Prediction Best 23 - 2026 edition

[Obeanie1]

Do we think that the Hough to midfield experiment is over? I feel like that had some potential.

Can see Hough rotating through there still. Even be full time.

We just have so many options down back. And kids to develop.

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

We can probably adjust this for what id say are training patterns. So far it seems

• Baker will play defense
• Yeo will play midfield
• Hutchison will continue to play midfield
• Maric will go back to defense
• Archer as a full time ruck
• McCarthy as full time midfielder

I then think all of this

• rules Duursma and Allan out of defense
• rules Kelly out of the full time midfield spot.
• Puts Duggan into a more Mr Fix it role as opposed to Baker who did it last year

So with the changes in mind ill go with

FB: Hough, H.Edwards, Ginbey
HB: Starcevich, Young, Baker
C: Duursma, Yeo, Allan
HF: Davis, Waterman, Cripps
FF: CDT, Shanahan, Brockman
R: B.Williams. Reid, McCarthy
I/C: Duggan, Graham, Maric, Hewett, Kelly
EMG: Hutchinson, A.Reid, Hall, Dev, Gross

 

[Dark Sharks]

Hoping we get the balance right with something like this.


FF: Newton Waterman Brockman
HF: Cripps Shanahan Hewett
C: Durrsma Graham McCarthy
HB: Lindsay Young Baker
FB: Duggan Hedwards, Starcevich
R: Flynn, Reid, Yeo
I/C: A.Reid, B.Allan, Dev, Kelly


Not in the team: Owies, Hutchinson, Maric, T.Williams, CDT, Hall, Gross, Davi

 

[EagleMutt]

No hough or ginbey?

 

[WCErevival]

Hoping we get the balance right with something like this.


FF: Newton Waterman Brockman
HF: Cripps Shanahan Hewett
C: Durrsma Graham McCarthy
HB: Lindsay Young Baker
FB: Duggan Hedwards, Starcevich
R: Flynn, Reid, Yeo
I/C: A.Reid, B.Allan, Dev, Kelly


Not in the team: Owies, Hutchinson, Maric, T.Williams, CDT, Hall, Gross, Davi

Need one more on the bench

 

[Obeanie1]

Young and Brock will be the 2 KPDs we play.

I think HEdwards best chance to play is to become a ruckman

If we are smart we trade H Edwards end of 2026 and replace him with Ben Miller as an UFA from Richmond. Miller is much quicker than Harry, same size and hieght.

Both can take the 200cm gorilla forwards. Miller can keep up though.

 

[Dark Sharks]

Need one more on the bench

There's 5 flogs on the bench now?

I realized they ditched the sub, but just thought we'd revert to 4 again.

In that case, you'd probably have to go with Maric.

 

[Obeanie1]

Hoping we get the balance right with something like this.


FF: Newton Waterman Brockman
HF: Cripps Shanahan Hewett
C: Durrsma Graham McCarthy
HB: Lindsay Young Baker
FB: Duggan Hedwards, Starcevich
R: Flynn, Reid, Yeo
I/C: A.Reid, B.Allan, Dev, Kelly


Not in the team: Owies, Hutchinson, Maric, T.Williams, CDT, Hall, Gross, Davi

Ginbey?

Duggan may just be exploring options at the end of this season.

Its getting more and more difficult to find him a spot.

 

[Tyberious Funk]

When Duggan was drafted, he was seen as a midfielder with competent skills and good composure. He played defence to get him into the team. We didn't have a stacked midfield, but we had Selwood, Priddis, Shuey and guys like Yeo, Rosa, Masten, Sheppard and Wellingham who were seen as midfield prospects. Seems weird in hindsight that some of these guys would have kept Duggan out of the midfield, but Masten and Sheppard were both drafted with a view to playing midfield roles, as was Wellingham when we traded for him.

As some of them settled into different roles, Duggan had become a pretty decent small half-back.

Now, after several seasons of shiteness, Duggan looks like he's a big part of the problem. Maybe that's true. But I'm pretty sure the patented half-back-dump-kick is a deliberate strategy and not a reflection of his poor skills. As someone with (allegedly) competent skills, I suspect the backline is instructed to transition the ball out of the defence through Duggan, and he's one of the few players with the licence to dump-kick. Watch the games where Maric played half-back last year, and you'll see him do something similar... despite being a generally reliable kick previously.

At 26, I have no idea whether Duggan can be the midfielder he was supposed to be. Maybe it's too late and that ship is sailed. But I'm ok with it being tried.

 

[Bleedblueandgold]

When Duggan was drafted, he was seen as a midfielder with competent skills and good composure. He played defence to get him into the team. We didn't have a stacked midfield, but we had Selwood, Priddis, Shuey and guys like Yeo, Rosa, Masten, Sheppard and Wellingham who were seen as midfield prospects. Seems weird in hindsight that some of these guys would have kept Duggan out of the midfield, but Masten and Sheppard were both drafted with a view to playing midfield roles, as was Wellingham when we traded for him.

As some of them settled into different roles, Duggan had become a pretty decent small half-back.

Now, after several seasons of shiteness, Duggan looks like he's a big part of the problem. Maybe that's true. But I'm pretty sure the patented half-back-dump-kick is a deliberate strategy and not a reflection of his poor skills. As someone with (allegedly) competent skills, I suspect the backline is instructed to transition the ball out of the defence through Duggan, and he's one of the few players with the licence to dump-kick. Watch the games where Maric played half-back last year, and you'll see him do something similar... despite being a generally reliable kick previously.

At 26, I have no idea whether Duggan can be the midfielder he was supposed to be. Maybe it's too late and that ship is sailed. But I'm ok with it being tried.

I recall Duggan being drafted as a defender with midfield potential.

23 days to the draft: Meet Liam Duggan

A born leader, this young gun backs up words with actions every time

www.afl.com.au

Pick 11: Liam Duggan

West Coast has kicked off its 2014 draft by selecting Victorian Liam Duggan at no.11

www.westcoasteagles.com.au

 

[Obeanie1]

When Duggan was drafted, he was seen as a midfielder with competent skills and good composure. He played defence to get him into the team. We didn't have a stacked midfield, but we had Selwood, Priddis, Shuey and guys like Yeo, Rosa, Masten, Sheppard and Wellingham who were seen as midfield prospects. Seems weird in hindsight that some of these guys would have kept Duggan out of the midfield, but Masten and Sheppard were both drafted with a view to playing midfield roles, as was Wellingham when we traded for him.

As some of them settled into different roles, Duggan had become a pretty decent small half-back.

Now, after several seasons of shiteness, Duggan looks like he's a big part of the problem. Maybe that's true. But I'm pretty sure the patented half-back-dump-kick is a deliberate strategy and not a reflection of his poor skills. As someone with (allegedly) competent skills, I suspect the backline is instructed to transition the ball out of the defence through Duggan, and he's one of the few players with the licence to dump-kick. Watch the games where Maric played half-back last year, and you'll see him do something similar... despite being a generally reliable kick previously.

At 26, I have no idea whether Duggan can be the midfielder he was supposed to be. Maybe it's too late and that ship is sailed. But I'm ok with it being tried.

Duggan needs to find a role outside of defense or he won't be in the side in 12 months.

Likely a bench spot as he can support the defense and play inside or outside.

He was shown up badly last season being unable to cover the ground and defend. That is career ending as many slower mids have discovered.

 

[TwoStriders]

I like the idea of Davis, Allan and Duursma as a three-man rotation on the wings. Allan and Duursma with the ability to roll on-ball when required. Davis with the ability to play forward.

All 190cm+ and decent aerialists – would provide some marking power through the middle of the ground, which should theoretically make it easier to transition out of defence.

That said… I’m trying not to get too excited about training reports this year. I remember last off-season thinking Hutch and Dewar were ready to tear the league apart on the wings too.

I think I prefer CDT as the third tall/chop-out ruck to Archer due to his ability to push up the ground and accumulate and his neater footskills delivering inside 50. But I also really want Archer to get a decent run at that back-up ruck role so he can start building towards a full-time gig.

Don’t think we can carry both AND a primary ruck – which I presume will be Flynn.

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

Hoping we get the balance right with something like this.


FF: Newton Waterman Brockman
HF: Cripps Shanahan Hewett
C: Durrsma Graham McCarthy
HB: Lindsay Young Baker
FB: Duggan Hedwards, Starcevich
R: Flynn, Reid, Yeo
I/C: A.Reid, B.Allan, Dev, Kelly


Not in the team: Owies, Hutchinson, Maric, T.Williams, CDT, Hall, Gross, Davi

If Duggan plays over Ginbey and Hough I’m attending the next training session and taking a massive dump in the middle of the centre square at MRP

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

I like the idea of Davis, Allan and Duursma as a three-man rotation on the wings. Allan and Duursma with the ability to roll on-ball when required. Davis with the ability to play forward.

All 190cm+ and decent aerialists – would provide some marking power through the middle of the ground, which should theoretically make it easier to transition out of defence.

That said… I’m trying not to get too excited about training reports this year. I remember last off-season thinking Hutch and Dewar were ready to tear the league apart on the wings too.

I think I prefer CDT as the third tall/chop-out ruck to Archer due to his ability to push up the ground and accumulate and his neater footskills delivering inside 50. But I also really want Archer to get a decent run at that back-up ruck role so he can start building towards a full-time gig.

Don’t think we can carry both AND a primary ruck – which I presume will be Flynn.

I think Duursma , Allan, Maric and Davis. We need 4 options

 

[FKASC]

Yeah lots of question marks across the board and more players who don't have a settled position than those who do. Guess that gives the coaches some flexibility but i'm sure they'd like some more locks.

On the plus side, provided we don't have an injury crisis, our WAFL side should be competitive enough to allow us to get a better sense of how guys will go when trialled in different positions

 

[Dark Sharks]

If Duggan plays over Ginbey and Hough I’m attending the next training session and taking a massive dump in the middle of the centre square at MRP

I actually forgot Ginbey existed.

If that's the case i'd chuck him in Lindsays spot on the HBF and kick Maric out of the side.

FF: Newton Waterman Brockman
HF: Cripps Shanahan Hewett
C: Durrsma Graham McCarthy
HB: Ginbey Young Baker
FB: Duggan Hedwards, Starcevich
R: Flynn, Reid, Yeo
I/C: A.Reid, B.Allan, Dev, Kelly, Lindsay


Not in the team: Owies, Hutchinson, Brock, Maric, T.Williams, CDT, Hall, Gross, Davis

When you look at the team, it's pretty experienced now.

 

[garlic munchers]

I actually forgot Ginbey existed.

If that's the case i'd chuck him in Lindsays spot on the HBF and kick Maric out of the side.

FF: Newton Waterman Brockman
HF: Cripps Shanahan Hewett
C: Durrsma Graham McCarthy
HB: Ginbey Young Baker
FB: Duggan Hedwards, Starcevich
R: Flynn, Reid, Yeo
I/C: A.Reid, B.Allan, Dev, Kelly, Lindsay


Not in the team: Owies, Hutchinson, Brock, Maric, T.Williams, CDT, Hall, Gross, Davis

When you look at the team, it's pretty experienced now.

Fwd pockets are a concern.

One baby and a spud.

 

[Keys]

Feel like there’ll be more flexibility built into the side with only a few permanent forwards/defenders at each end with a number of players rotating off either half back or half forward through the midfield.

Two KPDs, two KPFs and two rucks/forward rucks

Some players are a lock for R1 but there’s healthy competition for the remaining spots in the 23 that will become sorted out over preseason

Early days, but I think these players will be in the side for R1:

DEF: Edwards, Ginbey, Starcevich, Hough
DEF/MID: Baker, Duggan, McCarthy
MID: Reid
FWD/MID: Hewett, Graham, Kelly
FWD: Waterman, Shanahan, Cripps
R/FR:

That’s 14 and Kelly is debatable but I think he’ll be there at this stage provided he has a decent preseason

Competing for a spot:

Backs -
• Young, Brock and Bazzo fighting for the second KPD spot
• Cole, along with Grego, is a reserve defender but sits behind Starcevich, Hough, Baker and Duggan so is unlikely to be in the 23 other than as an injury replacement
• Maric and Dewar fighting for a final spot as a defender with stints through midfield
• Lindsay might be able to press his claims with a strong preseason but think he’ll more likely start in the WAFL and wait for an opportunity to present itself

Mids -
• Allan, Davis and Duursma pushing for a place on either wing
• Robertson and Hall competing for a spot as an inside/defensive mid
• Rodriguez will spend his time learning in the WAFL and might get a look later in the season

Forwards -
• Hutchinson, Brockman, Macrae and Schoenberg all fighting for a high half forward role. Gross will be in this group as well once he starts training in full
• Long, Owies, Champion and Newton all fighting for a small forward role. Johnston and Tilliams are in this group as well but are a fair way down the pecking order for now
• Jilliams is likely next in line as a KPF behind Waterman and Shanahan
• CDT, like Lindsay, might be able to press his case for an early debut but more likely starts in the WAFL. His mobility is an asset which could see him play as a third tall in preference to a small forward

Rucks -
• Like last year Flynn and Billiams are competing for the No.1 ruck role with Archer Reid also in the mix as the second ruck. Two of this three will play each week but unlikely all three together
• Barnett is way, way back in the pecking order

I haven’t forgotten Yeo, but I have ignored him. Clear best 23 when fit but there’s a massive IF attached to that. In my mind, he’s unavailable until he isn’t and can be considered for selection

Sam Allen I’ve left out for obvious reasons

There is genuine competition for spots with at least 30 players who could conceivably be in the R1 side - probably closer to 35

 

[BSD]

Very much expecting less youth in our Best 23 to begin the year but this is what I'd like to see:

AFL BEST 23
FB: Hough Edwards Ginbey
HB: Lindsay Young Starcevich
C: Duursma Yeo Davis
HF: Baker Shanahan Graham
FF: Brockman Waterman CDT
R: Archer Harley McCarthy
INT: Dev (MID), Hewett (MID/FWD), Duggan (DEF), Allan (MID/DEF), Hutchinson (FWD)

WAFL
FB: Grego Bazzo Johnston
HB: Cole Brock Dewar
C: Maric Hall T. Williams
HF: Cripps B. Williams Newton
FF: Champion J. Williams Owies
R: Flynn Kelly Gross
INT: Macrae, Schoenberg, Rodriguez, Allen, Long, Barnett

I think we should go with 3 rucks, CDT and Jack Williams could share the ruck duties with Bailey Williams or Flynn.

 

[Boohemian]

I think we should go with 3 rucks, CDT and Jack Williams could share the ruck duties with Bailey Williams or Flynn.

Ooh yeah. Just like the good old days when we were playing Cox, Naitanui and Lycett in the same side.

 

[Elite Pete]

 

[wceeaglesfan]

FB Ginbey Edwards Starcevich
HB Hough Young McCarthy
C Bo Allan, Reid, Davis
FOL Flynn Yeo Duursma
HF Hewett Shannahan Baker
FF Archer Watermen dewar
INT Duggan, Linsday, Graham, Kelly, Cripps

 

[Mighty Eagles]

Duggan H.Edwards Hough
Starcevich Ginbey Baker
Duursma Kelly Graham
Cripps Shanahan Gross
J.Williams Waterman Champion
Flynn Yeo H.Reid
McCarthy Hewett Dewar Maric Bazzo
EME: Robertson Macrae Hall Brockman

Playing for the careers
Cripps (likely to retire)
Cole
Long
Johnston

Develop in the WAFL
A.Reid
B.Allan
Duff-Tytler
Lindsay
S.Allen
Grego

2026 make or break
Barnett
Bazzo
Brock (contracted to '27)
Brockman
Flynn
Maric (trade bait)
Newton (R)
Owies (contracted to '27)
B.Williams (trade bait)
J. Williams

 

[PremiershipNo4]

I actually forgot Ginbey existed.

If that's the case i'd chuck him in Lindsays spot on the HBF and kick Maric out of the side.

FF: Newton Waterman Brockman
HF: Cripps Shanahan Hewett
C: Durrsma Graham McCarthy
HB: Ginbey Young Baker
FB: Duggan Hedwards, Starcevich
R: Flynn, Reid, Yeo
I/C: A.Reid, B.Allan, Dev, Kelly, Lindsay


Not in the team: Owies, Hutchinson, Brock, Maric, T.Williams, CDT, Hall, Gross, Davis

When you look at the team, it's pretty experienced now.

You’re selecting Kelly and Duggan ahead of Hough………..pfffffftttttt.
You wouldn’t get a job as a selector for the Baldivis Brumbies!

 

[Mighty Eagles]

Fwd pockets are a concern.

One baby and a spud.

Yep. Been discussing this with my mates a lot this off-season. Problem is our bigger achilles' is our midfield and key defensive roles. But yes, Champion and TWilliams will be in their second and first years at the highest level respectively. Hopefully Owies has a cracking season on the back of a very mediocre first year at the club.