West Coast Eagles 2014

[helicopterking]

Interesting Year Ahead for the Mighty Eagles
New Coach, New Game Plan, New Faces
Already In the two pre season matches,Coach Simpson has mimicked Hawthorn a little bit, with a short kick,run and hold possession footy. I like this, as our game plan didn't hold up in Melbourne and didn't make use of some quality talls up forward.
We recruited pretty well over the off season and with the amount of injuries we have had over the last few seasons, blokes won't be short on experience when they get the chance.
Both Ellis and Yeo will be great acquisitions to the defence and midfield set up, both can run and carry out the back line, which I'm hoping will free up Hurn and Waters. I think our back line and forward line look strong, even though I think we lack a good small crumbing forward. Plenty of young players who have some size about them which is very handy when they are called upon.
My concern is midfield depth. In past seasons we have struggled to break free in traffic and have a lack of quality kicks through the midfield.
If Shuey, Masten and Wellingham can stay fit they should reap the benefits of Priddis and Selwood who get plenty of the ball in close. It's the next wave of midfielders I'm uncertain of as the season drags and injuries and fatigue set in.
Last Season, we were no where near fit enough early, and blew some leads which left us pushing shit up hill after the bye. We look fitter and stronger this year so far, now the test will be sustaining it for the season.
Guys we need playing plenty of footy this year are Wellingham,Natunui, Shuey, Waters.

Our Best. if fit.

Brown Glass Hurn

Waters McKenzie Ellis

Gaff. Selwood. Wellingham

Shuey Darling. Lecras

Cox. Kennedy. Hill



Natunui, Masten, Priddis

Yeo, Rosa, Schofield, Sheed

Predictions 7th-12th

[GWW]

I'm asking this out of curiosity, helicopter.

How did you become an Eagles supporter? Was it from watching them during their dominant early 90's era, or perhaps you are from WA originally?

As for 2014 season, it wouldn't surprise at all if they are the big improvers compared to their 2013 effort. Not having a wavering Worsfold to distract the club will be a bonus. If Lecras finds some form, and Naitanui stays on the park, definite top 8 contenders.

[helicopterking]

I become an Eagles Supporter probably half due to the 90s era and the fact my older brother went for them, he was in his teens, I was wasn't just yet. I'm originally from NSW, my other brother went for Fitzroy, so it was hard to follow that, and no way ever will I barrack for Sydney.

I just hope the injury's ease off a bit this year.

[The Sleeping Giant]

Sounds like your typical bandwagoner .

[Squids]

Sounds like your typical bandwagoner .

Are you all there in the head?

[The Sleeping Giant]

Aliens

[helicopterking]

Sounds like your typical bandwagoner .

Yep, jumped on the bandwagon at age 5-6 after following no other team.

[HH3]

Murray Newman off to the slammer

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-07/m ... wma-jailed

[Johno6]

they have taken the article down by the looks of it?

he got 12 months.

how many does the pies player get then?

[HH3]

Yeah Id be worried if I was Marley Williams.

[valleys07]

Yeah Id be worried if I was Marley Williams.

If a precedent has been set, 12 months you would think.

Although Newman only fractured this guys jaw, didnt Williams break his victims?

Perhaps a harsher penalty for a more severe injury?

[The Sleeping Giant]

Marley didn't break his jaw. He shattered it.

[HH3]

Yeah convicted of grievous bodily harm. So could be lengthy.

Depends if he gets the same judge or not.

[Johno6]

hes going to miss a couple pre seasons me thinks

[valleys07]

Marley didn't break his jaw. He shattered it.

Well answers the question if Newman cops 12 months then doesnt it!

[helicopterking]

Oh no, how will we cope without him.

[westozfalcon]

New coach Adam Simpson is an astute tactician and a contemporary thinker on the game - something that John Worsfold (despite the enormous respect he commanded) wasn't. This will bring about noticeable improvement.

The manner of the Eagles' pre-season wins already has me convinced they will make the top 8 but I doubt they have the grunt to win a big final away from home.

[Bald Eagle]

Interesting Year Ahead for the Mighty Eagles
New Coach, New Game Plan, New Faces
Already In the two pre season matches,Coach Simpson has mimicked Hawthorn a little bit, with a short kick,run and hold possession footy. I like this, as our game plan didn't hold up in Melbourne and didn't make use of some quality talls up forward.
We recruited pretty well over the off season and with the amount of injuries we have had over the last few seasons, blokes won't be short on experience when they get the chance.
Both Ellis and Yeo will be great acquisitions to the defence and midfield set up, both can run and carry out the back line, which I'm hoping will free up Hurn and Waters. I think our back line and forward line look strong, even though I think we lack a good small crumbing forward. Plenty of young players who have some size about them which is very handy when they are called upon.
My concern is midfield depth. In past seasons we have struggled to break free in traffic and have a lack of quality kicks through the midfield.
If Shuey, Masten and Wellingham can stay fit they should reap the benefits of Priddis and Selwood who get plenty of the ball in close. It's the next wave of midfielders I'm uncertain of as the season drags and injuries and fatigue set in.
Last Season, we were no where near fit enough early, and blew some leads which left us pushing shit up hill after the bye. We look fitter and stronger this year so far, now the test will be sustaining it for the season.
Guys we need playing plenty of footy this year are Wellingham,Natunui, Shuey, Waters.

Our Best. if fit.

Brown Glass Hurn

Waters McKenzie Ellis

Gaff. Selwood. Wellingham

Shuey Darling. Lecras

Cox. Kennedy. Hill



Natunui, Masten, Priddis

Yeo, Rosa, Schofield, Sheed

Predictions 7th-12th

IMO, if fit (big if) SA boy Sam Butler would command a starting position in the 22 in front of Brown and Ellis. Great use of the footy coming out of defence.

[Spargo]

This lot play finals in 2014.

[Booney]

This lot play finals in 2014.

I think they'll be in the mix for the 8, for sure. The forward half looks very, very potent.