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Being a Fremantle fan out West, there’s three certainties. Death, taxes and the constant reminder of four premierships to zero by our neighbours.
It’s insufferable, but it’s also objectively justified. After all, if the shoe was on the other foot and we had Chris Judd and Ben Cousins instead of Jayden Pitt and Riley Dunn, I’d probably be making the same remarks.
The Eagles have had some susperstars, none least the aforementioned, but one thing that strikes me is depth of that 2006 Premiership side.
Here’s five men who collected their medallion on the last Saturday of September in 2006 who deserve way more recognition than they get.
1. Adam Selwood
Outside of Eagles fans, Adam has the distinction of being the third best Selwood, going Joel, Scott, then him, then his mum, and finally Troy. In fairness to Adam however, he was quite a handy footballer, placing third in West Coast’s Club Champion awards in both 2007 and 2008.
Often utilised as a defender, Selwood has largely been forgotten by the footballing public since his 2013 retirement, yet deserves more respect for being able to slot into such a crucial role.
2. Sam Butler
Even I’d forgotten about Sam Butler before making this list, but take nothing away from a defender who, like Selwood, was able to provide an unassuming yet consistent footprint to West Coast for many years.
The South Australian product was often plagued by injury problems, however managed to extract three Grand Finals and objectively would’ve played in another in 2018 had the treatment room not claimed him for good the year prior.
3. Adam Hunter
Purely for his versatility, Hunter cannot be left off this list. Able to play virtually anywhere, Hunter’s form between 2005-2007 was way better than he is remembered for and was a legitimately crucial part of such a strong team. His goal kicking additions when coach John Worsfold threw him up there greatly benefitted both Quinten Lynch and Ashley Hansen.
In many ways, Hunter is the prototype for the modern player, your Fyfe, Cripps and Bontempellis of the current era. While he never hit the heights of those mentioned, he was a skilful, talented part of his clubs golden era.
4. Tyson Stenglein
A tough, talented midfielder, Stenglein’s 2005 arrival to the Eagles just happened to coincide with the clubs massive upturn and ultimate glory. Very much a quiet achiever, he may have only spent four seasons out West, his addition to the lineup was evident, never going below 16 disposals per game in those peak years of 2005-2007.
This was highlighted by his 22 per game in 2007, as he tried to lift a somewhat depleted lineup decimated across the field by both injury and controversy.
5. Daniel Kerr
In terms of quality, nobody else touches Kerr. It almost seems unfair to include him at the expense of other underrated talents like Michael Braun and Chad Fletcher. But the core of this article is to highlight players who deserve more recognition than they have.
Ever since the wheels fell off the dynasty, the discussion for their dominant midfield has always been Cousins and Judd. When Kerr does get a mention, it’s almost an afterthought.
Make no mistake of it however, without Kerr throwing himself at every contest and taking on the opposition with his uncompromising ferocity, that midfield doesn’t have the grit and strength it needs. Kerr was every bit as vital to that midfield, his runner up in the 2005 Brownlow shows he was no joke.
While he certainly better remembered than those listed previously here, there’s no doubt he deserves far more respect than he is afforded.
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