2nds WAFL Watch - 2026 Edition

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

Nearly 80 fewer disposals yet still lost the tackle count handily. Pretty damning.

A deceiving stat that as you are ignoring the 13 tackles Miles-Wrency had in the stands as he stared daggers into the souls of the East Perth players who ended up surrendering the ball to escape his wrath

 

[LittleFires]

Unfortunately the result at WAFL level was no better than what happened at AFL level. To be honest, I'm kinda glad I went to watch the Beagles instead of the AFL debacle, but there were hardly any other Eagles fans there - in fact, it felt more like an East Perth home game despite being played at Lathlain.

43 points is probably a fair reflection of the margin, with the game primarily lost in the first 20 minutes of the 1st and 3rd quarters. The rest of the game was pretty even, but the Royals' midfield just dominated all day and they were deserving winners.

Some notes on individual performances:

• It was nice to see Harry Edwards back out there and he had a bit of a mixed game - laid a couple of strong spoils and took a few intercept marks, but a couple of dodgy disposals too. He played limited minutes and wore his helmet, although every time he came off the ground he would rip the helmet off - I'm not sure he's a big fan of it so we'll see if he sticks with it.
• Was probably the most impressed by Jack Hutchinson. Played a mix of wing and inside mid and covered the ground really well. Importantly he was clean with the ball and managed to kick a goal as well. Looks to me like he's added some size while he was injured - looks very fit and wouldn't be surprised to see him recalled in the next few weeks.
• Gross (20 disposals) was clean through the middle although seemed to win a lot of his ball on the outside by working into space. East Perth's mids were far stronger in the contested aspect.
• Hall played inside mid and seemed to have a tagging role on Tom North to start with. Not sure how long they stuck with the tag, and North finished with 23 disposals (vs Hall's 20). Hall had a couple of opportunities to hit the scoreboard but finished with 2 behinds, and his kicking around the ground was poor again.
• Not sure what has happened with Dewar but his kicking is really off at the moment - felt like half of them were floaters off the boot. I feel like he's always been a decent ball user but something is clearly off at the moment. Only had the 10 touches playing on the wing and half back.
• Grego had a quieter first half but I was impressed with his work in the second half. Did some nice things defensively and rebounded well out of defence.
• Rodriguez played a mix of wing and inside mid. Didn't have a huge impact on-field but something that surprised me was how vocal he was in the QT huddle in the mids group.
• I was surprised to see Jack Williams finish with 18 touches and 3.0 - I thought he was solid but on paper that's a very good game. He did present well up forward and was clinical with his goalkicking.
• Flynn probably just had the better of Scott Jones in the ruck battle (13 disposals, 34 hitouts) but didn't offer too much of a presence around the ground. Neither ruck had a huge influence on the game tbh.
• Bazzo had 20 disposals but I don't remember much about his game
• Brock was beaten defensively several times early on before working into the game. Think he'll be in the WAFL for another few weeks at least
• Allan played in defence and tried to take the game on a few times, although his disposal was a bit sloppy at times. Played with the right intent but wouldn't say he's banging down the door
• Barnett was half-decent as a forward/ruck (7 disposals, 6 hitouts, 1.1) but he'll need to show a lot more than that to get another contract.
• Cripps (12 touches, 1.1) and Johnston (10, 1.1) didn't have much of an impact, T.Williams had 12 disposals and applied good pressure up forward, was always looking to create something.

Jamieson (7 disposals, 2.0) was the best of the WAFL-listed players, playing mostly as the deepest forward. Edwards-Baldwin came off in the final quarter with what looked like a hip injury and looked really proppy, taking no further part in the game.

I was surprised to see one of our former development coaches Tom Morrison at the ground, although upon doing a quick Google search he has taken up the role of "WAFL and WAFLW Umpire Operations Manager" with the WAFL, which explains his presence.

In conclusion - not a heap to write home about. Bit of a reality check for the WAFL side, with Hutchinson, Gross and Grego our best from my perspective.

 

[Mighty Eagles]

Perth reserves crushed East Freo. I’m hearing unconfirmed reports that Miles-Wrency was so incredible in defence that he was chaired off the ground after the final siren. Those in attendance said they could have sworn that they were watching Matthew Scarlett in his prime.

Glad it just wasn’t me that got this mail.

 

[Dark Sharks]

Cupboard looks bare this week

Surely Gross comes in.

Duggan should be dropped (managed) for Grego as well.

 

[Mighty Eagles]

Surely Gross comes in.

Duggan should be dropped (managed) for Grego as well.


View attachment 2600256

Yes to Gross & Duggan. I’d be happy for Grego to come in for Cole.

Need another genuine key defender and Bazzo is the man in form who should be selected. Edwards another week or two away judging by today’s game time.

 

[ACT_EAGLE]

Unfortunately the result at WAFL level was no better than what happened at AFL level. To be honest, I'm kinda glad I went to watch the Beagles instead of the AFL debacle, but there were hardly any other Eagles fans there - in fact, it felt more like an East Perth home game despite being played at Lathlain.

43 points is probably a fair reflection of the margin, with the game primarily lost in the first 20 minutes of the 1st and 3rd quarters. The rest of the game was pretty even, but the Royals' midfield just dominated all day and they were deserving winners.

Some notes on individual performances:

• It was nice to see Harry Edwards back out there and he had a bit of a mixed game - laid a couple of strong spoils and took a few intercept marks, but a couple of dodgy disposals too. He played limited minutes and wore his helmet, although every time he came off the ground he would rip the helmet off - I'm not sure he's a big fan of it so we'll see if he sticks with it.
• Was probably the most impressed by Jack Hutchinson. Played a mix of wing and inside mid and covered the ground really well. Importantly he was clean with the ball and managed to kick a goal as well. Looks to me like he's added some size while he was injured - looks very fit and wouldn't be surprised to see him recalled in the next few weeks.
• Gross (20 disposals) was clean through the middle although seemed to win a lot of his ball on the outside by working into space. East Perth's mids were far stronger in the contested aspect.
• Hall played inside mid and seemed to have a tagging role on Tom North to start with. Not sure how long they stuck with the tag, and North finished with 23 disposals (vs Hall's 20). Hall had a couple of opportunities to hit the scoreboard but finished with 2 behinds, and his kicking around the ground was poor again.
• Not sure what has happened with Dewar but his kicking is really off at the moment - felt like half of them were floaters off the boot. I feel like he's always been a decent ball user but something is clearly off at the moment. Only had the 10 touches playing on the wing and half back.
• Grego had a quieter first half but I was impressed with his work in the second half. Did some nice things defensively and rebounded well out of defence.
• Rodriguez played a mix of wing and inside mid. Didn't have a huge impact on-field but something that surprised me was how vocal he was in the QT huddle in the mids group.
• I was surprised to see Jack Williams finish with 18 touches and 3.0 - I thought he was solid but on paper that's a very good game. He did present well up forward and was clinical with his goalkicking.
• Flynn probably just had the better of Scott Jones in the ruck battle (13 disposals, 34 hitouts) but didn't offer too much of a presence around the ground. Neither ruck had a huge influence on the game tbh.
• Bazzo had 20 disposals but I don't remember much about his game
• Brock was beaten defensively several times early on before working into the game. Think he'll be in the WAFL for another few weeks at least
• Allan played in defence and tried to take the game on a few times, although his disposal was a bit sloppy at times. Played with the right intent but wouldn't say he's banging down the door
• Barnett was half-decent as a forward/ruck (7 disposals, 6 hitouts, 1.1) but he'll need to show a lot more than that to get another contract.
• Cripps (12 touches, 1.1) and Johnston (10, 1.1) didn't have much of an impact, T.Williams had 12 disposals and applied good pressure up forward, was always looking to create something.

Jamieson (7 disposals, 2.0) was the best of the WAFL-listed players, playing mostly as the deepest forward. Edwards-Baldwin came off in the final quarter with what looked like a hip injury and looked really proppy, taking no further part in the game.

I was surprised to see one of our former development coaches Tom Morrison at the ground, although upon doing a quick Google search he has taken up the role of "WAFL and WAFLW Umpire Operations Manager" with the WAFL, which explains his presence.

In conclusion - not a heap to write home about. Bit of a reality check for the WAFL side, with Hutchinson, Gross and Grego our best from my perspective.

thanks for the write up. Wafl team will be tested these next two weeks with bigger midfield bodies. Just need to keep getting games into them. Fin Mcrae missing is a shame as he would have helped the young midfielders. Hall, Gross and rodriguez so young. I hope the club are ruthless with the mid season draft and bring in two players. Extra older bodies will make this side bridge that 6 goal gap I hope.

 

[Mighty Eagles]

thanks for the write up. Wafl team will be tested these next two weeks with bigger midfield bodies. Just need to keep getting games into them. Fin Mcrae missing is a shame as he would have helped the young midfielders. Hall, Gross and rodriguez so young. I hope the club are ruthless with the mid season draft and bring in two players. Extra older bodies will make this side bridge that 6 goal gap I hope.

The WAFL scoreboard is intriguing on a few levels.

We were good, especially in the second half of R3 and first qtr of R4, in the past fortnight. I’m an EP supporter and I’ve seen us in both our loses and thought our depth was exposed at the start of the year.

But to be blown away by EP, despite Brayshaw now returning, surprises me. I think you’re right with Macrae missing. His experience and nature body leads the way in the guts, so to have another one one the sidelines due to an undisciplined act is disappointing. The frustrations that exist within the club are evidently boiling over to game day.

 

[Mulldogg]

For the masochists amongst us the Beagles replay is on 7plus now. With Paul “Santa Maria” Persic on commentary no less.

 

[Ilkka Sinisalo]

For the masochists amongst us the Beagles replay is on 7plus now. With Paul “Santa Maria” Persic on commentary no less.

 

[Mulldogg]

Some random late night thoughts of the Beagles replay.

Rodriguez didn’t get much of the ball but he’s arguably the best user by foot in the Beagles side.

Barnett is honestly the easiest delisting you’ll see. The bloke just does not have a competitive bone is his body. Amazing how he was drafted as the first ruck taken that year. Maybe he is the poster boy for how bad our development program is?

Hutchinson should come in next week. Not going to be a world beater but a big body that chases hard and works both ways which we’re lacking with Fridge and Dev out.

Bo Allan had an indifferent game at half back. Amazingly given no centre ball up attendances. What are our coaching staff doing? Other than Harley’s first goal today I don’t think any of our players have looked as explosive and dynamic out of the centre this year as Bo did with that first centre clearance of the last quarter in the disaster versus Sydney. Yet in the last quarter when we’re 50 points down we’ve got Sasha Kernutt and TEB in there. See what he can do in there FFS.

Harry Edwards was ok without starring. I think we’re going to be cringing though every time he cops heavy body contact. Seems to have got through unscathed this week.

Cripps did nothing, doesn’t warrant a return.

Jack Williams went onto the ball in the last quarter and picked up a lot of disposals and more than held his own against Scott Jones who is a good WAFL ruck. Also kicked 3 snags. I know he was very quiet against the Saints last week but he doesn’t seem to get the same leeway that Archer Reid did for quiet games prior to his knee injury. I still think there is a player there. Possibly comes in next week to back up B Williams so CDT can have a rest.

 

[Mighty Eagles]

Some random late night thoughts of the Beagles replay.

Rodriguez didn’t get much of the ball but he’s arguably the best user by foot in the Beagles side.

Barnett is honestly the easiest delisting you’ll see. The bloke just does not have a competitive bone is his body. Amazing how he was drafted as the first ruck taken that year. Maybe he is the poster boy for how bad our development program is?

Hutchinson should come in next week. Not going to be a world beater but a big body that chases hard and works both ways which we’re lacking with Fridge and Dev out.

Bo Allan had an indifferent game at half back. Amazingly given no centre ball up attendances. What are our coaching staff doing? Other than Harley’s first goal today I don’t think any of our players have looked as explosive and dynamic out of the centre this year as Bo did with that first centre clearance of the last quarter in the disaster versus Sydney. Yet in the last quarter when we’re 50 points down we’ve got Sasha Kernutt and TEB in there. See what he can do in there FFS.

Harry Edwards was ok without starring. I think we’re going to be cringing though every time he cops heavy body contact. Seems to have got through unscathed this week.

Cripps did nothing, doesn’t warrant a return.

Jack Williams went onto the ball in the last quarter and picked up a lot of disposals and more than held his own against Scott Jones who is a good WAFL ruck. Also kicked 3 snags. I know he was very quiet against the Saints last week but he doesn’t seem to get the same leeway that Archer Reid did for quiet games prior to his knee injury. I still think there is a player there. Possibly comes in next week to back up B Williams so CDT can have a rest.

Good analysis.

That’s actually good re Rodriguez. He may get an opportunity or two at the highest level after a month or so of good form.

WTF happened with Barnett warrants a form of investigation. I know we’ve been awful for five years, but that same development programme has produced Hough, JWilliams, Harley, Archer, Shanahan, Gross, Davis, Duurs, CDT & Lindsay since 2021. Most of them have played most of their football in the ones since they were drafted. So it’s got to be more than our programme.

Hutch looked great the past fortnight. Needed a solid hitout this weekend, which it sounds he has had. Would be a much-needed HFF as I’ve been very disappointed with our medium forwards the past few weeks. Murdock clearly isn’t close to 100%.

You’re dead-right re our inside mids. They were, generally, crap today. Bo definitely should’ve been played there to work on his craft.

Your description of Cripps was much like his game last weekend. Only has a few games at the highest level left within him.

I’ve been saying for weeks the likes of CDT needs an extended break. It’s a lot for someone his age & height to get conditioned to the highest level. Give him an extended break every six weeks or so. Don’t want to lose him to a soft tissue injury like we did Murdock. JWilliams should be recalled to replace him.

 

[chaddy22]

The WAFL scoreboard is intriguing on a few levels.

We were good, especially in the second half of R3 and first qtr of R4, in the past fortnight. I’m an EP supporter and I’ve seen us in both our loses and thought our depth was exposed at the start of the year.

But to be blown away by EP, despite Brayshaw now returning, surprises me. I think you’re right with Macrae missing. His experience and nature body leads the way in the guts, so to have another one one the sidelines due to an undisciplined act is disappointing. The frustrations that exist within the club are evidently boiling over to game day.

Was expecting a lot closer game considering the Beagles had won three games in a row.
East Perth had several players out thru injuries and a couple more pulled out before the game with one apparentley due to a spider bite. I think the Beagles last quarter fight back may have been due to East Perth copping a few injuries to some back players. Former Eagle Luke Foley copped a heavy collision and ended up in hospital.
The Beagles midfield got pantsed and the key backs had their hands full with East's key forwards.
I think Hutchison looked good and Jwilliams did all right. I expect Hutch to get a game soon.
I only expect Jwilliams to get a game if CDT rested and Reid not available.

 

[Cuzz09]

I just realised Harley Sparks is playing for the Panthers here in the SANFL.

Top 6 in the league for disposals.

Good on him

 

[ziad]

Unfortunately the result at WAFL level was no better than what happened at AFL level. To be honest, I'm kinda glad I went to watch the Beagles instead of the AFL debacle, but there were hardly any other Eagles fans there - in fact, it felt more like an East Perth home game despite being played at Lathlain.

43 points is probably a fair reflection of the margin, with the game primarily lost in the first 20 minutes of the 1st and 3rd quarters. The rest of the game was pretty even, but the Royals' midfield just dominated all day and they were deserving winners.

Some notes on individual performances:

• It was nice to see Harry Edwards back out there and he had a bit of a mixed game - laid a couple of strong spoils and took a few intercept marks, but a couple of dodgy disposals too. He played limited minutes and wore his helmet, although every time he came off the ground he would rip the helmet off - I'm not sure he's a big fan of it so we'll see if he sticks with it.
• Was probably the most impressed by Jack Hutchinson. Played a mix of wing and inside mid and covered the ground really well. Importantly he was clean with the ball and managed to kick a goal as well. Looks to me like he's added some size while he was injured - looks very fit and wouldn't be surprised to see him recalled in the next few weeks.
• Gross (20 disposals) was clean through the middle although seemed to win a lot of his ball on the outside by working into space. East Perth's mids were far stronger in the contested aspect.
• Hall played inside mid and seemed to have a tagging role on Tom North to start with. Not sure how long they stuck with the tag, and North finished with 23 disposals (vs Hall's 20). Hall had a couple of opportunities to hit the scoreboard but finished with 2 behinds, and his kicking around the ground was poor again.
• Not sure what has happened with Dewar but his kicking is really off at the moment - felt like half of them were floaters off the boot. I feel like he's always been a decent ball user but something is clearly off at the moment. Only had the 10 touches playing on the wing and half back.
• Grego had a quieter first half but I was impressed with his work in the second half. Did some nice things defensively and rebounded well out of defence.
• Rodriguez played a mix of wing and inside mid. Didn't have a huge impact on-field but something that surprised me was how vocal he was in the QT huddle in the mids group.
• I was surprised to see Jack Williams finish with 18 touches and 3.0 - I thought he was solid but on paper that's a very good game. He did present well up forward and was clinical with his goalkicking.
• Flynn probably just had the better of Scott Jones in the ruck battle (13 disposals, 34 hitouts) but didn't offer too much of a presence around the ground. Neither ruck had a huge influence on the game tbh.
• Bazzo had 20 disposals but I don't remember much about his game
• Brock was beaten defensively several times early on before working into the game. Think he'll be in the WAFL for another few weeks at least
• Allan played in defence and tried to take the game on a few times, although his disposal was a bit sloppy at times. Played with the right intent but wouldn't say he's banging down the door
• Barnett was half-decent as a forward/ruck (7 disposals, 6 hitouts, 1.1) but he'll need to show a lot more than that to get another contract.
• Cripps (12 touches, 1.1) and Johnston (10, 1.1) didn't have much of an impact, T.Williams had 12 disposals and applied good pressure up forward, was always looking to create something.

Jamieson (7 disposals, 2.0) was the best of the WAFL-listed players, playing mostly as the deepest forward. Edwards-Baldwin came off in the final quarter with what looked like a hip injury and looked really proppy, taking no further part in the game.

I was surprised to see one of our former development coaches Tom Morrison at the ground, although upon doing a quick Google search he has taken up the role of "WAFL and WAFLW Umpire Operations Manager" with the WAFL, which explains his presence.

In conclusion - not a heap to write home about. Bit of a reality check for the WAFL side, with Hutchinson, Gross and Grego our best from my perspective.

• Rodriguez didn't have a huge impact on-field but was very vocal in the huddle. Interesting observations. Is he a leader of a FIGJAM?

 

[Matele]

Cripps did nothing, doesn’t warrant a return.

Pretty sure he’s just become a dad so a few sleepless nights I’d assume, might also be why he’s been dropped from the AFL side.

 

[Citizen Erazed]

The minute FRod gets 20 touches, bring him into the seniors.

 

[Keys]

WAFL Recap: Round Five

WAFL Eagles coach Kyal Horsley recaps Saturday’s round five loss to East Perth

www.westcoasteagles.com.au

Kyal Horsley

Kyal Horsley

Age

38

Ht

182cm

Wt

89kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.6

4star

K

9.0

3star

HB

7.6

5star

M

3.2

3star

T

4.5

5star

CL

2.6

4star

No current season stats available

D

19.6

5star

K

11.6

4star

HB

8.0

5star

M

4.2

4star

T

7.2

5star

CL

3.0

5star

’s recap has come out early this week

Jack Williams, Hall and Hutchinson named as our three best - Hall for his selfless role carrying out a specific task

“Clay played a selfless role for the team again and did an outstanding job. He showed great discipline with a task-oriented approach.”

 

[WCE777]

WAFL Recap: Round Five

WAFL Eagles coach Kyal Horsley recaps Saturday’s round five loss to East Perth

www.westcoasteagles.com.au

Kyal Horsley’s recap has come out early this week

Jack Williams, Hall and Hutchinson named as our three best - Hall for his selfless role carrying out a specific task

“Clay played a selfless role for the team again and did an outstanding job. He showed great discipline with a task-oriented approach.”

Hall has been dong a tagging role for a couple of weeks hasn't he?

 

[JackOutback]

Hall has been dong a tagging role for a couple of weeks hasn't he?

We clearly need a defensive minded mid now that Dev and Graham are out, so hopefully that is something we're trying to train in others.

 

[WCE777]

We clearly need a defensive minded mid now that Dev and Graham are out, so hopefully that is something we're trying to train in others.

100% seems that's what the coaches are saying about Halls role.
We know he can find the ball, hope he finds his niche somewhere like that.

 

[Bleedblueandgold]

Bo Allan really needs to be developed as a mid at WAFL level. Horsley needs to wake up!

 

[mattyc75]

Bo Allan really needs to be developed as a mid at WAFL level. Horsley needs to wake up!

Horsley would just be following orders

 

[Kegs15]

We clearly need a defensive minded mid now that Dev and Graham are out, so hopefully that is something we're trying to train in others.

I think it's also where Hall badly needs to develop if he's ever going to make it (long shot).

So many moments in WAFL games you just see him not committing to a chase - he'll go for the tackle or the hard ball if he's there, he's not contact-soft, but I think he's a bit defensively soft.

Players like Dev and Graham provide half their value from the times they influence a contest by 10-20% - they might chase, put some body on someone, put a bit of pressure on a kick without getting a stat, run to cover the dangerous spots in the middle of the ground etc (pressure acts but also that ambiguous type of effort that isn't a bankable pressure act but still slightly offsets the opposition).

Hall feels like he went through his juniors firing up at going head to head (like the infamous duel with Harley in U18s) but not really doing much of the boring stuff. And he's certainly not got the offensive weapons to provide value (like you'd be fine if NWM wasn't wasting energy on fruitless chases but Hall's not that.)

Still haven't seen it conclusively at WAFL level but makes sense the coaches are going that direction with him I think.

 

[Doashuey]

The minute FRod gets 20 touches, bring him into the seniors.

Agree but would also need to play 75%TOG minimum. He needs to be good to go before we throw him in there. Ratjer we wait an extra week or 2 so he is cherry ripe and can hit the big time running on all cylinders.

 

[DSWCE]

Anyone got any info on how Harvey Johnston is going? I thought he showed a bit early days but hasn't got a game since Mini has been in charge. Obviously doesn't rate him.