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Eagles shock the comp with their midfield

Roar Rookie
27th May, 2015
19

At the end of 2014 and trade/free agency period, the queries about the West Coast Eagles concerned their midfield, with experts and fans alike viewing this area as the club’s main weakness.

After Round 8, is that still the general feeling?

So far this season we’ve seen different variations of players in the middle, which have made for a flexible, unpredictable midfield group. When you’ve got Nic Naitanui and Co. delivering first use of the ball, it’s handy to have players capable of standing up.

The Eagles are fifth in the AFL for total disposals, fourth for uncontested possession, second for disposal efficiency (75.4%), fourth for centre clearances, fifth for inside 50s, and second for goal assists.

They are also number two for transitioning the ball from defensive 50 into the forward 50, fourth for points from stoppages, and first from point to possession gained.

As for individuals, Matt Priddis is fourth in the AFL for total disposals, third for contested possession, fourth for clearances, third at centre clearances, number one for tackles, and fifth for goal assists. Chris Masten is 11th in disposals, and equal fourth in disposal efficiency within midfielders (77.9%).

Some will say the Eagles haven’t played anyone with real credentials, but they’ve come up against some pretty exciting midfield groups. It might not be the best midfield in the AFL, but what Adam Simpson has instilled gives great confidence that this group is willing to fight tooth and nail.

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