Overall, it wasn't a perfect performance but we get the 4 points and look forward, with great apprehension on my behalf, to the Pies next Saturday.
We dominated the first half and the final quarter, but a lacklustre third gave the Blues a sniff. Though, credit to the Blues because they looked gone midway through the second quarter. Our goal kicking was truly atrocious, which meant a game that could have been over at half time was still in the balance. Yet, when the game was there to be won in the last, we came up trumps. Part of that may be attributed to Carlton's heavy legs, but that's not our problem. Momentum was on their side and we managed to rest it back and claim the victory. Carlton may pout about free kicks, but they've lost 5 of their last 6 games. Here's an idea: get a forward line, a backline and some cojones. It might help. Plus, how annoying is Ratten? The ugliest cheerleader I've ever seen, that's for sure.
Save the Cheerleader, Save the Blues
The three standouts were S.Selwood, Darling and NicNat. I think the multiple key absences, especially JJK, have really enabled Darling to assert himself as a dominant forward. He came through with a brace of clutch goals in the third. His marking and goal kicking (3 goals last night) may be critical to our forward line getting a winning score. But it's his forward pressure and tackling which are fast becoming his hallmark. In fact, in a critical moment in the third, as the Blues looked to extend their small lead, Darling came from nowhere to tackle and dispossess a Carlton player in one of his 6 tackles. He has come a long way in a short time. I remember thinking he was a little bit weak when the ball was on the ground, but he really has continued to improve. An amazing prospect, indeed.
Scott Selwood had another great game against the Juddas. Although Woosha said it wasn't a hard tag, Judd was kept to a measly 10 possessions (!) whilst Selwood gathered a huge 33 disposals. Judd was visibly agitated towards the end of the game, giving away a free to Cox before the softest 50 in the history of the game. I almost felt sorry for Judd. Yeah, almost.
But the main plaudits have to go to NicNat, who probably had his best game for the club. He has had some stellar performances before, but they've mainly been confined to patches in the game (think Q4 vs Hawthorn 2009).
Last night was essentially a complete game for the big Fijian; 25 possessions (19 contested), 7 tackles and 5 marks. He probably should have had a goal or two as well, but that's being picky. He really is like having an extra guy in the midfield when he's in the ruck, as he has a propensity towards winning clearances off his own hands.
Back on top, with a top of the table clash against Collingwood next week. That will be the true test of our premiership credentials.
He may well be follicly challenged, but he's a champion. I may find it hard to appreciate his talent and incredible work effort, but I have decided to not dislike him anymore. Watching him in the Qualifying Final of 2006 reminded me that he is an Eagles champion. When he retires he will be remembered as that, a man who captained the Eagles to a Premiership, who played 134 games and kicked 138 goals for the club and who made the horrible decision to move to Carlton where he failed to reach the summit again. That's 134 out of the 600 total games played by this great club. He is a huge part of our history. But he is part of the past and not the present, so let's get him.
By the way, we're playing Carlton this week. A team who were Premiership favourites (haha) and who have, as usual, failed to live up to expectations. They seem to have as much spirit as Judd does hair. Their problems are accentuated by the fact that they're playing 5:30 Thursday night at Subi, against us, off a 5 day break. Good luck.
I'm a little annoyed that we get the 'semi-bye' again, but we do get an extra break after this game. Carlton do have a couple of massive inclusions, in Scotland and Carazzo. We get back Shuey and the Butler, whilst losing Waters and Swift. Butler is the perfect replacement for the suspended Waters, probably not up to his level but a Premiership player, solid, capable and strong. Swift showed nothing against the Lions to warrant another opportunity. Perhaps he should use his Thursday night to get a haircut...just a thought.
West Coast Eagles B: Will Schofield, Darren Glass, Sam Butler HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Adam Selwood C: Andrew Gaff, Matthew Priddis, Matthew Rosa HF: Josh Hill, Quinten Lynch, Chris Masten F: Nic Naitanui, Jack Darling, Daniel Kerr Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey I/C: Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan Emg: Mitch Brown, Thomas Swift, Koby Stevens In:Sam Butler, Luke Shuey Out:Beau Waters (Suspension), Thomas Swift
Carlton B: Zach Tuohy, Michael Jamison, Matthew Watson HB: Bryce Gibbs, Lachlan Henderson, Nick Duigan C: Heath Scotland, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson HF: Jeffrey Garlett, Matthew Kreuzer, Andrew Walker F: Christopher Yarran, Shaun Hampson, Eddie Betts Foll: Robert Warnock, Mitch Robinson, David Ellard I/C: Andrew Carrazzo, Dennis Armfield, Brock McLean, Andrew Collins Emg: Aaron Joseph, Kane Lucas, Joshua Bootsma In:Andrew Carrazzo, Heath Scotland Out:Aaron Joseph, Joshua Bootsma
We should win this game. Carlton do have a lot of talent, especially in the midfield. But I doubt this is the game they can pull it all together. Not against us. We're off the bye and we should be angry about the Lions game. You would expect Scott Selwood to resume his tagging role against Judd (who he kept to 17 possessions in both meetings last season).
Plus it's our 600th. It's our party and we will win if we want to.
So no Eagles game this week to enjoy, especially frustrating given the poor showing against the Lions. But it's an ideal time to look back on the Eagles most recent Premiership.
What follows are some random thoughts, which may or may not be of interest to anyone (including me).
The 2006 premiership was a special occasion, as I'm sure it was for many others, as it was the first premiership in which I was old enough to understand, appreciate and savour the moment of victory. I was semi-cognisant at the time of the 94 victory but I remember going to the Show on the day of the game. Then when I was told the Eagles won I was like "Good". Silly boy...
But beyond reliving the great emotion of 2006, it's also interesting to compare and contrast our current team and the 06 side. The difference in personnel, our strengths and weaknesses and the game plan are quite stunning. One thing remains the same though. Robert Walls hated the Eagles then (and had a massive boner for the Swans) and still does now.
...
The game started well for the Eagles, with Beau Waters (playing up forward) kicking the first 2 goals of the game. The Swans then proceeded to kick the next 5 to the delight of the Commentary team: "You've got to admire Sydney" gushed Wallsy. Adam Hunter, my favourite swing-man, was being the most annoying man in the world; continually bumping O'Loughlin who was attempting to stretch his groin. Mr O. ended up touching Hunter's neck and giving the free away...resulting in an eruption from the Swans Cheer Squad at Network Ten. Honestly though, I find it hard to believe that Walls was allowed to commentate on Swans games. Throughout the entire game he lavishes praise upon them whilst constantly criticising us and jumping on any error our players make. I considered muting the TV, but the crowd was electric.
But I digress...
Initially, I was struck by how young everyone looked (understandable given it was 6 years ago). Lecras was actually playing then, but wearing number 19 and looking like a 7 year old (except less effective). Jamie Graham (there's a name for you) seemed to be a surprise inclusion as an extra tall. Other interesting names include Steven Armstrong (who kicked that massive goal in the GF), plus some player wearing number 3. I thought it might be a guy named 'Chris Judd' who allegedly played a few games for us earlier in the decade, but that guy was always bald right? Or does playing for Carlton do that to you?
Although we still view Cox's work around the ground as impressive it is nothing like it was in 06. The man was seriously quick and mobile. He also did it all on his own on this occasion with the Seab omitted. Still, longevity as a ruckman isn't something to easy to attain. He is still probably the best in the competition today.
Our midfield also looked...well amazing. It was one of the best of the modern era, but it really is striking compared to the lack of power in the centre of the park today. Kerr didn't play in that game, I'm not sure why but the commentators didn't even mention him. Embles was also missing. But the tandem of Judd and Cousins; their workrate, ability to win clearances and to kick clutch goals was something special. It makes watching this a rather depressing exercise, knowing what was to come for both stars, but we did get a Cup out of their time together. You can't take the memories or the silverware!
Yet, on the other hand, it's interesting to hear the commentators note the lack of 'marking power' of the Eagles up forward, something which is a massive strength today. It really is the greatest contrast. Tim Lane: "The Swans have 2 key forwards, the Eagles have none" and Walls "The Eagles haven't had a Centre Half Forward since Mitchell White in the early 90s". To be fair though Ash Hanson was missing.
But It was a little frustrating to watch our inability to get a mark inside 50. Woosha resorted to his standard move of throwing Hunter forward (and he kicked 2 in the third) but it was such a struggle. The Big Q had a great season that year, but he didn't have a great game. Though he did kick a 60 metre bomb in the third, which he just poked at. I think in recent times he might be trying to kick the ball too hard, he doesn't need to.
I would even argue our backline is better and deeper today. No Wirrpanda, Hunter, Brett Jones or even Chick. But the presence of Hurn today is huge. In Glass and E-Mac we also have two excellent key defenders. I think our gameplan also facilitates a more effective backline in that the coaches are more willing to send extra help when necessary.
Anyway, the Swans maintained a 2-3 goal buffer into the third when the Eagles sprung to life and hit the lead. Chick absolutely demolished Malceski (aka the Bionic Man), which was something of a turning point. Still, I'm not sure whether he gets suspended but it was a little reckless. Although some of those Eagles have had well-known off-field issues, I think Chick's a couple of years ago is the one that is a little off-putting. Irksome even. Still, his hard work and determination were critical to that team, exemplified by 'that' smother in the GF.
Enter the 4th and the Eagles are down by 2 points. Hall and O'Loughlin had superb games, as much as I hate to admit it. They both were also rather knackered in that they seemed to suffer (minor) injuries throughout the game. Every time the Swans went forward they looked dangerous as they isolated their two stars. Conversely, literally half of each team were crammed into our forward line making it nigh impossible to score. But, three fantastic efforts from Judd, Cousins and Armstrong gave us a shot to win. I have to hand it to Armstrong, he kicked a great roving goal deep in the last and really played well.
Interestingly, that final Micky O. goal was actually complete luck. The ball gets kicked in, old man Banfield (what a legend) punched the ball it flies off towards the goal square and the ball sits up for O'Loughlin. Then, of course, the epic moment with the rather hefty Eagles die-hard.
Overall, what I gathered from this game is that if we could somehow 'merge' the 06 team's midfield and the rest of the current team we would be...unbeatable! Still, the current team (midfield aside) compares very well. The discipline of our current team is also far better than it was in 06. Our gameplan and the execution is also far more successful. Plus, I really do think we have more depth than we did then and a style that doesn't rely too heavily on stars.
Despite the fact we lost (it really could have gone either way) and the commentary, it was a great game to rewatch. It was especially nice to be able to appreciate Judd again...for a couple of hours at least.
Everyone knows ('it is known') that we have had a very tough start to the season in terms of injuries. Yet, relief is near (somewhat). We're still going to be missing key players all over the ground for big games against Judd Carlton and the Pies, but if we make it through the next month or so we're in excellent shape come September.
In other positive news, Brad Dick made it through his first match unscathed, playing 43 minutes in the first half for East Freo Reserves and kicking 2 goals. Although Dick has set playing AFL
by the end of the season as a goal, I still see it as a pipe dream
given his terrible injury history. Still, he would be an excellent
addition to what is (at full strength) the best forward line in the AFL.
There doesn't appear to be any authoritative source for injuries, but Injury Update and the AFL list (which is a tad old) give us a general picture of where we stand.
Player
Injury
Estimated Return
Ash Smith
Ankle
Test
Sam Butler
Hamstring/Thigh
Test
Brad Dalziell
Knee (PCL Tear)
Round 14
Mark Nicoski
Hamstring
Round 15
Andrew Embley
Shoulder (dislocation)
Round 17
Josh Kennedy
Ankle
Round 18
Mark Lecras
Knee (ACL Rupture)
Season
On a slightly related matter, Jack Darling reminded of Wayne
Carey
on the weekend in terms of the way he marked the ball. What a steal
There's no getting around the fact that we had a chance to assure our place at top through our bye week and we came up short. We have now lost our last 2 away games. The Essendon loss was predictable, this one leaves me a little worried.
First, hats off to the Lions. They played hard throughout the entire game, applied great pressure and deserved the win. I mean, sure that final goal was a one in a million fluke, but whatever. All playing in front of a WAFL crowd too. Plus, was that Darling effort at the end a goal? Shame there's no type of 'review system' to see if it was...
But enough about them, because they are cellar-dwellers after all. We have a litany of excuses; 35 hour flight, 300% humidity weather, post-Derby drop-off. They're weak. The truth is we played poorly. The truth is we were up by 21 points with 15 minutes left and we failed to put the game away.
But what, specifically, is to blame? You can't really blame the forward line. We're missing key cogs in the machine but still we kicked 15 goals. That's a winning score. Our defence wasn't good enough. Especially in the last quarter where we conceded 8 goals. 8 GOALS! TO BRISBANE! Half of them to a little red-haired 12 year old! I do, to an extent, accept the humidity, flight B.S for the last quarter. Surely an aberration.
I think it's our midfield. I think I'll be in the minority here, but I don't rate our midfield. Kerr gets tagged out of most games. The lack of Shuey was important, but I think we have compiled a bunch of midsized, short, hardworking but overall one-track midfielders. Selwood, Shuey, Gaff, Masten, Swift (whose hair is still atrocious). I'm not saying they're bad players. They're very good. But they're not gamebreakers. Priddis was superb in the third but he's not a star. Whether that will stop us from winning a flag remains to be seen. But I look ahead to the Collingwood game and think that's when we will learn the answer. They have amazing talent around the ball; Beams, Side-Arse, Thomas, the morbidly obese Swan, Pendles and so on.
But then again that might just be my misanthropic side. But 75 hitouts to 29 and 44 clearances to 45 isn't good enough.
In other news, Waters had a bit of a moment and has accepted a one match ban. The good news is that it's only one. The bad news is that it's against the Juddas and his deatheaters. But Glass, on the other hand, absolutely destroyed that little red haired shit and got away with it. Kudos to Mr Glass.
We have also been left exposed in terms of our ladder position. We are now only top by percentage, though we're lucky that the Bombers lost to the Demons (haha). But we have a bye next week meaning we could be third when we play next.
Mind the Step
This one hurts. We should have won. We didn't. It sucks.
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As there is no game this week I may post a review of the 2006 QF against those red and white bastards. I recently purchased the '2006 Victory Pack' Collection which has the QF, SF, PF and GF as well as season highlights. I received it today, the case was smashed. It was inside an Australia Post bag which pretty much said 'Our machines may have destroyed your package. Sucks for You'. Machine or Dockers Fan?
Anyway, the discs are in fine condition so I should be grateful. It could have been worse.
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Apologies for the extremely late recap but I had exams. Plus, the Eagles broke my heart.
