Based on the idea of the two West Australian clubs merging, I have formulated the best 22 players from the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers to form a new team.
I have picked the players based on who I believe will be the top performers for their respective clubs in 2018.
Eagles, Dockers
Coach: Ross Lyon
Captain: Andrew GaffB: Lee Spurr (Dockers), Joel Hamling (Dockers), Brad Sheppard (Eagles).
HB: Nathan Wilson (Dockers), Eric Mackenzie (Eagles), Liam Duggan (Eagles).
C: Andrew Gaff (Eagles), Luke Shuey (Eagles), Chris Masten (Eagles).
HF: Jamie Cripps (Eagles), Shane Kersten (Dockers), Michael Walters (Dockers).
F: Matt Taberner (Dockers), Josh Kennedy (Eagles), Brandon Matera (Dockers).Foll: Nathan Vardy (Eagles), Nat Fyfe (Dockers), Lachie Neale (Dockers).
Int: Scott Lycett (Eagles), Jeremy McGovern (Eagles), Elliott Yeo (Eagles), David Mundy (Dockers).
Coach
Both coaches have led their respective teams to a grand final but neither has gotten the chocolates on the final Saturday in September. Based on the preseason there is more upside in the Dockers than the Eagles, with Ross Lyon looking the better of the two coaches.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Captain
Gaff finished sixth in the AFL for total disposals. Despite playing predominantly on the wing, he was always at the top of the list when it came to possessions. He is an unassuming player who plays his role for the team and leads by example.
Back line
The defenders are all good at the role they play for their team. Lee Spurr may not fit into the Dockers’ best 22, but I feel he deserves to be a permanent fixture in my merged team.
Joel Hamling is an extremely capable full back who was an astute pick from the Bulldogs. Nathan Wilson is a new recruit for the Dockers, taken from the Giants.
Liam Duggan is a much-improved player, and Eric Mackenzie should get an opportunity to show his wares in the defensive half; he is a player who possesses a lot of talent.
Midfield
My choice of midfielders was an easy decision. Andrew Gaff is a definite starter on the wing. Chris Masten’s ability as a player deserves more opportunities at AFL level to play in the midfield. Luke Shuey doesn’t waste a possession and is a quality player in the middle of the ground.
(Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Forward line
None of the Eagles players warranted a place on the half forward line, except for Cripps. Michael Walters can push up to a wing if needed. Both of those selections help increase the number of midfielders who can rotate through and makes the team less predictable to the opposition.
Shane Kersten is capable of being one of the best tall forwards in the game if he applies himself properly. Jamie Cripps and Brandon Matera are two players who have the ability to hit the scoreboard.
Josh Kennedy is the obvious pick for full forward as he was named in that position in last Season’s All Australian team. I like Ross Lyon’s selection of Matt Taberner as a second ruckman during the preseason.
Followers
Nathan Vardy is a ruckman who has the capability of going forward and kicking goals. Nat Fyfe is one of the most talented players in the competition, and Lachie Neale is a ball magnet in the middle of the ground.
Interchange bench
Scott Lycett is a useful player who can push forward as well as play the second ruck role. Jeremy McGovern is probably the best tall defender on either side – he was named in last season’s All Australian team and he is also able to play forward.
Elliott Yeo was an All Australian last season, and David Mundy can play through the midfield or play a role up forward.
johno
Guest
Sandi is injured - you know more than the rest of the world
User
Roar Rookie
Mundy has shown a lot of class especially as lesser ppl would tell the club to get f'd. Gov will be next WC captain I agree jonboy.
User
Roar Rookie
You're right don I don't think that, but you also know my style to stir the pot especially so close to the season:)
Jonboy
Guest
Well we have been down close to the bottom for 2 years ,three100 point losses while restumplng . Some people do not want to look the truth in the eye at times .
Jonboy
Guest
I reckon you already live in Dalgety.
Jonboy
Guest
I agree Matti Mundy should be captain,Eagles McGovern going forward not Shuey.
Jonboy
Guest
I am glad Dal......if you cry you cry alone......if you laugh the world will laugh with you.
Jonboy
Guest
People need to read carefully for themselves,rather than believe what Don says.
Paul D
Roar Guru
You’re a strange one. You complain about all the personal sniping, you complain that you’re leaving, you complain about views expressed by people that are adversarial – yet on this topic you’re the one posting incendiary comments and trying to stoke fires of division The last old man to be as butthurt as you was Edward II at the moment of his demise. Congrats
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
He's back and he's misplaced his 'h' again.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
You make me laugh all the time Jb.
Jonboy
Guest
Don and Dalgetyvery much locked together ,always close together never disagree very suspicious..............only two out of the great Roar team not to have a bit of a laugh .
Jonboy
Guest
That is 100%correct right matti .......
Don Freo
Guest
Your first 2 posts looked like a "Freo is the dregs of the comp" kind of comment. I figured that's not your style but it is what it reads like.
Don Freo
Guest
Dalgety and Carrington are also Freo street references. I'd love a house in Dalgety St...not so much Carrington St.
User
Roar Rookie
Personally I wouldn't have either as my captain bit that's just my opinion.
User
Roar Rookie
So what is the issue at hand dalgetty? I've responded as best as I can from what I'm reading in your undergrad styled leanings, break it down with a little less pomp and ceremony and I shall respond dutifully and in the manner you desire
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
It makes sense when you're talking who you'd prefer as captain of your footy club. :| Alternatively, a bloke who is captain over a bloke who aint. As I said, it's a conversation starter.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Again, you're veering off the issue at hand. We could debate silver spoons and all that, but if you're happy to see it as "dominance" good for you.
User
Roar Rookie
Dalgetty of course a wingman plays a more bruise free role than a bloke in the guts(you will find that with wingman across the league), that is the nature of that position. Comparing apples with oranges doesn't make much sense.