After reading one of buzz's posts on the official WC forum, maybe our list isn't that bad?
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Or are we just suffering from having a coach who has now proved over six seasons that he doesn’t have what it takes to coach in the AFL.
I've gone through our current list and I don't think our team is as bad as everyone is making out.
The Defence:
I’m actually feeling OK about the Eagles defence.
Considering we got thrashed out of the midfield every match, I thought the guys did all right. Plus there was some really good development for the future.
First of all, Jako still has a future at the club.
I think he’s still a great CHB, who can set up allot of play from defence. People like to stick the boots into him, but if our midfield can actually win some clearances and give Jako an even chance, he’ll be all right.
Collica was a fantastic pickup. He can play on tall or small opponents and is still quite young. He'll be a vital cog in our defence for a while to come.
Pe.Matera – I think he's still got another season in him. His disposal and dash coming out of defence is fantastic for the team.
Phil Read – The forgotten man of the WCE. I think he’s a very good player and was another guy who under performed under Judgey and then got injured. Should play in a back pocket next year and will thrive under someone like Woosha as coach.
Darren Glass and Travis Gaspar showed that they have what it takes to play good football in the key defensive posts.
Glass especially impresses me, he’s quick, strong and reads the play well.
I rate Gaspar very highly and he adds flexibility to our team because he can also ruck and go forward on occasions.
Carroll had a shocking start to the season, but once he got some footy under his belt, he actually looked pretty good. If his form continues to build, he'll be an important part of our future, as he can take the ‘third-tall’ of the opposition forward line. Like Glass he’s strong and quick, but doesn’t read the play as well.
Also look for Andrew McCarrey to be promoted of the rookie list. He missed the last half of the WAFL season due to injury, but before that he showed real promise down back and even had stints up forward. Is a real athlete - not dissimilar to Johnathan Hay.
The Midfield:
Was very poor this year, but has real potential.
This is one of the ‘maybe its the coach’ for me, I refuse to believe our midfield is that bad.
Injuries to Braun and Wirra haven’t helped, and poor form from both Morrison and Banfield (before they too where injured) didn’t help.
Gardiner is a top-class ruckman, and he’ll be even better next year. He gives the midfield first use of the ball and can float forward and kick a goal.
Cousins is one of the best midfielders in the AFL, although his disposal does need some more work.
Kerr is the next Dean Kemp. He’s courageous, tough, skilful and again he’ll be even better next year.
Jones has developed into a very good ‘run-with’ player and leader around the club. Having a good tagger in your team is very handy.
If Wirra can stay fit, he’ll be one of the best wingman in the competition. He's quick, skilful and smart.
Brauny also just has to overcome injury to get back to his best. Allot of people have forgotten just how good this bloke was in 1999. Hopefully his luck can change next year.
Forward line:
The real problem area at the club. Simply put, it’s up the crapper.
Cummings looks like he's finished.
Wilson shows heart and enthusiasm, but still plays like a 29yr old WAFL player.
Nothing at Centre Half Forward. I have my doubts about Seirakowski, after all he never showed that much at StKilda. But he can play in the ruck which allows Gardy to go forward.
Ph.Matera had an ordinary year. Suffered from injury and not having a Full Forward to crumb from. I think he's still a terrific player and can bounce back next year.
Merenda showed that he has a future at the club. Needs to work on his defensive play, but can kick miracle/inspirational goals. If he and Fido fire at same time – look out.
Haynes has a future on a Half Forward flank but still has a long way to go.
Embly showed glimpses but was very inconsistent. Next year shapes as a make or break year. Need to be more bang-crash and will probably enjoy having John Worsfold as coach.
McDougall showed very little in the WAFL, but was compared to Josh Fraser before last years draft. Needs to overcome injury and string together a few games in the WAFL.
Buszan showed allot of good signs at East Perth. He's very strong, is a terrific mark and his second efforts are amazing. However there are still injury concerns with him. It seems strange that he wasn't promoted, maybe the coaching staff know something we don't.
McDougall and Buszan must develop further next year.
Although there’s allot of doom and gloom surrounding the Eagles at the moment (and deservedly so), things can turn around quickly.
If Woosha can get more out of certain players and develop some of the young guys to develop further, than there’s no reason we cant make an impact on the AFL next year.
That doesn’t necessarily mean making the finals, just being competitive, enthusiastic and showing some real signs of improvement will be enough for me.
What do you guys think ???
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Some good points are raised dont you think?
Vis
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Or are we just suffering from having a coach who has now proved over six seasons that he doesn’t have what it takes to coach in the AFL.
I've gone through our current list and I don't think our team is as bad as everyone is making out.
The Defence:
I’m actually feeling OK about the Eagles defence.
Considering we got thrashed out of the midfield every match, I thought the guys did all right. Plus there was some really good development for the future.
First of all, Jako still has a future at the club.
I think he’s still a great CHB, who can set up allot of play from defence. People like to stick the boots into him, but if our midfield can actually win some clearances and give Jako an even chance, he’ll be all right.
Collica was a fantastic pickup. He can play on tall or small opponents and is still quite young. He'll be a vital cog in our defence for a while to come.
Pe.Matera – I think he's still got another season in him. His disposal and dash coming out of defence is fantastic for the team.
Phil Read – The forgotten man of the WCE. I think he’s a very good player and was another guy who under performed under Judgey and then got injured. Should play in a back pocket next year and will thrive under someone like Woosha as coach.
Darren Glass and Travis Gaspar showed that they have what it takes to play good football in the key defensive posts.
Glass especially impresses me, he’s quick, strong and reads the play well.
I rate Gaspar very highly and he adds flexibility to our team because he can also ruck and go forward on occasions.
Carroll had a shocking start to the season, but once he got some footy under his belt, he actually looked pretty good. If his form continues to build, he'll be an important part of our future, as he can take the ‘third-tall’ of the opposition forward line. Like Glass he’s strong and quick, but doesn’t read the play as well.
Also look for Andrew McCarrey to be promoted of the rookie list. He missed the last half of the WAFL season due to injury, but before that he showed real promise down back and even had stints up forward. Is a real athlete - not dissimilar to Johnathan Hay.
The Midfield:
Was very poor this year, but has real potential.
This is one of the ‘maybe its the coach’ for me, I refuse to believe our midfield is that bad.
Injuries to Braun and Wirra haven’t helped, and poor form from both Morrison and Banfield (before they too where injured) didn’t help.
Gardiner is a top-class ruckman, and he’ll be even better next year. He gives the midfield first use of the ball and can float forward and kick a goal.
Cousins is one of the best midfielders in the AFL, although his disposal does need some more work.
Kerr is the next Dean Kemp. He’s courageous, tough, skilful and again he’ll be even better next year.
Jones has developed into a very good ‘run-with’ player and leader around the club. Having a good tagger in your team is very handy.
If Wirra can stay fit, he’ll be one of the best wingman in the competition. He's quick, skilful and smart.
Brauny also just has to overcome injury to get back to his best. Allot of people have forgotten just how good this bloke was in 1999. Hopefully his luck can change next year.
Forward line:
The real problem area at the club. Simply put, it’s up the crapper.
Cummings looks like he's finished.
Wilson shows heart and enthusiasm, but still plays like a 29yr old WAFL player.
Nothing at Centre Half Forward. I have my doubts about Seirakowski, after all he never showed that much at StKilda. But he can play in the ruck which allows Gardy to go forward.
Ph.Matera had an ordinary year. Suffered from injury and not having a Full Forward to crumb from. I think he's still a terrific player and can bounce back next year.
Merenda showed that he has a future at the club. Needs to work on his defensive play, but can kick miracle/inspirational goals. If he and Fido fire at same time – look out.
Haynes has a future on a Half Forward flank but still has a long way to go.
Embly showed glimpses but was very inconsistent. Next year shapes as a make or break year. Need to be more bang-crash and will probably enjoy having John Worsfold as coach.
McDougall showed very little in the WAFL, but was compared to Josh Fraser before last years draft. Needs to overcome injury and string together a few games in the WAFL.
Buszan showed allot of good signs at East Perth. He's very strong, is a terrific mark and his second efforts are amazing. However there are still injury concerns with him. It seems strange that he wasn't promoted, maybe the coaching staff know something we don't.
McDougall and Buszan must develop further next year.
Although there’s allot of doom and gloom surrounding the Eagles at the moment (and deservedly so), things can turn around quickly.
If Woosha can get more out of certain players and develop some of the young guys to develop further, than there’s no reason we cant make an impact on the AFL next year.
That doesn’t necessarily mean making the finals, just being competitive, enthusiastic and showing some real signs of improvement will be enough for me.
What do you guys think ???
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Some good points are raised dont you think?
Vis
