The crucial cogs of AFL's Round 9: Which players need to be the difference makers?
Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
West Coast defender Shannon Hurn has been named Eagles captain for a second straight season, with star midfielder Luke Shuey elevated into the club’s leadership group.
Hurn led the Eagles to last year’s grand final in his first season as captain.
The 28-year-old was unanimously voted in yet again by his teammates and coaching staff.
Josh Kennedy retains his role as vice-captain, while Shuey joins Matt Priddis and Eric Mackenzie in the leadership group.
“Stability is important in the senior leadership group and we are fortunate to have some high quality individuals to call upon,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.
“Shannon had an exceptional first year as captain, and Josh, Matt and Eric were terrific support for him.
“The elevation of Luke is indicative of his growth in the last couple of years and we are excited by what he brings to the group.”
Late last year, Simpson signed a three-year contract extension as coach, tying him to the club until the end of 2019.
The Eagles will start 2016 as one of the premiership favourites, despite copping a 46-point hiding from Hawthorn in last year’s decider.
West Coast have been bolstered by the arrivals of Lewis Jetta and Jack Redden during the off-season.
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Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
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Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
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