West Coast premiership defender Liam Duggan says he has plenty of fire in his belly after enduring a disappointing end to last season.
An ankle injury saw Duggan sidelined for six weeks late in the season, and he was then overlooked for selection for the AFL club’s finals campaign.
Duggan’s form before the injury was also below his usual standards, and he’s looking to bounce back hard in 2020.
“It’s given me some fire for sure,” Duggan said.
“It wasn’t how I wanted to end my year. The year didn’t go as well as I would have liked personally.
“It’s another big year for me. I’ve been around long enough now that I’ve got to be pulling my weight, which I think I’ve done. I need another big step this year for me to be happy.”
West Coast’s flag defence ended at the hands of Geelong in the semi-final.
But with star midfield recruit Tim Kelly now in their ranks, the Eagles are expected to be major contenders next season.
Duggan said the players had processed their early finals exit, and were now focused on next season.
“It’s not forgotten how the year ended, but we’ve had a long enough break now to sit on it and think about it,” he said.
“Once you hit day one of pre-season, it’s not out the window, but it’s passed through our mind.”
Duggan has long been touted as a future midfielder, but the soon-to-be 23-year-old is happy to stay in defence for now.
“Versatility is a part of my game that I’ll need to keep developing, so midfield I’m sure will get a sniff in pre-season,” Duggan said.
“But I think we’ll keep home base down back, which is good. I’m excited about that, because it’s where I love playing.”
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Then there's the Fonzie aaaaaaaaaa grade players but they're extremely special, 6 isn't far off 10 and considering the wce and Richmond players left out from champions always amazing analysis I'll back myself, some of the tigers missing was woeful mate.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Neither side has your 10-11 A graders. No knotted knickers here.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
I said a graders, this does include a+,a and a- and I also said Richmond had just as many so your knickers are knotted for no reason.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Yes mortally wounded in a subject I care little about.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
I'm not surprised. Macca really put you to the sword yesterday.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
He shouldn't retain an elite rating. Still, their rating of 6 elite Eagles is far more realistic than your 10-11.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
I'm a broken man now
IAP
Guest
Considering Kennedy's outstanding year last year this is surprising...
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
I wouldn’t put much faith in champion data, they did rate Melbourne’s midfield as the competitions best before last season so scepticism is best. Nic retained an elite rating and has barely played in comparison to jk.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
He hasn't played a full season for a while now, hard to retain the A Grade rating on that basis. Six A Graders? That's about right.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
In ya' dreams, Larry.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Meh.
Seymorebutts
Guest
Well according to Champion Data they have six A- graders, which is one more than Richmond. Interestingly, that list doesnt include Kennedy. ;-)
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Oooooooooooooo so taunting
Larrikin
Roar Rookie
i hope so tigerfan !
WCE
Roar Rookie
i hope you have a good season duggo, experience like yours is vital the the Coasters hitting there straps
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Another WC A Grader with a point to prove. Ominous. They'll have 15-16 of them by year's end next year. The flag is theirs to lose.