Sera
9 Nov 2003, 00:42
Quite a few interesting things mentioned in this article. We start training on Wednesday and Hansen is still with the team.
http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,7809467%255E2762,00.html
Footy passion rewards an unlucky Eagle
By MICHAEL PLACE
09nov03
NO Wilson, no Haynes, no excuses. If his recent deeds are any indication, Andrew McDougall isn't about to make any.
The emerging key forward has mustered just 12 games since the West Coast Eagles swooped on him with their fifth pick in the 2000 national draft. A combination of constant leg injuries and a crowded selection queue has conspired against the 20-year-old.
Not anymore. The Eagles begin pre-season training on Wednesday and, while McDougall is loath to talk-up his role in the team, he has every reason to be optimistic. With spearheads David Haynes (traded to Geelong) and Troy Wilson (delisted) no longer blocking his path, McDougall looks set to gain a keycard entry to the Eagles' forward line.
It's a challenge he is eager to embrace after bravely playing much of the round 22 derby against Fremantle with a broken jaw .
Then there was his almost reckless determination to play in the elimination final loss to Adelaide the following week.
Aghast Eagles fitness staff virtually had to drag him off the training track when they spotted him competing in a tough marking drill against their wishes.
"He was keen to go beyond the medicos' decision and it was a very courageous thing to do," assistant coach Robert Wiley said.
"No doubt he has a lot of passion for his football. The latter half of last season he was a consistent member of the team and he probably didn't want to let that slip."
McDougall only accepted that his bid to play was foolish when he was told even a minor knock could mean having his jaw laced with wire.
Instead of boarding the plane to Adelaide with his teammates, McDougall was forced to watch the game on TV.
"I played quite a few games leading into that and knowing your season was over made it harder," he said.
The departures of Wilson and Haynes have left McDougall jostling with Ashley Hansen, Quinten Lynch, Paul Johnson and Travis Gaspar for a key forward post.
"We're all good friends but there is a healthy rivalry because everyone is trying their hardest to get into the side," he said.
http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,7809467%255E2762,00.html
Footy passion rewards an unlucky Eagle
By MICHAEL PLACE
09nov03
NO Wilson, no Haynes, no excuses. If his recent deeds are any indication, Andrew McDougall isn't about to make any.
The emerging key forward has mustered just 12 games since the West Coast Eagles swooped on him with their fifth pick in the 2000 national draft. A combination of constant leg injuries and a crowded selection queue has conspired against the 20-year-old.
Not anymore. The Eagles begin pre-season training on Wednesday and, while McDougall is loath to talk-up his role in the team, he has every reason to be optimistic. With spearheads David Haynes (traded to Geelong) and Troy Wilson (delisted) no longer blocking his path, McDougall looks set to gain a keycard entry to the Eagles' forward line.
It's a challenge he is eager to embrace after bravely playing much of the round 22 derby against Fremantle with a broken jaw .
Then there was his almost reckless determination to play in the elimination final loss to Adelaide the following week.
Aghast Eagles fitness staff virtually had to drag him off the training track when they spotted him competing in a tough marking drill against their wishes.
"He was keen to go beyond the medicos' decision and it was a very courageous thing to do," assistant coach Robert Wiley said.
"No doubt he has a lot of passion for his football. The latter half of last season he was a consistent member of the team and he probably didn't want to let that slip."
McDougall only accepted that his bid to play was foolish when he was told even a minor knock could mean having his jaw laced with wire.
Instead of boarding the plane to Adelaide with his teammates, McDougall was forced to watch the game on TV.
"I played quite a few games leading into that and knowing your season was over made it harder," he said.
The departures of Wilson and Haynes have left McDougall jostling with Ashley Hansen, Quinten Lynch, Paul Johnson and Travis Gaspar for a key forward post.
"We're all good friends but there is a healthy rivalry because everyone is trying their hardest to get into the side," he said.