We continue our countdown to the start of the AFL season with a look at the chances of last year’s wooden spooners, West Coast.
Team: West Coast Eagles
Homeground: Patersons Stadium (43,000)
Coach: John Worsfold
Season 2010: 16th P-22 W-4 L-18 16pts 77.09%
2011 squad: Jacob Brennan, Mitchell Brown, Sam Butler, Dean Cox, Bradd Dalziell, Jack Darling, Brad Ebert, Andrew Embley, Andrew Gaff, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn, Brett Jones, Jordan Jones, Josh Kennedy, Daniel Kerr, Mark LeCras, Scott Lycett, Quinten Lynch, Eric Mackenzie, Chris Masten, Patrick McGinnity, Nic Naitanui, Ryan Neates, Mark Nicoski, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa, Will Schofield, Adam Selwood, Scott Selwood, Brad Sheppard, Luke Shuey, Ashley Smith, Koby Stevens, Lewis Stevenson, Andrew Strijk, Tom Swift, Beau Waters, Gerrick Weedon, Blayne Wilson, Callum Wilson Rookie list: Lewis Broome, Anton Hamp, Ashton Hams, Tim Houlihan, Jeremy McGovern, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
Arrivals: Jacob Brennan (father-son-rule), Jack Darling (2010 AFL Draft), Andrew Gaff (2010 AFL Draft), Scott Lycett (2010 AFL Draft), Lewis Stevenson (rookie elevation), Andrew Strijk (rookie elevation), Blayne Wilson (2010 AFL Pre-season Draft), Callum Wilson (rookie elevation).
Departures: Ashley Hansen (delisted), Tim Houlihan (delisted, redrafted in rookie draft), Ben McKinley (traded to North Melbourne), Tony Notte (delisted), Matthew Spangher (delisted), Beau Wilkes (delisted).
Season preview: There is plenty to like about the Eagles line-up at the moment however we predict West Coast will be too inexperienced to make a real impact on the AFL this year. They have a group of core players that should hold them in good stead but with many youngsters and inconsistent performers, this will be a year of development for John Worsfold’s team.
The potential is evident in best and fairest, leading goalkicker and All-Australian, Mark LeCras, who kicked 63 goals last year and can work alongside Josh Kennedy and ready-made player, Jack Darling to give the Eagles some spark up forward.
Keep an eye on midfielders Matt Priddis and Matt Rosa who are both starting to hit career-best form while 20-year-old Brad Ebert is showing promise. Beau Waters and Daniel Kerr are among the best on-ballers in the league. Kerr will be hoping for a change of luck after he tore his hamstring in round five last year and missed the remainder of the season.
Ruck duo Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui have gelled well and will stretch opposition big men if they’re both fit. Cox will be determined to reclaim his spot as the number one ruckman in the AFL after some slow patches in 2010.
Despite these hard-working players, the Eagles lack experienced bodies and will look to blood many of their young recruits in 2011. They have some interesting young prospects coming through with the likes of Andrew Gaff, Jack Darling, Lewis Broome and second year player Ryan Neates.
2010 was a season that John Worsfold and the Eagles will be happy to leave behind them. The coach will be aiming to develop his group further this year, with a focus on decision making and increased intensity, with the overall aim of winning more quarters.
The Eagles will gain some confidence from their performance in the NAB Cup, where they made it to the semi-final, pushing last year’s premiers but going down to the Pies by 24 points.
West Coast is a team that like a fine wine, will get better with age. But for now we predict the Eagles will finish the 2011 season in 14th place.
Main Man: It is hard to go past Andrew Embley. The veteran Eagle has missed just two games in two seasons and averaged over 23 touches a game. He was second for disposals at the club in 2010 and his 207 games make him the most experienced Eagle on the club’s list. The 29-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down.
X-Factor: Nic Naitanui. The young man recruited from Swan Districts is a true excitement-machine. The 20-year-old is a thrilling footballer who can win the hard ball, take strong overhead marks and adapt to different roles. Showed flashes of brilliance in 2010 and finished fifth in the Eagles best and fairest. Naitanui has the ability to turn a game on its head when he’s on song.
Predicted 2011 finish: 14th
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