West Coast Board

[=KaNga=]

West Coast Coasters 08-09

No one is untradeable.

Contracted:

1. Clinton Jones - 277,000 (5)
2. Andrew Mackie - $400,000 (5)
3. Kade Simpson - $360,000 (3)
4. Bryce Gibbs - $342,000 (5)
5. Domenic Cassisi - $367,000 (4)
6. Matt Rosa - $280,000 (3)
7. Chad Fletcher - $260,000 (2)
8. Hamish McIntosh - $258,000 (3)
9. Craig Bolton - $251,000 (2)
10. Jordan Lewis - $318,000 (3)
11. Marcus Drum - $233,000 (3)
12. Mark L Williams - $205,000 (1)
13. Brad Ottens - $200,000 (1)
14. Ashley Hansen - $200,000 (2)
15. Sam Sheldon - $107,000 (5)
16. Thomas Murphy - $177,000 (5)
17. Daniel Bell - $177,000(5)
18. Travis Boak - $164,000 (2)
19. Kepler Bradley - $156,000 (1)
20. Joe Anderson - $142,000 (5)
21. Darren Glass - $141,000 (1)
22. Jason Porplyzia - $136,000 (2)
23. Matthew Whelan - $136,000 (1)
24. Jared Rivers - $130,000 (4)
25. John Meesen - $115,000 (4)
26. Mark Coughlan - $107,000 (3)
27. David Wojcinski - $107,000 (3)
28. Mitchell Farmer - $85,000 (1)
29. David McKay - $300,000 (5)
30. Justin Koschitzke - $267,000 (4)
31. Ed Lower - $127,000 (2)
32. Luke Ablett - $200,000 (2)
33. Chance Bateman - $400,000 (4)
34. Tadhg Kennelly - $310,000 (1)
35. Rhys O'Keefe - $61,000 (2)
36. Tom Rockliff - $61,000 (2)
37. Paul Cahill ($61,000) (2)
38. Nick Salter ($61,000) (2)

Veterans List:

Brent Harvey (v) (4)
Tyson Edwards (v)

TPP: $7,713,000 (Includes first 4 draft picks)

Rookies:

Matt Spangher
Benjamin Speight

 

[peterss]

As i said from the PM

Veszpremi, Porplyzia, Kennedy, Williams (Slightly) all interest me

I want Ryan davis from your rookie list to - Not sure if we can trade rookies though and if we do can they be upgraded straight away at their new club?

 

[=KaNga=]

Throw me an offer mate, doesn't necessarilly need to be players I said I was interested in via PM.

 

[peterss]

Got to find out if theres a rule on trading rookie players first..As i want Davis

 

[=KaNga=]

It's A Happy Off-Season

West Coast's first big signing, Bryce Gibbs.

After a disappointing season in 2008 the West Coast football club made some hard decisions. None harder than sacking coach Kerrby after one season at the helm in 2008, where he failed to take the club to a finals berth.

West Coast went out on a recruiting drive to find a new coach, before they narrowed it down to one man, Kanga. The young and enthusiastic coach came in with a vision to shake up the list and bring in young and exciting talent, calling the list he started with "Old and dull".

"It was a pretty horrible list when I looked at it, but I was ready for the challenge ahead"

Since then, coach Kanga has kept his promise and brought in future superstars Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Mackie, Hamish McIntosh and Kade Simpson. While other young players capable of doing a good job such as Clinton Jones, Daniel Bell, Marcus Drum and Joe Anderson came in as well.

"One thing you'll notice with the last four mentioned players is that they finished off last season really strongly with their previous clubs, and they're still young so hopefully they can continue their good run with us."

"We're particularly pleased with Marcus signing on with us, he really started to deliver towards the end of last season. We really think he can live up to his potential next year. It's great to see our club attracting such exciting talent"

With other names such as Brent Harvey, Tyson Edwards, Brad Ottens, Jason Porplyzia and Matt Rosa you would think a finals berth in 2009 would be the required minimum.

"Oh yeah without a doubt we'd be aiming for finals. With the list we have it would be disappointing not to. Look out for Josh Kennedy next season, he's ready to hold down centre half forward for us and our ruck pairing of McIntosh and Ottens will be pretty hard to beat."

The off-season is still only young and between now and then, anything could happen. There is no doubt the Eagles will continue to look to improve their side, just like everyone else.

 

[=KaNga=]

West Coast Welcome Travis Boak

New signing Travis Boak

West Coast have signed young gun midfielder Travis Boak to the football club.

After negotiations of what seemed to have been a few years at least, both West Coast and Rottnest football clubs agreed on a trade.

"I've been an admirer of Boak for a long time now, he was always a player we'd love to have on our list but we never actually thought it would eventuate." said coach Kanga.

Travis Boak joins an impressive list of young midfielders joining the West Coast football club this summer.

"It's the place to be I reckon, it's got a great vibe" said a fresh looking Boak, who came straight off the plane and a taxi to be in Subiaco.

After missing out on finals last season new coach Kanga promised a change in personell at the football club and promised youth and excitement.

"I think we've just about achieved that. I haven't come across a West Coast fan who hasn't told me how happy they are with how the team is starting to shape up"

Why wouldn't they be, with players like Brent Harvey, Tyson Edwards, Brad Ottens, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Mackie, Travis Boak, Kade Simpson, Matt Rosa and Jason Porplyzia the Eagles will be looking to play finals this season.

 

[=KaNga=]

Anyone willing to cough up a draft pick 40-60 for Sam Power? Will play 22 games or close to it, had a solid season in 08.

Chad Fletcher going for very cheap as well, just let me know if you're interested.

 

[peterss]

Anyone willing to cough up a draft pick 40-60 for Sam Power? Will play 22 games or close to it, had a solid season in 08.

Chad Fletcher going for very cheap as well, just let me know if you're interested.

Interested slightly in both of them - Thing is giving up a pick for them would mean adding to my cap and i dont really want to do that as i have players to re-sign...Any ideas?

 

[=KaNga=]

The West Continue To Strengthen

One of West Coast's new signings James Kelly in action.

West Coast secured the long term futures of another three talented footballers yesterday. Domenic Cassisi and James Kelly signs from the newly formed Southern Stingrays and Mark Coughlan joins from Gold Coast.

"Our list is really starting to take shape, those 3 blokes are pretty good players on their day and we're happy they've decided to play their footy with us. Dom had his best season last year, we kept a pretty close eye on him and thought he took the next step in his footy. Hopefully he can continue that good form with us."

Along with Cassisi, James Kelly decided to put pen to paper on a 5 year deal to play with West Coast yesterday as well.

"We're really happy with James. There's no doubt he has immense talent. A couple of years ago people rated James a better prospect than both Ablett and Bartel. It's fair to say they have both surpassed James for now, but if he can get close to those two guys in terms of on-field performance we'd be pretty pleased."

Mark Coughlan gets thrown a lifeline from West Coast after multiple seasons out of the game.

"Cogs has had his problems with injury but we decided to give him another chance because on his day he was one of the best midfielders in the competition. A strong bodied, ball winning midfielder. It's just a matter of getting his body right in the off-season so he can have a red hot crack in 2009. I'm confident in our medical staff to treat Cogs through this process."

The West Coast starting lineup has been talked up to be looking somewhat 'menacing' for the up-coming season ahead.

"Ohh I think I'll keep the lineup under wraps for now and reveal it later. I'll say one thing though, and that is it's looking pretty damn good. "

 

[=KaNga=]

Sam In, Sam Out

One Sam (Power) was traded out and another Sam (Sheldon) was traded in for West Coast yesterday.

West Coast were keen to keep Sam Power, a serviceable running defender/midfielder but it has been reported that Power wished to pursue new challenges and asked to be traded.

"Sam came and spoke to me last week about a possible move away from the club. He felt as though with the signings we had made it would be difficult for him to get game time. Sam's a good kid and I was straight up with him and told him he was no certainty to play regular footy next season and we agreed to find him a new home"

It is believed that Power left the club on "Good terms" and the decision was mutual.

Instead West Coast brought in young midfielder Sam Sheldon. A silky smooth midfielder with a penetrating kick. Sheldon was drafted at pick 70 in 2006 as a 17 year old bottom ager by Brisbane. He was touted as a possible top 10 pick in 2007 so the Lions decided to draft him late as a project player.

"We think Sam's a pretty talented footballer, not a lot of clubs will know who he is but that's alright. I think he's on the verge of getting some game time. He's had an extra year in the system and we think that will benefit him in terms of his development and maturity."

West Coast showed how much they rated Sheldon by offering him a 5 year contract without hesitation.

"We've signed him on a long term contract, we're confident we've made the right decision and we'll see some quality football from the boy. It's a good investment I reckon" said Coach Kanga.

Sam Sheldon pictured centre at the draft camp.

 

[=KaNga=]

Kozzie Goes West

West Coast have signed big man Justin Koschitzke for 4 years on a contract reported to be around $250,000 a year.

Koschitzke bolsters West Coast's key position stocks, an area which coach Kanga believed was one of his side's weaknesses.

"Our key positions around the ground needed some depth so we looked to get Justin into the football club. We were initially going to bid for him, but North Melbourne coach Wheels and I decided on a trade pretty quickly. It was something that just happened and negotiations ran pretty smoothly. We thank the Saints for their co-operation." said Kanga

The signing of Koschitzke raises questions on who will shoulder the ruck duties and can West Coast play all three of Hamish McIntosh, Brad Ottens and Justin Koschitzke in the same side?

"We'll look to play all three in the same side by employing a three man rotation. Two will play up forward while one does the ruckwork. I mean they're no scrubs so it's not like we will be disadvantaged by playing all three, they're very good players I reckon."

Eyebrows were raised when the contract details filtered out into the public about West Coast's willingness to offer a player who has a long history of injuries, such a long contract.

"Definitely taken a punt there, we'll be doing everything we can to get Justin right. A lot of it has to do with his awareness, and we'll be looking to throw tennis balls at him at training to test him out a bit."

In related news, Coburg coach BW will not like the look of this new signing for West Coast. It is believed that a trade between West Coast and Coburg was agreed upon internally, pending a signing of a mystery player West Coast were keen on but did not want to disclose at the time.

"Yeah I can tell you that player was Justin Koschitzke, we agreed to terms on a trade but I put things on hold to see if i could land Koschitzke. At the time I thought we had no chance but 5 minutes later a deal for Kozzie was agreed upon so we're quite happy. But I haven't fully written off our trade just yet" explained Kanga.

 

[=KaNga=]

Young Mastiff Becomes An Eagle

Young star David MacKay has swapped the colours of the Mastiffs for the blue and gold of West Coast, in what was a very swift deal that was finalised two days ago.

West Coast lost young prospect Brad Howard as a part of the deal that brought MacKay West.

"Brad was a required player at West Coast, but he expressed his interest in joining the Mastiffs while MacKay expressed his interest to come West. In the end it was a pretty easy and quick trade." said Kanga.

West Coast have been very impressed with MacKay in his second year of football, where he played 15 games for the Mastiffs.

"We were really impressed by the poise David showed in his games last season. It's a quality that is very important if you are to be a good footballer at AFL level, and having it at such a young age is a really good sign."

The skillful and fleet footed midfielder expressed his joy after signing on the dotted line for 5 yrs at $300,000 a year.

"I wanted to come and play at West Coast and they've obviously given me quite a reasonable contract which is good. It gives you that confidence that you're wanted around the place, I'll definitely be looking to repay their faith in me as soon as possible." said MacKay.

It is understood that Tyson Edwards has taken up a mentoring role for the young MacKay.

"Yeah it's true, things get tough for someone as young as me especially moving to Perth. But Tyson's made things alot easier, he's kinda taken me under his wing and we're both good mates so yeah."

West Coast will be hoping MacKay can become a regular in the West Coast lineup filled with quality midfielders.

"It's going to be tough to break into that midfield, I might have to learn to kick a few more goals so i can get a gig in the forwardline. I reckon that's my best bet at this stage[laughs]."

 

[iampig]

Nice work & good luck with him

Was 1 of a select few "Mornington Dragons" I was keen to retain.

Matching price was no prob but the 5 year deal lead to the decision to trade.

 

[Virgil]

Should be a great get for the future .

 

[=KaNga=]

Cheers fellas, happy to have him on the list. His a favourite of mine (but it won't stop me trading him if something comes along )

 

[=KaNga=]

Leaked! West Coast Starting Lineup

An anonymous news reporter has been trawling through West Coast coach Kanga's garbage bins early on Wednesday morning, just before garbage collectors were scheduled to take the trash. What was found in the end was supposedly the starting lineup for West Coast next season.

The starting lineup was submitted into the Herald Sun in the state it was found. On the back of a Kellogs Cornflakes cereal box. The reporter claims that it is indeed the work of coach kanga's as he knows that "It's his hand writing".

As bizarre as the circumstances may seem, the story could have some truth behind it. The Eagles have nearly a full squad and it wouldn't be uncommon for the coach to play around with his starting lineup to see what it will look like. Coach Kanga has also previously stated that he is a man that "loves his cornflakes".

Here is the content on what was found exactly on the back of the Cornflakes box

B: Domenic Cassisi – Craig Bolton - Tadgh Kennelly
HB: Andrew Mackie - Jarred Rivers - Matt Rosa
C: Bryce Gibbs - Travis Boak - Jordan Lewis
HF: Chance Bateman - Brad Ottens - Kade Simpson
F: Clinton Jones – Justin Koschitzke – Jason Porplyzia

R: Hamish McIntosh - Tyson Edwards - Brent Harvey

INT: Chad Fletcher, Matthew Whelan, David MacKay, Marcus Drum

Mark Williams
Ash Hansen
Mark Coughlan
Daniel Bell
David Wojcinski
Luke Ablett
Darren Glass
Kepler Bradley
Thomas Murphy
Ed Lower
Mitch Farmer
Sam Sheldon
Joe Anderson
John Meeson

 

[Virgil]

Great side, and a fantastic bench, great depth, though I think you may have one too many ruckmen.

 

[wheels4]

Great side, and a fantastic bench, great depth, though I think you may have one too many ruckmen.

yeah that is a very good side

 

[=KaNga=]

Haha maybe I do have too many rucks, but luckily they can all play forward as well. All three have had their fair share of injuries of late so wanted abit of reassurance.

Happy to trade one for anyone who is lacking a rucking option.

 

[=KaNga=]

Kelly's Short Stay Comes To An End While West Coast Sign Another

New West Coast player James Kelly recorded possibly the shortest stay in the club's history. Kelly who was traded in this off season to the Eagles, completed 10 training sessions and playing no senior games before being on-traded to Port Adelaide. Kelly was at the Eagles for a total of 14 days. Meanwhile the club has signed Jordan Lewis to its list.

Kelly was disappointed at not being able to have the opportunity to play a bigger part in West Coast's fortunes in 2009, but understood that it's all about business.

"I understand that the Eagles were under abit of cap pressure and needed to make a few moves to free up a bit of cash and unfortunately it had to be me. In saying that I'm very excited about heading over to Port Adelaide. They were top four last season and their coach is like the Andrew Demetriou of AFLTM so that can only be a good thing." said Kelly

The Eagles said it was "unfortunate" that things turned out the way they did, as James was very much a required player.

Coach Kanga said that "James was one of the key players for 2009, but we needed to free up some cash and we got a player of equal quality in return [Jordan Lewis] so we're happy with it in that sense. Jordan's a really good player but we just have to keep his discipline in check. Daniel Pratt would have belted the living daylights out of Jordan in their last match where the two confronted, so we just have to teach Jordan to smarten up a bit and pick fights within his own capabilities."

The trade between West Coast and Port Adelaide also saw David Wojcinski join the club on a 3 year deal while young key forward prospect Matthew Westhoff departed the club as well.

"We think David's a good player, but what made us chase after him harder was because of a big lonely Croat we had at the club in Justin Koschitzke. The big guy wanted a companion so we scoured the league for other Croats and we found David Wojcinski. We're confident the pair can take to each other like a duck to water." said Kanga.

 

[=KaNga=]

West Coast Take A Chance

Chance Bateman joins the Eagles today through the free agency system. Chance Bateman will become the club's equal top paid player with Andrew Mackie after accepting a contract worth $400,000 a year over four years.

The Eagles have stated their desire for another top midfielder and they would be understandably pleased with this result.

"Chance will add to our midfield depth immensely. We signed Luke Ablett a few days ago, but he's hardly going to set the world on fire with all due respect. We signed Luke as a depth player, who we see to have some improvement left in him. He knows how to play, he's skillful and has a good frame for AFL footy but what he needs to work on is his fitness and once he does he'll be a really good player. We're hoping for a Jason Porplyzia like pre-season from Ablett. Whereas Chance is a proven star of the AFL, and there are no question marks over his fitness at all. He's one of the fittest players in the AFL and we'll look for him to lead our side to some sucess next season." said Kanga

Bateman had an outstanding season in 2008 and announced himself as one of the league's most damaging midfielders.

"I was happy with my performances in 2008 and I'm going to continue working hard in order to achieve the success I had again in 2009. It's a star studded midfield at West Coast but Kanga's assured me of a starting spot in their rotation." said Bateman

It is understood that straight after Kanga's reassurance to Bateman, he fired back and warned Bateman that any drop in form will see him straight down to the reserves.

"Yeah that's true, he was telling me not to get too comfortable and that's fair enough. I understand how good the depth is around the place so I'll be working hard to retain my position in the side."

 

[peterss]

Rottnest wish to enquire about the services of David Wojcinski and if he is tradeable.

 

[=KaNga=]

Eagles' Lucky Charm

The Eagles have completed their last signing before the club is expected to draft four new players in the NAB draft next month with Tadhg Kennelly agreeing terms to join West Coast.

The Eagles hope with the signing of Tadhg that the luck of Irish can rub off on its players in hope of some on-field success next year.

"We're confident that we will be up there next year, with the signing of Tadhg we now look strong in every position and have significant cover for each of those positions as well if injuries were to occur."

Kennelly recently had shoulder surgery, making that the second player at West Coast to do so in the pre-season.

"Porps went under the knife for his shoulder as well. They both had similar injuries where their shoulder would dislocate from the most innocuous of knocks."

Both Kennelly and Porplyzia are expected to be fit for round one and their presence will be "vital" said Kanga.

"They're both vital parts of the team, Kennelly sets up play from defence and Porps kicks the goals and both can have a run in the midfield. So we definitely need them fit and firing."

Although Kanga was not concerned when the hypothetical of injuries hitting the side which would see numerous players miss some parts of the season was thrown up.

"We've got a few question marks over some players, obviously Tadhg and Porps have had shoulder surgery and Brad Ottens, Kozzie, Rivers and McIntosh have had their fair share of injuries recently also but we're not concerned about that. We've built our side around depth to cover for injuries here and there which will happen. It's just a matter of when."

West Coast's depth looks impressive with regular starters such as Mark Coughlan, David Wojcinski, Mark Williams, Ash Hansen, Daniel Bell, Darren Glass and Luke Ablett failing to crack into the Eagles' twenty-two.

"Yeah not at this stage, those guys could definately come in and play a role and play it well but right now if everyone was fit they would probably miss out. It's a nice problem to have, if someone loses form one of those guys can come in, no problems."

 

[=KaNga=]

Players Receive Their Jumpers and Leadership Group Announced

New Eagles skipper: The inspirational Brent Harvey

Just days before the National draft West Coast have handed each player a jumper and the numbers they will be wearing next season. Coach Kanga hopes that some of the players can create their own history with their new numbers and go down in West Coast's history as a legend of the club.

The leadership group was also announced, with the Eagles choosing to go down the traditional path of having a designated captain and 3 vice-captains. The player who will lead the Eagles in 2009 is Brent Harvey. Harvey was a clear favourite for the captaincy and he has been a champion player for many years.

His entourage will include vice captains Bryce Gibbs, Domenic Cassisi and Jason Porplyzia all who are being groomed for the captaincy job in the years to come.

Players numbers:

1. Hamish McIntosh
2. Craig Bolton
3. Jordan Lewis
4. Bryce Gibbs
5. Jason Porplyzia
6. Brad Ottens
7. Andrew Mackie
8. Kade Simpson
9. Travis Boak
10. Chance Bateman
11. Marcus Drum
12. Daniel Bell
13. Matthew Rosa
14. Mark Coughlan
15. Rhys O'Keeffe
16. Thomas Murphy
17. Tadhg Kennelly
18. Mark L Williams
19. Ashley Hansen
20. Matthew Whelan
21. Clinton Jones
22. Sam Sheldon
23. Jared Rivers
24. Luke Ablett
25. Domenic Cassisi
26. David MacKay
27. Justin Koschitzke
28. Tyson Edwards
29. Brent Harvey (c)
30. Kepler Bradley
31. Mitchell Farmer
32. Darren Glass
33. Thomas Rockliff
34. Joe Anderson
35. John Meesen
36. Benjamin Speight (R)
37. Ed Lower
38. Nick Salter
40. David Wojcinski
43. Matthew Spangher (R)
44. Paul Cahill
99. Chad Fletcher