One club is one of the most successful in the AFL era while the other is the least successful by a long way, yet there is a rivalry building up between the Gold Coast Suns and West Coast Eagles that has AFL fans everywhere anticipating a spicy Round 1 stoush.
The second episode of Amazon Prime’s Making their Mark highlighted exactly how much fear and anxiety the prospect of facing the Suns first up coming out of lockdown in Round 2 held for Eagles coach Adam Simpson, so his premonition captured by the documentary cameras must be giving him sleepless nights even now.
The young Suns did precisely what Simpson feared they would, using their talent and exuberance to roll over the underdone and out-of-sorts Eagles, in a break-out performance that offered a sample of what these kids could (and would) do to teams in 2020.
The Suns’ coach Stuart Dew came from his assistant coaching days at Sydney where the Swans gained ascendancy over the Eagles after almost ten years of the most even match-ups ever seen. Perhaps a little more credit should be given for his ability to mastermind victory over one of the toughest sides to crack.
The overall record between the clubs shows a ledger of nine wins, two losses and one draw in West Coast’s favour, which is certainly indicative of the comparative ladder positions. However, eight of those games were in Perth and all of those were wins for the Eagles, giving the Suns two wins, one draw and one loss at home.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Adam Simpson has six wins, one draw and two losses versus the Suns since he became coach of West Coast ahead of the 2014 season, so he is a little more concerned about playing Gold Coast, having had premiership aspirations in three seasons dented by dropping points at Metricon, which would have made a difference to the finals order each time.
Stuart Dew is looking to achieve a first away win for the Suns against the Eagles, which neither Guy McKenna nor Rodney Eade could manage, although Eade did get the Suns up twice during years when the Eagles were finals bound.
Breaking down the numbers, West Coast can be susceptible to having late-game fades, while Gold Coast are noted early-season dynamos with a great record in the early rounds.
While by no means a traditional rivalry, the Suns versus Eagles fixture is building into a non-Victorian coast-to-coast derby that is beginning to gain wider attention, especially with the Suns’ stunning win at Metricon last year and the upcoming clash being played in the west at prime time on the AWST clock.
(Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
Betting markets are particularly hesitant about the Suns’ chances, with all agencies offering lengthy odds of a Gold Coast win and a short price on the Eagles winning their ninth out of nine home games against the 17th franchise since 2011.
Nevertheless, with an injury toll heading into double figures and a list of only 42 players, there are some positions in the Eagles team that will need to be filled by younger players, possibly debutants, while the Suns have fewer than a handful of outs and look stronger than ever going into a Round 1 match.
AFL scheduling notwithstanding – seriously, nine away to four at home is hideously unfair, especially for a new franchise against an AFL heavyweight – this rivalry will go to another level if the Suns can win against the Eagles at Optus, or even just make it a contest.
The true test of the rivalry may come sooner than most would predict if the sides were to meet in the finals in 2021, which seems even less likely than the Suns winning in Round 1. But the chances of both happening can be exponentially improved with a Gold Coast victory next Sunday.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
It's a developing rivalry. 9 games in WA and has made the head to head lopsided, but if they played the next 5 games at Metricon then things would get interesting.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
I was careful to call it a developing rivalry. The sub-editing process paraphrased some of my words into a title that is what most WCE fans read (and not much else). The recent results have been in the Suns favour. Ironically, it was my Eagles mate who pointed out the growing rivalry last year, then the Round 2 game became the Matt Rowell show as the two teams tore shreds off each other. Alex Sexton collected Jeremy McGovern in the head, who then punched the Suns player in the face and later pushed him into the fence (getting a week's suspension).
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
This didn't age well. The Eagles only got home by their home crowd, some beneficial umpiring and a significant injury to the Suns' best player. Now you look silly.
kooj
Roar Rookie
I was thinking about this column when I was at the game yesterday. The problem I reckon is that rivalries take a really really long time to build, and kind of generally form when both teams are in a period of success (or perhaps racing to finish 8th). I am a big West Coast supporter, but aside from the obvious WA derby, the only sustained rivalries I can think of that the Eagles have are with Essendon (both teams very successful in the early 90s, but Kevin Sheedy made it into something very special), and Sydney thanks to multiple amazingly tight finals in the mid 2000s. After that I'm not sure - maybe Collingwood? Carlton? There is something about big Vic clubs/personalities that triggers some Sandgropers. I personally think Adelaide thanks to the Eagles beating them in two closish prelims in a row in 05 and 06 (especially after the crows topped the ladder in 05), but others might not agree. The other team i think of is North Melbourne, but that was more of a duel between Carey and Jakovich. So I guess, in 33 years I can only think of two or maybe three good going rivalries for the Eagles. I would love there to be more, but I guess its just indicative of how hard they are to really build. Though if I was a Blues supporter, not sure I'd ever forget Round 22, 2012.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
My whole point is that West Coast is an exemplar of teams that have consistently been successful while simultaneously reloading their list. They don't play 18yos because they have an evenly balanced list which means there are no opportunities for teenagers unless form or injury forces a move. I remember when Jake Waterman had a couple of solid games for the Eagles and then some senior players returned from injury and he was sent back to the WAFL. I couldn't believe what I was seeing until some WC mates explained the pattern to me. There are some unhinged replies to my article that haven't interpreted my analysis in good faith. Thanks for your reply. You've pretty much covered what I've been saying all along. Obviously, there have been occasions when 19yos have cracked a few games, while Rioli and Ryan were mature aged recruits who played straight away, but in the main the first choice 22 is experienced and over 20. For the first time in as long as I can recall, the Eagles have been reportedly considering Zane Trew, an undrafted rookie, to play Round 1. Now the Eagles are picking 23 players, the likelihood of a debutant has increased. It isn't a criticism of West Coast, just an acknowledgement that their 42 man list with 10 players doubtful or out is exposed while the Suns will be picking their best 22.
Klompy
Guest
Yes Wce it was an very silly article. I think the mighty Eagles will win by 65 points. I just hope the Eagles get a great Start on Sunday.
Ski77
Guest
Do you think that the reason they haven't played 18 year old's (or get high drafts picks) in the last couple of years is because they have consistently been a finals team. I 'think' (foolish in know) the stats would back up the theory that finals teams rarely play 18 year old rookies? And although none were 18, West Coast still had the 8 players debut in a premiership year. Jake Waterman - 19 - 16 Dan Vennables - 19 - 15 Games Liam Ryan - 21 - 13 Willie Rioli - 22 - 24 Games Jack Petruccelle - 19 - 3 games Brayden Ainsworth - 19 - 3 Games Jarrod Brander - 19 - 1 game Oscar Allen - 19 - 2 games I think (foolish again) there are very few 18 year olds that can walk into a consistent AFL finalist team and play a large part in the team success
2dogz
Roar Rookie
So it’s not the Suns who we should be thanking. Got it
berrlins
Roar Pro
I love the idea of Coast to coast but I dunno how much of a rivalry it is become, purely because of the lospided home game tally West coast have had. West Coast are a 6-8 goal better side at home particularly against cellar dweller clubs. GOld coast haven't had much of a chance to give them some revenge although it's good to see that when they do get them at home they hold their own.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Yes. And the Queensland Government. They make a hard border, no comp. Are you simple?
2dogz
Roar Rookie
So we should be thanking the Bears/Lions for the afl continuing during covid.
Blitz
Guest
Come back in 5 years and tell me O’Neill isn’t a very good player - the kid can play. I didn’t say that he was Fyfe. WC supporters have confidence due to the clubs successful history across many metrics. I remain confident until the club gives me a reason not to, very simple!
2dogz
Roar Rookie
And owns a cat
West Coast Eagles
Roar Rookie
Ofc he will talk it up as nothing else for him to talk up it is the Suns after all…..
West Coast Eagles
Roar Rookie
Absolute nonsense
West Coast Eagles
Roar Rookie
Yaaawwwwwnnn nice pointless story
West Coast Eagles
Roar Rookie
Certainly is a dream as it sure as heck isn't reality
West Coast Eagles
Roar Rookie
Absolutely ridiculous this article..... Not 1 eagle player or fan would consider gold coast a rival by any means. Thomas is in his fantasy world again. Must be tough to support gold coast have to make up make believe rivalries.. Hahah thanks for the laugh Thomas. Looking forward to smashing you guys even more now.... ohhhh the fear gold coast instills in us bahahaha
West Coast Eagles
Roar Rookie
Definitely single haha
Johnno
Roar Rookie
But nowhere near Shuey or Yeo. One thing WCE supporters have is confidence...every new recruit or player is the next Nat Fyfe.