West Coast 4

The Age

Wednesday March 16, 2005

LYALL JOHNSON

With what is now regarded by many as the best midfielders in the competition and the return of big Michael Gardiner to add firepower up forward, West Coast looks a legitimate premiership contender, Lyall Johnson writes

Because of its first-class midfield and the way it finished 2004 with 10 wins from 13 home-and-away matches, West Coast has been cast by many as premiership favourite. And despite their loss to Carlton in the final of the Wizard Cup last Saturday night, the Eagles' excellent pre-season has many in the West feeling a buzz that has not been there since the glory days of the early 1990s when they won two flags in three years.

Over the break, coach John Worsfold continued to develop his team from the ground up, recruiting only one established player, Tyson Stenglein from Adelaide. Only nine Eagles have played more than 100 games, and with many of the team's big names just reaching maturity in AFL terms, all the signs point to this being a big year for the team.

Without doubt, West Coast's superstars are its onballers, who have already gained the reputation as the best midfield unit in the competition. It is hard to dispute. Led by Brownlow medallist Chris Judd and the likes of Ben Cousins, Chad Fletcher, Daniel Kerr, Andrew Embley and Stenglein, it boasts electrifying pace, footy smarts, solid bodies and youth. It is hard to see too many teams being able to cope with such midfield depth. In the absence last year of Michael Gardiner due to a knee injury, the smaller players were more than ably served by Dean Cox, who went from back-up ruckman to top three for hitouts in the competition.

But it is outside the centre where the Eagles have been big improvers. Long criticised for being too small up forward, relying heavily on the brilliant but diminutive Phillip Matera, the return of Gardiner will give the Eagles a key-position forward with both size and talent. And after making his debut in round four last year, Mark Seaby also has emerged as a tall marking forward option whose versatility also allows him to ruck. Add to this mix Matera, the electrifying Ashley Sampi, Andrew McDougall if he can stay fit, the tall and athletic Brent Staker and midfielders Judd and Kerr, who not only deliver the ball with precision but like to get on the scoreboard themselves, and there looks to be ample forward firepower.

The Eagles improved greatly in defence last year but it remains their biggest problem. Quinten Lynch and Darren Glass are being moulded in the key position roles but, while tall and solid, they are still young and inexperienced. It will be a steep learning curve for them. Veteran Drew Banfield is there to provide experience and support but he can't be expected to play a key role this year, so ex-Hawk Daniel Chick will need to step up a gear and David Wirrpunda needs to fulfil his great potential consistently.

In all, though, the Eagles have the makings of a very good side and will challenge strongly. But can they go all the way? Time will tell.

ON THE RISE

BEAU WATERS Deserves a place in the Eagles' best 18 after only one season in the big time. His ferocious approach to the ball is complemented by a cool head and superb skills. Could add bursts in midfield to his work across half-back.

BRENT STAKER Team balance means the versatile Staker will probably spend more time in defence than attack this year. His strong marking and run out of defence will give Darren Glass some much-needed support.

ASHLEY SAMPI Expect 2005 to be Sampi's breakthrough year after completing an excellent pre-season. His improved level of fitness could mean he spends time in the centre where he made his name as a teenager in the WAFL.

AT THE CROSSROADS

DANIEL CHICK Has been solid for the Eagles but spent much of last season in a back pocket - less than two years after being traded for pick 10 in the 2002 draft. Will be keen to string games together after numerous injury setbacks.

DREW BANFIELD Gave good service in a back pocket last year, but must be feeling the pressure from emerging midsized defenders such as Waters, Mark Nicoski, Adam Hunter and Kasey Green. Entering his 13th and possibly last season.

JEREMY HUMM Entering his fifth season, Humm looks further from cementing a spot in the Eagles' midfield than ever. With Stenglein joining what was already the best engine room in the league, Humm's chances of staying on the list into 2006 look slim.

FOR THE EAGLES TO HAVE A SHOT AT THE GRAND FINAL

From their past away record, the Eagles will need to finish high enough on the ladder to guarantee themselves as many home finals as possible. From there, they could build momentum to produce an away win. Importantly, their young brigade will have to stand up to the extra pressure of finals football. The Eagles definitely have the engine room to do the job, but need some of their key-position players to take the next step.

? Arrivals

Brett Jones (rookie elevation)

Mark LeCras (national draft)

Mitch Morton (father-son)

Matt Rosa (national draft)

Bradley Smith (national draft)

Tyson Stenglein (Adelaide)

? Departures

Trent Carroll (delisted)

Callum Chambers (Carlton)

Michael Collica (delisted)

Glen Jakovich (retired)

Paul Johnson (Melbourne)

Chad Morrison (Collingwood)

Kane Munro (delisted)

? DRAW 2005

RD 1 v Adelaide, AAMI, Sun, March 27

RD 2 v Geelong, Subiaco, Sat, April 2 (n)

RD 3 v Fremantle, Subiaco, Sat, April 9 (n)

RD 4 v Western Bulldogs, Subiaco, Sat, April 16

RD 5 v Brisbane Lions, Gabba, Sun, April 24

RD 6 v Sydney, Sat, Subiaco, April 30 (n)

RD 7 v Hawthorn, Aurora Stadium , Sun, May 8

RD 8 v St Kilda, Subiaco, Sat, May 14

RD 9 v Collingwood, MCG, Sat, May 21

RD 10 v Port Adelaide, Subiaco, Sun, May 29

RD 11 v Richmond, MCG, Sat, June 4

RD 12 v Essendon, Subiaco, Friday, June 10 (n)

RD 13 v Melbourne, MCG, Sat, June 18

RD 14 v Carlton, Subiaco, Sat, July 2

RD 15 v Kangaroos, TD, Friday, July 8 (n)

RD 16 v Brisbane Lions, Subiaco, Sat, July 16 (n)

RD 17 v Sydney, SCG, Sun, July 24

RD 18 v Hawthorn, Subiaco, Sat, July 30

RD 19 v Western Bulldogs, MCG, Sat, August 6

RD 20 v Fremantle, Subiaco, Friday, August 12 (n)

RD 21 v Geelong, SS, Sat, August 20

RD 22 v Adelaide, Subiaco, Sat, 27 August

? CLUB DETAILS

Address

Subiaco Oval, 250 Roberts Road, Subiaco, 6008

Postal Address

PO Box 508, Subiaco, 6904

Telephone

(08) 9381 1111

Fax

(08) 9388 2541

Website westcoasteagles.com.au

? THE COACH

John Worsfold appears to have made the transition from player to coach seamlessly and his desire to develop a dynasty through drafting youth rather than trading has impressed many. But despite three years of making the finals, entering his fourth year, it is time to take his young side the next step from eighth to premiership challenger. A magnificent and tough player in his 209 games through the Eagles' halcyon days, Worsfold demands the same hardness and dedication from his side. Time will see him develop into an even better matchday coach.

? TOP 10, 2004 BEST AND FAIREST

1. Chris Judd 355

2. Chad Fletcher 319

3. Dean Cox 271

4. Michael Braun 262

5. Daniel Kerr 259

6. Phil Matera 258

7. Darren Glass 217

8. Andrew Embley 214

9. David Wirrpunda 212

10. Ben Cousins 192

? OUR EXPERTS PREDICT

Rohan Connolly 2nd

Karen Lyon 6th

Jake Niall 3rd

Emma Quayle 4th

Peter Schwab 4th

Robert Walls 4th

Tim Watson 3rd

Caroline Wilson 6th

? STATS HIGHLIGHTS

West Coast was second to Port Adelaide in total disposals and led the competition in handballs. Consequently, it was No.1 for uncontested ball gets. Not surprisingly, with their midfield strength, the Eagles were second only to the Brisbane Lions in clearances per game. However, they ranked 14th in the league for marks and 13th for contested marks, were more than 700 points behind the leader, Brisbane, in total points scored and were a woeful 14th in conversion, with a percentage rate of 49.

At the other end of the scale, they were second last in the league at contested ball gets, averaging nine per game.

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© 2005 The Age

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