Can West Coast take the next step and push for the flag? The weekend was not the start the Eagles were looking for in season 2013.
Many fancy John Worsfold’s men for the flag this year, and I am no different, although the 28-point Western Australia derby loss to Fremantle on Saturday surely has placed some doubt on their fortunes.
On the other side of the coin, it is only one game and when looking at their fixture, you would probably expect the Eagles to give up one of the derbies to the Dockers so I am not seeing this as a major distraction to their Premiership hopes.
The broken arm sustained by Mark LeCras doesn’t help as I believe his form when fully fit would have had the Eagles in for a stronger showing, but they have the quality to overcome his absence, which should only be around five to six weeks.
Josh Kennedy was impressive on his return and will be a major factor in 2013 up forward alongside Jack Darling, Josh Hill, LeCras (when back) and the occasional input from Ashton Hams and Chris Masten.
Scoring proficiency is not really an issue for the Eagles and they should be able to easily kick enough winning scores throughout the campaign although the big question is if they can recreate their home form away from Patersons Stadium.
Six of their eight defeats (including the semi-final loss to Collingwood) in 2012 occurred away from Subiaco.
For the club to push themselves forward as a realistic Premiership hope they need to rectify that slight problem.
Trips to take on Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Brisbane, GWS, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and Essendon could all yield wins which may add to their 11 ‘four-pointers’ at home (provided they beat Freo next time out) which would easily be enough to finish in the top four.
This is all quite easy to say when simply looking at the fixture, so the Eagles now need to come to the party and vindicate why a lot of people are tipping them for success in 2013.
A midfield with the talent and scope of such players as Matt Priddis, Scott Selwood, Andrew Gaff, Daniel Kerr, Matt Rosa and Luke Shuey will provide enough ball into the forward line. Add to that the expected improvement of Masten, the more advanced showings of Beau Waters and the sublime ruck duo of Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui (when back from injury) and there is plenty to like about West Coast’s onball brigade.
Down back is also a lot of quality with skipper Darren Glass and Eric Mackenzie the keys who lead the way from Shannon Hurn, Waters, Sam Butler and Will Schofield. The fear is if one of Glass or Mackenzie happens to go down with injury but there is depth with Mitch Brown waiting in the wings for a defensive spot if it opens up.
Depth is a major positive for the West Coast list with Sharrod Wellingham, Jamie Cripps and Cale Morton added over the offseason while Mark Nicoski will soon be back from injury, suggesting that when the medical room is clear, there will be a huge battle for starting positions under Worsfold.
Despite the loss to Fremantle, all bodes well for a big season for the Eagles and I feel they are easily good enough for a top-four finish before making their presence felt in September.
Key players
Dean Cox – Class ruckman who contributes all around the ground. Benefits from Naitanui’s presence but is still an absolute star performer for the Eagles on his own.
Josh Kennedy – 59 goals in 2011 before injury restricted him to nine games last year. If he can recapture that form will go a long way to making West Coast a formidable outfit.
Darren Glass – Captain and key defender who is cool in a crisis and courageous to boot.
Breakout potential
Jamie Cripps – Small defender who has ability as a forward. He wasn’t settled at St Kilda and is now ready to become top player.
Cale Morton – Now that he is at a strong club could live up to his potential. 73 games but capable of really stepping up his output if given the chance.
Ashton Hams – 32-game small forward with great defensive skills. An increase in goals would benefit the club greatly.
Promising youngsters
Murray Newman – Has talent to burn if he can get his off-field antics in order. Lightly built midfielder who possesses speed and very handy foot skills.
Jacob Brennan – 16 games last year and settled in quite well. Tenacious and determined half-back who adds depth.
Scott Lycett – Third ruckman at West Coast but will get opportunities early in Naitanui’s absence.
Key inclusions
Sharrod Wellingham – Across from Collingwood and will slot in beautifully to Eagles line-up on the spacious Subiaco Oval when he recovers from an ankle problem.
Jamie Cripps – From St Kilda (see above)
Cale Morton – From Melbourne (see above)
Notable departures
Quinten Lynch – Collingwood
Koby Stevens – Western Bulldogs
Lewis Stevenson – Port Adelaide
Predicted finish: First
Worth a punt: West Coast to win Premiership: $7.50
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