Ochre
Stop the Steal!
Hi everyone, before I begin, I'd just like to say that I've recently woken from a 5 month coma and haven't been able to check the news since I've woken up, but Im sure you won't even notice.
Ah round 1, the time of year where hope springs eternal and every fan is high on optimism for what could lie ahead, where even if you're scheduled a s**t time slot against Gold Coast you know there'll still be close to 60,000 screaming Eagles fans at Optus to help cheer the boys on.
After receiving the three votes in the corresponding fixture last year, the Medium 'O' will be keen to once again start the season with a bang. Whilst Kennedy and Darling have once again completed their pre season with the professional, no fuss attitude we've come to expect, both are reaching the twilight of their careers and with Allen turning 23 the day before this match, this game should mark the beginning of Oscar being the main man in the Eagles forward line.
Meanwhile at other end of the ground, my favourite non West Coast player will look to begin his season with a bang. Despite only turning 21 half way through last season, King managed to take the leap and kick 47 goals, and if he can continue improving the sky is the limit for this rising Sun in 2022.
The midfield is where the game is normally won or lost, and the inside battle of this game will be fascinating.
On one side, you have the experienced Dom Sheed, Elliot Yeo and Tim Kelly. Their 3 AA blazers, 2 premierships and 2 best and fairests gives the Eagles midfield invaluable, irreplacable experience, which will be needed against a strong up and coming midfield, led by the Suns' new co-captain Touk Miller.
Normally playing for the Suns has all the fame and fortune of a career in the Sheffield Shield, but unlike Travis Dean, Caleb Jewell or Scott Boland, Miller managed to make a name for himself last year, winning his first B&F and AA blazer.
Hurn Barrass Sheppard
Duggan McGovern Cole
Gaff Shuey Chesser
Cripps Darling Allen
Rioli Kennedy Ryan
Naitanui Kelly Yeo
Sheed Trew Clark LEdwards (Joyce)
Round 1 Preview v Gold Coast
Ah round 1, the time of year where hope springs eternal and every fan is high on optimism for what could lie ahead, where even if you're scheduled a s**t time slot against Gold Coast you know there'll still be close to 60,000 screaming Eagles fans at Optus to help cheer the boys on.
Key Match Ups:
Oscar Allen v Ben King
After receiving the three votes in the corresponding fixture last year, the Medium 'O' will be keen to once again start the season with a bang. Whilst Kennedy and Darling have once again completed their pre season with the professional, no fuss attitude we've come to expect, both are reaching the twilight of their careers and with Allen turning 23 the day before this match, this game should mark the beginning of Oscar being the main man in the Eagles forward line.
Meanwhile at other end of the ground, my favourite non West Coast player will look to begin his season with a bang. Despite only turning 21 half way through last season, King managed to take the leap and kick 47 goals, and if he can continue improving the sky is the limit for this rising Sun in 2022.
Midfield v Midfield
The midfield is where the game is normally won or lost, and the inside battle of this game will be fascinating.
On one side, you have the experienced Dom Sheed, Elliot Yeo and Tim Kelly. Their 3 AA blazers, 2 premierships and 2 best and fairests gives the Eagles midfield invaluable, irreplacable experience, which will be needed against a strong up and coming midfield, led by the Suns' new co-captain Touk Miller.
Normally playing for the Suns has all the fame and fortune of a career in the Sheffield Shield, but unlike Travis Dean, Caleb Jewell or Scott Boland, Miller managed to make a name for himself last year, winning his first B&F and AA blazer.
Other Players To Watch:
Campbell Chesser
- Whilst expectations are high at the Eagles to rise back up the ladder and challenge again, the aging list profile means the club will need to have one eye on the future and Chesser is central to that. With his eagerness to get across to WA over the pre season and glowing training reports once here, expect this exciting youngster to appear early and often in 2022 and alongside Luke Edwards, Zane Trew and Xavier O'Neill, provide a glimpse of the future for Eagles fans.Izak Rankine
- It was a step back in 2021 for the talented small forward, but after a big pre season he'll be desperate to add to his incredible highlight reel and the Eagles will certainly want one of their experienced small defenders in Sheppard, Duggan or Cole minding Rankine, as he may be too much for an inexperienced defender to handle.Possible 22(23):
Hurn Barrass Sheppard
Duggan McGovern Cole
Gaff Shuey Chesser
Cripps Darling Allen
Rioli Kennedy Ryan
Naitanui Kelly Yeo
Sheed Trew Clark LEdwards (Joyce)
