones
I/C: David Armitage, Farren Ray, Jamie Cripps, Beau Wilkes
Emg: James Gwilt, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes
In: Jamie Cripps
Out: Arryn Siposs
In other news, it's the Indigenous Round and Hill and Wirrpanda (much love) caught up and said some interesting things. Seriously though, the Eagles have been privileged to have some of the best indigenous players to every grace this game. Peter Matera, Chris Lewis and Little Matera top the list. Let's hope the Hill can continue to impress on his debut season for the club.
More than that though, I hope we win because losing last week was just a very demoralising experience. I had forgotten what is was like. You know who never forgets though? Dockers fans.
This might not be a 'must win' in any sense of the term, but it's definitely a game that could help determine where we finish at the end of the season.
GO EAGLES!!!
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