How the Eagles have proved doubters wrong

At the start of the 2018 AFL season, many tipped the West Coast Eagles to finish towards the bottom end of the ladder.

Some experts including former AFL coach Robert Walls tipped the Eagles to finish last.

We have progressed throughout the course of the season and we are now in grand final week. Guess what? The West Coast Eagles have proved the doubters wrong. They’re in the biggest game of the season.

The West Coast Eagles moved into Optus Stadium, returned to the royal blue guernsey, and had Hungry Jacks returning as a club sponsor.

The new Optus Stadium in Perth has helped the Eagles to play the MCG – a venue where the Eagles form has been criticised over the past few seasons. The Optus Stadium ground size is different to Subiaco Oval and closer to the size of the MCG.

Optus Stadium resembles a colosseum, with packed crowds decked out in royal blue and gold to cheer on the Eagles.

West Coast decided to rebrand ahead of the 2018 season. Essential to this was returning to a guernsey that has been worn in each grand final and premiership in their history.

Hungry Jacks – their former sponsor – has also jumped back on board with the Eagles.

Being a club based in Perth, there has been many across in the eastern states that have not given the Eagles credit when credit is due. They have been superb in 2018, helped by instant success at AFL level for Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli.

Their team is built for finals. The Eagles have had superb wins against the Pies – both at the MCG in Round 17 when ruckman Nic Naitanui tore another ACL – as well as a pumping qualifying comeback win in Perth a couple of weeks ago.

The Eagles could take out the flag – something many would have been surprised to hear at season’s start.