Eagle News #6

[cd]

EAGLE NEWS # 6

First, it was good to see the boys really put in for a win on the weekend at Noarlunga. To be 22 points down in the last quarter and to come home to win by 10 points – 5 goal turn around in 20 minutes was very encouraging.

However it was only our 4th win of the year and our form over the past month has not been as we would have wished. The challenge is to continue with that fighting spirit – never say die attitude.

To all the passionate Eagles fans on this site please keep the passion alive. Comments that showed your displeasure at past performances, your anger and disappointment really show that we do have a winning culture at the club and we will not accept anything less. But equally important is to keep supporting the club, the coaching panel and all the players.

One of the reasons I post on this site is so that fans can have a say to a board member however if you wish a direct response then please be in touch - If any member does want to raise any issue with me or our President then you will always get a written response to any correspondence that includes your contact details.

There have been some comments re recruiting. I will say we do see our zones and development programmes as a pathway for youngsters to achieve the very best level of footy they can. Of course we look to recruits to add to our squad. In the last 2 years some folk look at who they consider to be the less successful recruits and yes some have not worked out. However I reckon Ben Schwarz, James Rimmington, Jonno Lee, Jarrad Wright, James McEntee, Nick Malinovski on present form aren’t bad pick-ups. Not forgetting the continuing development and improvement of Tom Couch, Craig Gogoll and Christian Grocke and the return of Daniel Roberts.

Sadly with some folk the commitment or passion has dropped off and we are down on last years membership - about 150 down at the same time. The players certainly haven’t given up as evidenced by Sunday’s effort so let’s hope the fans stick with us – after 3 years of record memberships I need your support to get the membership numbers back up over the 2000. It is certainly not too late to get on board as a member – we need you – especially as clubs like Westies and South have certainly boosted their membership numbers.

We do have exciting plans with our membership benefits as we will be introducing a loyalty programme with great gifts – BUT your membership must be continuos to gain the awards for years of loyal membership. More news later along with details of Phil Herden’s project he is helping us with.

If you aren’t a member then join up and get your 3 free emails each week. Go to the website and follow the membership links – this weeks independent match review by Peter Argent was sent today with the Coaches comments out by Wednesday then the team selections late on Thursday – don’t miss out – sign up now.

THIS SATURDAY’S GAME AT WOODVILLE – WWTFC ANNUAL CHARITY DAY
The Eagles next home game against Sturt on Saturday 21 June will be our Charity game. Thanks to the wonderful support of Hills Industries they will donate $1 for every person through the gate to the Club's charity Ronald McDonald House. Also thanks to the great support from Vili's they will give away 1,000 donuts to the first thousand people through the gate.
So Eagles and Sturt fans get along to Woodville Oval to support our endeavours to support a great organisation and get one of our famous free donuts

Whilst visiting the website check out Tom Couch's latest article. A new article each week and you can check out his previous articles too. His thoughts re Shane Grimm’s role at the club makes for interesting reading giving details of our talent programme.

Remember every Thursday Night is the Members’ Draw at the club - be there to win the jackpot - drawn around 7:00/7:15/7:30pm every Thursday.

There are only 4 seats left on the bus for this Sunday’s Wine tour to the Barossa – you get your travel, lunch, tours behind the scenes at our sponsors winery (Yalumba) plus lots of tasting time for just $70 – book at the club asap.

Gala Auction and Ball – July 5th at AAMI Stadium – entertainment, drinks and meal only $100 – check out details at the club website.

SUPER SUNDAY – Sunday July 27th – 12:00 NOON – ALL WELCOME
$25 for BBQ Lunch and your drinks for the 2 hours plus entry into the super draw – 12 prizes with first prize of $1000. Contact the club to buy your entry ticket or available at the door on Sunday.

Also August 9th is the Annual Trivia Night
Super Friday Night is August 15th.

One aspect of footy this year that has become a talking point in the Under 18 championship has seen some players focussed on that programme and not being available for league selection. We do congratulate our 5 lads in the Under 18 squad along with our 3 reps who have played in the under 20 state squad.

Hope to see you at the footy supporting the Mighty Eagles.

Col D
(Also thanks to SA Footy for allowing us to use the photos of the mini league the other week - in our photo gallery under the north game and to Wedgie for putting up this photo supplied to the club by the SANFL after the state game))

[spell_check]

I saw from yesterday that the players in the last quarter wanted the win. You are right cd, Eagles fans expect to see wins, not just well played, but bad luck. On Sunday I saw that spirit that we have had in the recent past in the come from behind wins against North in the Preliminary of 2006, and from last year, the match against Port at Alberton, North at Woodville as well as Glenelg at Woodville to draw.

I certainly appreciate the wins, the only thing I hope is not really happening is the "players are getting tired of Ron" because he doesn't deserve that, and that you shouldn't be playing if that's the case. While he does cop criticism for moves made or not made or whatever, he does roll the dice, and as we saw in the last quarter, Ken going up forward helped. I'm saying that coaches who serve 8 consecutive seasons nowadays will be extremely hard to find, and that I'm glad that he has been the coach of our club over the past 8 seasons.

[MightyEagles]

Good idea with the Charity, but I won't be at the game as I will be at Unley, but let's make sure a lot of money is raised, even if people have to make the dollar go further.

[Wedgie]

See you at the Gala Ball CD, Ill expect at least a donut for the $200 Im forking out!

[cd]

Jared Petrenko has been named the Round Eleven Coca-Cola Star Search Award nominee.

At 18 years of age, and playing in just his sixth League game, Petrenko was instrumental in the Eagles’ last quarter fight back, to take the 10 point win over South Adelaide at Hickinbotham Oval on Sunday.

Petrenko’s strong presence through the backline earned him 16 possessions. Using his electrifying pace to nullify his opponent he was very good in the one-on-one contests and provided many of the rebounds from defence.

Making his League debut in Round 3 2007, Petrenko played just 3 League games before being picked up on the Adelaide Football Club Rookie List. He was a member of the SANFL Under 18 State team in 2007.

Petrenko was recruited from the Portland Football Club before progressing through the Woodville-West Torrens underage structure and breaking into the League side. He is the Eagles’ second Coca-Cola Star Search nominee for season 2008.

[holden78]

Nicely glossed over CD , re recruiting , and this is the problem . The work regarding our youth has always been very good and kudos to all past and present who have been involved ! You know very well our lack of genuine quality midfield recruits is holding us back from the top of this league , now and last year . We DONT or WONT spend ala other clubs and its caught up with us ! With our kids and tall options ( apart from no CHB ) we should be flying this year , but teams with real hardnut onballers keep finding us out . Fuller ofcourse can do nothing 10 games into 08 , but 09 has to be top priority already ( ffs we have got some top ones before ie. lindsay , passa , schwarz etc. ) . I know for a fact Centrals always plan along those lines . I cant let you off with your naming players , its too tempting.......... yes sign wright , lee , rimmo , schwarz up now ! Shame about Mackie ( what happened ? ) , Biagi was a huge bust and very poorly scouted obviously , the same for Gogoll , Twomey (what happened ? ) & Pedlar ( talk about getting left in the lurch !! ) . Its not up to scratch & nobody wants to say we are gunna step it up because the quality has been definately lacking . Look , Schwarz is the only match winner & thats the whole point !

[TigerBoss]

Can the Eagles continue their winning record over Sturt this week? I just can't see the Blues being beaten by THIS Eagles side, but stranger things have happened.

[arcadefire]

Nicely glossed over CD , re recruiting , and this is the problem . The work regarding our youth has always been very good and kudos to all past and present who have been involved ! You know very well our lack of genuine quality midfield recruits is holding us back from the top of this league , now and last year . We DONT or WONT spend ala other clubs and its caught up with us ! With our kids and tall options ( apart from no CHB ) we should be flying this year , but teams with real hardnut onballers keep finding us out . Fuller ofcourse can do nothing 10 games into 08 , but 09 has to be top priority already ( ffs we have got some top ones before ie. lindsay , passa , schwarz etc. ) . I know for a fact Centrals always plan along those lines . I cant let you off with your naming players , its too tempting.......... yes sign wright , lee , rimmo , schwarz up now ! Shame about Mackie ( what happened ? ) , Biagi was a huge bust and very poorly scouted obviously , the same for Gogoll , Twomey (what happened ? ) & Pedlar ( talk about getting left in the lurch !! ) . Its not up to scratch & nobody wants to say we are gunna step it up because the quality has been definately lacking . Look , Schwarz is the only match winner & thats the whole point !

Couldn't agree with you more Holden78 you make a lot of sense. Year after year it is so frustrating to see other clubs like Central and North and more recently Glenelg recruiting players to give them a shot at the premiership while we do nothing. A few years ago, along with Centrals, we were miles ahead of everyone else but due to lack of recruiting we have been caught and surpassed. You can't keep relying on AFL listed players to win games - Bernie Vince carried the midfield last year and it was obvious then that he wouldn't be with us this year - so what has been done to replace him and others like cooper inkster lomas etc. And please no more b grade recruits from other clubs - they are not up to it.

[Wedgie]

CD, I added that pic you emailed me to your initial post.

[Mickyj]

A very good Eagles news CD.
I for one will hold my hand up and say I posted some things on this forum I should not have .Both my LAD and Loud Eagle have had words with me, and to be honest when your own family is telling you off well never mind.It was a bad month for all Supporters players and coaching staff.
It was very plain for all to see on Sunday that the guys really put in .And to come back and win, after some shocking frees to south that resulted in at least one goal was fantastic.Plus the inclusion of some pace for a change was great to see. Not to forget Gav Colevile while his legs were not as fast as those of South he knew where to stand and take advantage of spilled marks etc.
Recruiting has been mentioned above and in other posts .Are we as a club following Centrals and in our off weeks travelling to Melbourne looking at players .Either new recruits or former Eagles delisted by AFL clubs and now playing in Melbourne .Did we have anyone looking at the Vic side when it lost to SA. And did the same people look at any of the Tassie lads who played on the same day ? I could give you the name of a likely looking Tassie lad if he was not picked up could be handy when our older tall forwards retire.
This also leads me to ask do we as a club only travel to Victoria to look for recruits or do we travel to other states .Their was a state game of sorts in recent weeks between Sydney afl (city league not club) and the VAFA.Did we have anyone looking at players and before anyone laughs there was at least one former Swan in the sydney team ?
I only ask about the older state games as they should hold guys who would be to old to be pinched by AFL clubs following our friends from Elizabeths lead. You know the ones in the 23 to 25 age group.

Thanks again for the topic CD and you know where I sit at Woodville Oval if you want to chat with me game day . Just don't send anyone to kneecap me

Cheers
Mick

[cd]

Thanks Wedgie - i must learn how to put up photos.

Micky I dont believe you've said anything that can be queried for at the time that was how you saw it and keep up the passion.

We have spotters across all states as well as sending staff interstate regularly just like all clubs I suspect.

[spell_check]

I've stated basically what's been said before, no need to repeat it. What I've seen is that it appears that other clubs get in first. And yes, the junior development plan is working, but where do these players that stand out end up in a year or two?

[Mickyj]

Thanks Wedgie - i must learn how to put up photos.

Micky I dont believe you've said anything that can be queried for at the time that was how you saw it and keep up the passion.

We have spotters across all states as well as sending staff interstate regularly just like all clubs I suspect.

Thanks for that CD.

[Aerie]

This whole thing about lack of recruiting needs to be put in perspective. Where did Colville, Treeby, Powell, McKenzie, Jarrad, Passador and Schwarze come from. They form the back bone of our team. Not to mention the recently retired Inkster and Lindsay. All of these are interstate recruits.

Besides Colville and the retirees, these guys are all mid 20's and have made a life for themselves in Adelaide. They have been largely responsible for the sustained success we've had. I would say we have recruited better than everybody and as good as Central with this lot. Rimington looks very promising and I'd back that if Couch persists he'll turn in to a fair player as well.

We have also had success with the likes of Grocke, Dabrowski and Cooper in recent years and from what I've seen, McEntee will turn in to a fair player as well, if he persists. Not to mention junior players we've scouted from other clubs including Pedler, Petrenko and Fitzgerald (thanks Port).

The biggest disappointment in recent years was losing Skipworth. Besides that, I think it's been ok and I'd rather this recruiting policy than huge $ to name players like some other clubs. You can't expect an Allan, Clayton or Callinan recruit every year.

[spell_check]

That's actually quite true. I guess I am not happy that we have not recruited one 'star' like the players you said at the bottom. In actual fact, Clayton was going to come to the Eagles pending the draft in about 2002 or 2003. Subsequently, North Melbourne drafted him and he stayed there for a year or two.

I do have faith in this team because on paper they are good enough for finals footy. Paper and performance are two different things though. It comes down to the "want" as Ron has said about the win on Sunday. We "want" to reach the finals, and believe we can do it, is the mindset needed.

[Mickyj]

This whole thing about lack of recruiting needs to be put in perspective. Where did Colville, Treeby, Powell, McKenzie, Jarrad, Passador and Schwarze come from. They form the back bone of our team. Not to mention the recently retired Inkster and Lindsay. All of these are interstate recruits.

Besides Colville and the retirees, these guys are all mid 20's and have made a life for themselves in Adelaide. They have been largely responsible for the sustained success we've had. I would say we have recruited better than everybody and as good as Central with this lot. Rimington looks very promising and I'd back that if Couch persists he'll turn in to a fair player as well.

We have also had success with the likes of Grocke, Dabrowski and Cooper in recent years and from what I've seen, McEntee will turn in to a fair player as well, if he persists. Not to mention junior players we've scouted from other clubs including Pedler, Petrenko and Fitzgerald (thanks Port).

The biggest disappointment in recent years was losing Skipworth. Besides that, I think it's been ok and I'd rather this recruiting policy than huge $ to name players like some other clubs. You can't expect an Allan, Clayton or Callinan recruit every year.

Wish you were with me when I mentioned our guys on the VFL site Aerie ! I was trying to get a point across re project players.
I agree with you about Rimmington and I noticed his loud voice reving up JJ in the last quarter. And I for one am a big gee for young Tom Couch he still has a way to go but the last two weeks in the twos have been the best two games for the club. But he is and no disrespect for him here not an in and under player .And I will say he is a wingman with a big kick something the club always needs.
But the club suffered from losing Skippy, Cooper, and Lindsey.
The club didn't cover the loss of Cooper and his loss is having the biggest affect on the club .Yes i know skippy was getting 30 to 40 touches a game but Cooper was the player that hit the packs and got the ball out .Something i hoped young Mackie would have done but he is gone.
Has the club gone back to skippy to see if he would come back? But he looked very propey on that knee when he walked around Adelaide Oval Pre state game.

Something that has not been mentioned Dabrowski , Roberts ,Pavlich all played sunday all their Fathers played for either WT or W or in Roberts case Both.

Cheers
Mick

[Aerie]

That's actually quite true. I guess I am not happy that we have not recruited one 'star' like the players you said at the bottom. In actual fact, Clayton was going to come to the Eagles pending the draft in about 2002 or 2003. Subsequently, North Melbourne drafted him and he stayed there for a year or two.

I do have faith in this team because on paper they are good enough for finals footy. Paper and performance are two different things though. It comes down to the "want" as Ron has said about the win on Sunday. We "want" to reach the finals, and believe we can do it, is the mindset needed.

Agree, it's a mental thing. The team has talent and we've been lucky with AFL players available. I thought it was another Clayton the Eagles were going to recruit? Mark?

Cooper has been a big loss Mickyj, although he was getting on and I think retired at the right time. He was a good in and under. I thought after watching Mackie vs Norwood at the Parade he was going to be a similar player. Perhaps Jake Pavlich can be that type of player for us in the coming years. He seems to have that quick thinking and quick hands that are needed to get it out to the runners.

[spell_check]

That's actually quite true. I guess I am not happy that we have not recruited one 'star' like the players you said at the bottom. In actual fact, Clayton was going to come to the Eagles pending the draft in about 2002 or 2003. Subsequently, North Melbourne drafted him and he stayed there for a year or two.

I do have faith in this team because on paper they are good enough for finals footy. Paper and performance are two different things though. It comes down to the "want" as Ron has said about the win on Sunday. We "want" to reach the finals, and believe we can do it, is the mindset needed.

Agree, it's a mental thing. The team has talent and we've been lucky with AFL players available. I thought it was another Clayton the Eagles were going to recruit? Mark?

Cooper has been a big loss Mickyj, although he was getting on and I think retired at the right time. He was a good in and under. I thought after watching Mackie vs Norwood at the Parade he was going to be a similar player. Perhaps Jake Pavlich can be that type of player for us in the coming years. He seems to have that quick thinking and quick hands that are needed to get it out to the runners.

Nope, Jeremy it was. Then Port picked him up for 2005 and subsequently won the Magarey.

[Aerie]

That's actually quite true. I guess I am not happy that we have not recruited one 'star' like the players you said at the bottom. In actual fact, Clayton was going to come to the Eagles pending the draft in about 2002 or 2003. Subsequently, North Melbourne drafted him and he stayed there for a year or two.

I do have faith in this team because on paper they are good enough for finals footy. Paper and performance are two different things though. It comes down to the "want" as Ron has said about the win on Sunday. We "want" to reach the finals, and believe we can do it, is the mindset needed.

Agree, it's a mental thing. The team has talent and we've been lucky with AFL players available. I thought it was another Clayton the Eagles were going to recruit? Mark?

Cooper has been a big loss Mickyj, although he was getting on and I think retired at the right time. He was a good in and under. I thought after watching Mackie vs Norwood at the Parade he was going to be a similar player. Perhaps Jake Pavlich can be that type of player for us in the coming years. He seems to have that quick thinking and quick hands that are needed to get it out to the runners.

Nope, Jeremy it was. Then Port picked him up for 2005 and subsequently won the Magarey.

He would have been handy!

[holden78]

Clayton came back to the eags but got told not required, we would have offered him peanuts any way .