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West Coast coach John Worsfold says he isn’t any closer to deciding on a replacement for injured star Mark LeCras after several potential replacements impressed in Sunday’s pre-season wins over AFL rivals Fremantle and Essendon.
Former Bulldogs forward Josh Hill was the early favourite to take LeCras’ spot after the 2010 club champion suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.
But impressive displays from Ashton Hams and Gerrick Weedon in West Coast’s 21-point win over Essendon on Sunday have thrown the door wide open.
Hams and Weedon booted two goals apiece against the Bombers, while Weedon popped up for another goal in the Eagles’ 20-point win over the Dockers.
And with 169cm Ryan Neates finally fit and eager to enter the selection frame, Worsfold said it would probably take him the entire pre-season campaign before deciding on a replacement.
“We’re lucky enough to have a lot of options,” Worsfold said.
“Neates looked really sharp when he came on.
“Josh Hill – I was really impressed with his game.
“I thought (Weedon and Hams) both contributed really well.
“There’s no doubt they’re both physically more prepared to play at the elite level than they have been before.
“So just looking at some of those guys that can potentially fill that role – they’ve all got another month of training to put their hand up.”
Weedon played just one game last season – as a sub against Essendon – but appears to have bulked up over the summer.
“He can play at the intensity of AFL football for longer periods than he has been able to do in the past,” Worsfold said of the 20-year-old.
“We know he’s got massive strength and explosiveness but he hasn’t been able to maintain it.
“Backing up with a really strong pre-season means he’s ready to step up to that mark.”
Although Worsfold said he hadn’t taken any notice of some experts writing off the Eagles’ flag chances following LeCras’ injury, not everyone in the Worsfold clan has been able to brush it off.
“It got in my daughter’s craw a little bit but, as a 15-year-old, I can understand maybe her being influenced by that,” Worsfold said.
“But for our players, we understand. We had players injured last year – Ryan Neates – and we feel all the same for those players, regardless of who it is.”
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said he was impressed with the performance of 18-year-old Dockers forward Lachie Neale, who booted two goals against the Bombers before fading against West Coast.
“I suppose we’ve been a little bit bullish about him but … he’s just put another step in the right direction,” Lyon said.
Defenders Luke McPharlin, Antoni Grover and Alex Silvagni are tipped to return against Richmond in a fortnight, while Nick Lower and Kepler Bradley are also a chance.
© AAP 2012Recommend this story.
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The Crowd Says (6) | Page 1 of Comments
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- AFL, Mark LeCras, West Coast Eagles
February 20th 2012 @ 6:42pm
TW said | February 20th 2012 @ 6:42pm | Report comment
We did not watch any of the NAB games on the weekend -
However this is a summary of the 3 teams -
Eagles appear to have a third ruckman ready for the 2012 season – Scott Lycett – He may do quite a bit of rucking leaving Coxy and NickNat to run loose around the ground. They should make the 8 but not the top 4 – Depends how many they win away.
Dockers looking weak up forward again. Barlow showing better form – Could make the 8 – Depends how many they win at Pattersons.
Essendon left quite a few in Melb – But appeared slow on the big ground according to the pundits at the match – Hard to say but Hird factor in play here.
General consensus over here a tighter season competion wise coming up this year- Hope so.
February 21st 2012 @ 11:07am
Nathan of Perth said | February 21st 2012 @ 11:07am | Report comment
Wondering if this might be the year for Weedon; he went great guns in last year’s NAB so hopefully he can go further. Scott Lycett did a great job in the ruck, held his own very well.
February 21st 2012 @ 3:05pm
TW said | February 21st 2012 @ 3:05pm | Report comment
We have 3 indigineous players that will play as small forwards this year.
Gerrick Weedon – Who will have to step up.
Ex Collingwood – Brad Dick – The Dockers said no on his medical history, but the Eagles doctors said ok with further treatment on his knee. (It needs a scrape)
Ex Bulldogs – Josh Hill – Was keen to get home and very happy at WCE. It should relate to better game performances.
Off topic but related to WA.
Collingwood player Andrew Krakouer turned up at their training in Melb it appears- Good to see considering.
February 21st 2012 @ 3:25pm
Nathan of Perth said | February 21st 2012 @ 3:25pm | Report comment
Good to see; haven’t had a indigenous starting 22 since Wirrapanda, so I’m glad to see them stepping up.
February 22nd 2012 @ 6:53pm
TW said | February 22nd 2012 @ 6:53pm | Report comment
The West Coast Eagles have again blitzed the AFL Clubs with the exception of Collingwood in the financial stakes. As a long time supporter of WA footy it gives me a lot of satisfaction to see this result.
However there is one possible hiccup in the future – The new stadium – The financial returns may not be as lucrative as Pattersons. Some hard bargaining will be necessary behind the scenes because Aussie Rules will be the chief tenant with matches each week in the winter.
This result lays it out for all to see why the 2 AFL Clubs in Perth rule the roost behind the scenes. Lets hope our footy cousins Iin SA can do the same eventually.
Link to article –
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/west-coast-had-a-gross-profit-return-of-nearly-5-million-for-2011/story-e6frg7mf-1226277591746
February 22nd 2012 @ 7:13pm
Nathan of Perth said | February 22nd 2012 @ 7:13pm | Report comment
So far most of what seems to be coming from the Stadia Taskforce is indicating more of the same; rent in exchange for Clean stadium.
Its nice to have a whole-of-system approach going. West Coast are on many measures the second largest club in Australia, of any sport, especially when you consider the 8500+ In The Wings members can each represent up to 2 adult and 2 child membership purchases waiting to happen. Especially notable when you realise there is not one pokie machine at all involved in the club, nor any other kind of social club which generates revenue but carries it’s own high expenses too. Which is why the Eagles topped out the Football Department expenditure despite being behind Collingwood’s $75m revenue.