How do West Coast get it right in 2025?

[@BLShorts]

wont lie, knowing youre not a wce fan i wasnt quite expecting this much understanding. im so impressed, great content mate

[@BDub2024]

I agree it was pretty good all things considered. the victorian journalists are often completely wrong about players for Eagles and Dorkers and about playing styles and what's happening. So he did a good job agreed.

[@kanebaker6401]

I've been following your content for the last few month. Every video is consistently top notch, insightful and well delivered. As a WCE supporter I've been hanging out for this one - big things coming your way 👌 KB

[@DylanAlexanderFollowsDraft]

Appreciate that mate 🙏 hope you guys get a bounce this season!

[@BDub2024]

I think Jack Williams needs to be up forward. He is a good forward prospect and can do the relief ruck work. There is Archer Reid who is a forward at 203cm that is highly regarded, but can't currently get a game. I'd expect him to be straight in, if JWilliams gets injured. It will also be interesting, if they try to turn Bailey Williams into a forward (which is how he was recruited). Having said that McQualter has talked about a Richmond style forward line, possibly a short forward line. I think Ryan may be in strife if he can't tackle harder and create more pressure.

[@TerrifierStorytime]

Yeah I think Jack Williams showed in the last third of the season that he is becoming a bonafide forward, making himself a clearer target inside 50, learning how to get into space. McQualter will surely capitalise on that momentum. The problem with Ryan is that he has lost the Flyin'. I think when he somehow landed on his head and did a bad hammy at the same time, it rattled him. Hasn't been the same since. So yes, he'll be under pressure but I'd love to see him respond well to a fast new system. Bailey is probably the player I'm most concerned about. I'm not convinced that he's what we want as a ruck long term, and if he's to become a forward, he goes to the back of what is now a long line.

[@Stephen-nj8kb]

Enjoyed your perspective on West Coast well done

[@BDub2024]

Coach has said that Baker will be a defener, as will Ginbey.

[@MattyQ1975]

Great job as always Dylan. My team for WCE would probably be something like: Backs - Hough, Bazzo, Duggan H/Backs - Ginbey, McGovern, Baker Mids - Hunt, H. Reid, Kelly H/Fwds - Graham, Allen, Davis Fwds - Ryan, Waterman, Owies Rucks - Flynn, Yeo, Hewett I/Change - Allan, Gross, Cripps, Maric Sub - Sheed Emerg - B. Williams, Petrucelle, Brockman, Hutchinson WCE need to get games and experience into the kids as quickly as possible whilst there is still some experience left to guide them.

[@NatMoffet-ik6xw]

I hate to say this but the clean out of very good talent after the 2018 premiership and the years to come really dropped the ball for the eagles .But having said that it’s exciting to see a full rebuild sooner rather than later than later. Let’s go eagles 😊

[@jogon9649]

Nice break down brother. If graham is a two way runner, i would chuck him in the midfield and keep crips high half forward, given he is an elite runner also. I do believe champion and dewar will be break through players this year. The only positive about being on the bottom is the path towards success, cant wait to watch this young team develop

[@BDub2024]

My views before I watch video. McQualter (Mini) is adopting a new playing style. That will take a time to sort out. Simmo tried for past two years a more direct style with limited success. Certainly there was more turnover. A concern is that Mini wants a more intense fast moving tackling style. But the Eagles do lack fast and hard tackling midfielders and small forwards. A lot of small forwards on their list, but quite a few don't like getting their hands dirty. That's why Owies Baker and Graham are really important to set the example. Then the mids there really is a lack of pace and talent. There is a lack of depth and no real wingmen. An abundance of half back flanker types will mean that some of them will need to move up the field, be it Duggan and Hunt. Already we know Baker and Ginbey will be defenders. Key forwards look good with Allen, JWilliams, Waterman and Archer Reid knocking the door down. Key backs are a real vulnerable area, but you hope there won't be injuries to McGovern. But Jamison, HEdwards and Bazzo are all really injury prone. Maric and Shanahan will ultimately be given the opportunity to grow as potential defender replacements. Overall rucks are an issue. BWilliams tries, but isn't good enough. Flynn was injured all last year and the jury is out. Barnett is developing very slowly and entering his third year. He needs to really improve.

[@needaCheezet]

West coast have done everything right this off-season and they have so much awesome young talent coming through, they know what there doing as they have always shown. Victorians and media don't see it and just like to lay the boots in while they have a small window to do so but they will definitely see it as of this year.

[@deanbeissel2807]

Commentary around the heavy investment in power mids is spot on. Imagine adding Chad Warner to that, who is also the same. Graham and Duggan will do some of the grunt work but still needing an accumulator/good ball user. Hopefully next draft will provide that, but I think the explosive players take a bit longer to develop so perhaps a couple of guys can come in and perform straight away as that accumulator. Just a theory. Changes I would have are minimal- petch and Allan out for Cole and long.

[@BDub2024]

I think pace continues to be an issue and getting some wingman in. They've tried about 5 guys there... Chesser Ginbey Gaff Ledwards Hunt... only Hunt is still in contention and he is late 20s. We need the kids in.

[@deanbeissel2807]

@@BDub2024most definitely need outside pace….if Warner could bring his teammate with him, Warner and gulden would be handy ;)

[@BDub2024]

Hutchinson shows potential, but has only played one good half of footy, in 8 matches (approx) despite being drafted mid year last year. I don't think he's quite good enough for a wing yet. Though he has elite fitness and does run to where the ball is. Though his ball touch was a bit average at times. This year is important for him. I heard he was getting some training through half back too.

[@ShadowLight-kn7rl]

Tbh mate I reckon you've nailed the line-up with flexibility and versatility for WC. Alas I do still feel like it's lacking in elements and they're primarily the ones you listed. Just feels like WC are a bit one trick and that McQualter could quite easily fall into a rut of comfortability if he's put under the pressure a bit throughout the season. Great work mate. Keep it up!

[@DylanAlexanderFollowsDraft]

@@ShadowLight-kn7rl cheers mate! Yeah they’re absolutely not the finished product! I think the positives are, you have Oscar Allan as a hard to find kpf, Harley Reid, a hard to find powerful mid and Harry Edward’s looking good down back! Just need to build around that!

[@ShadowLight-kn7rl]

@DylanAlexanderFollowsDraft well strictly speaking I'm no Weagles supporter but I would like a player like Allen at North haha. There's certainly strengths and weaknesses at WC but they are a rebuilding club and with the right fine tuning could be a great side in another 2-3yrs

[@Aka_daka]

I feel like Baker plays his best footy at half-back, at midfield sure he can win the ball and is decent defensively but don't think he is a great midfielder the problem he has always found himself in is he can multiple positions above avg, but isn't elite at any position but if I had to pick a position, I think he is best down back, that was the position he played when he won 2 Premierships, the only reason he was played MID/FWD role the last couple of years is because our list had declined so much. and we needed a points of difference in there.

[@MakeCakeNotWar]

His 'ground ball gets' stats are off the charts when he plays down back. People focus at lot on interceptions in the backline, but the AFL level coaches rank ground ball gets down back really highly too. He just hovers balls up, he is like another interceptor just for all the dirty ball

[@BDub2024]

Maric has really good disposal and is a good size at 196cm approx. He was also trialled as wingman. Up forward there is too much competition for spots, with six talls trying for 3 places. Eagles need good disposal in their team. At the same time, the tall defenders are really injury prone and they know he may be required to fill in down there. So it really makes since. He could take on third tall defender. I'm wondering long term if Dewar can go back there as a Jetta style running defender. Dewar is a small forward/mid to look out for, if given a chance.

[@BradleyAhola]

This guy has no idea

[@BDub2024]

@@BradleyAhola The critical thing for Eagles is getting young midfielders fast tracked, but without a huge injury crisis like 2022 and 2023. Also I'm hoping that Baker Graham and Owies can bring leadership, that makes guys play with a more defensive mindset of pressure footy. Looking at stats like some guys do, don't really present the full story. Too often sides just play entirely on their terms. That's attitude and commitment to the team ethos. But clearly we need more young midfielders. Also there needs to be less tolerance of small forwards that don't run and chase.

[@BradleyAhola]

@BDub2024 i agree

[@jameshotchkin8438]

I read the synopsis on Big Footy for every training session by the fans and Duggan is training with the midfielders and will be the 2 way runner you are looking for. Baker will be half back. Both can potentially rotate though.

[@BDub2024]

Because Baker and Ginbey are guaranteed down back according to coach, then Duggan Hunt and co will need time up the ground. They badly need Hunt's pace on a wing, though I think he plays his best footy at half back. Duggan can play wing or onball just because the rest of the midfielders don't man up. They moved him into the midfield half way through last year to provide a point of difference and accountability compared to the usual mids that all run forward. If he goes half back, then Duggan will do a very good job there.

[@BDub2024]

Barass and McGovern had outstanding marking seasons. You need to analyse the types of marks that occurred. I reckon there was a lack of defensive pressure through the midfield and small forwards. So the opposition midfield would run though the middle unmarked and there would be spare mids and forwards all over the place. So I think the priority is on the midfield and small forwards and making those guys man up and create defensive pressure. Cut the rot from the source.

[@DylanAlexanderFollowsDraft]

@@BDub2024 yeah 100%! I speak about that in the midfield section. My point on Barasss and McGovern isn’t there lack of defensive ability, just their size. It’s more about the big key defender, bazzo wasn’t good enough 1v1 and Edward’s had significantly better numbers when he stepped in

[@BDub2024]

@@DylanAlexanderFollowsDraft Losing Barass will hurt us, but was needed for long term development. Unfortuntely H Edwards, Bazzo, Jamieson and McGovern are all injury prone. Bazzo and McGovern are the best two on talent. Hedwards can take on the big power forwards if needed and is good enough for a game. Shanahan is the man that needs to come in for McGovern.

[@BDub2024]

Some things you said, in which you indicated that Bazzo didn't appear up to it last year. Bazzo had injuries and didn't play last year and then in the year before had injuries and a family tragedy so barely played. But in his first year he showed enough to be a regular. The Eagles defence was good last year, with Hunt Duggan Hough McGovern Barras Cole being regulars and others running through there. Also, Witherden and Jones ultimately got dropped from squad, though Witherden tried hard. The issue is the midfield not the defence.

[@swordiexd]

Family tragedy or not, professional football is cut throat. He isn't good enough for AFL level.

[@BDub2024]

@@swordiexd I reckon he is good enough to be starting team. You can see how good he was in his first year as a first year key position player. Then in 2023 he had the tragedies and injuries. Due to the injury epidemic at the club he was forced straight in to play on a couple of power forwards. If you remember a lack of numbers meant that an underprepared Bazzo was played half forward too. For mine I see him as a CHB or the tall defender. He is good enough, just needs to stay fit. For me, its McGovern Bazzo Hedwards Jamieson as key defenders in order. But Bazzo ideally would play half back to take advantage of his mobility, rather than just a power defender like Hedwards.

[@willwa3860]

You should make these videos as a podcast aswell

[@DylanAlexanderFollowsDraft]

Will work on that!

[@MAS1234P]

Kelly will play outside. Graham will start inside. Baker will be at the back. Duggan will play mid. Hutchinson is recovering from surgery and will play WAFL

[@BDub2024]

I would like Kelly to play as an outside wingman. It might preserve his career a bit if he can reduce knocks to his legs and can be rested at times. If not careful he could be gone within 12-24 months. Problem is a centreline of Hunt Yeo and Kelly with Duggan on ball too. All late 20s and early 30s.

[@jakehbailey]

liked how the midfield was structured and think the team is quite accurate and spot on about having to many powerful mids rather than someone with some polish and ball winners. Noah long is a very talented small forward and should overtake petch, and if flynn can stay fit and consistent i would want to see him over baz williams.

[@Bally0207]

A couple things are Swap Petch for Dewar he is a good kick and a good player Barnett has been poor at WAFL so not emg in my team We need to play Archer Reid also when injuries occur Noah Long needs to be in the side somehow Harvey Johnston needs to be in the side maybe on half back or wing he was a solid player in the limited amounts of games if not in the side he is close

[@BDub2024]

I would also like Dewar to be considered for wing/interchange or half back (like Jetta). Dewar will need to be given time. Barnett needs to be on ball 100% at WAFL and to be developed. Hopefully if he is running around forward pocket at WAFL or full back like later in the year, while Flynn and Livingstone get his time in the ruck. Archer Reid won't fit in side unless JWilliams or Allen gets injured. Long term he could be a ruck forward actually, but that's in five years time. Noah Long should have a go on wing no matter his size. Johnstone I agree. But I don't think he is ready for wing, and all the half back spots are taken with Baker and Ginbey playing there.

[@Bally0207]

@ if the side has any injuries with Allen or Waterman Archer Reid needs to play and if Jack Williams has been poor or injured Jobe Shannahan could come in for him. Potentially Dewar for Cripps and long for Petch but Cripps is an important player and I would only do this if Cripps is struggling.

[@BDub2024]

@@Bally0207 Long and Cripps is a better swap. Dewar deserves match time for sure. I wonder if long term whether he could be a half back like Dewar.

[@BDub2024]

@@Bally0207 I reckon the defence is more susceptible with injury prone McGovern Hedwards Bazzo and Jamieson. We also need a long term replacement for McGovern, which I reckon could be Shanahan. Also it doesn't do any harm starting him in defence at WAFL level to learn a few tricks of how good forwards play. Also there is no way I'd want to play as a forward at WAFL level. You won't see the ball and you'll be competing against multiple tall forwards too.

[@eaglefruit]

Ginbey's disposal is an issue, that's why I think Maric plays back. Grego a good chance, we need that mongrel in the side. You're bang on about midfield being one dimensional, Yeo, Hewett, Reid are all burst players and they either get out themselves or dont. Duggan is once again training with mids, I think to be that defensive option. Graham will help with that transition running but we still need that release player/accumulator in the middle. Really lacking outside class. I think the forwardline needs more defensive options, not sure owies is that guy, I like Long, team first guy. Ruck is a huge issue, still dreaming of nicnat's service.

[@BDub2024]

Agreed overall. Huge number of half back options. Yes rucks are desperately needed.

[@anappropriatehandle]

new coach so it's tough to predict how he'll play and which players he sees where, you picked some interesting position changes. if I was coach I'd play this team: McGovern Harry Edwards Bazzo as tall backs Ginbey Hough Hunt as half backs Baker and Davis on wings Williams ruck, Harley Reid, Kelly, Hewett as mids Graham Gross Owies as small forwards Waterman Allen and Archer Reid as tall forwards. Bo Allan, shanahan, Johnston and Chester on the bench. I don't believe in Maric as a key back yet so I'll go with bazzo, I moved Hunt back to half back as a better outlet for kicks than duggan, like Baker as a winger, think he's a good runner and will be accountable both ways, Davis looks like he has a big tank and is a good size for a winger. I agree with your point about the midfield mix being a bit inside and contested, so I dropped Yeo, Reid is the future of the club, Kelly can accumulate and I think Hewett has some good outside movement. Gross played half forward most the year so I'd let him play high half forward and get to contests as the extra, learn from Graham as well. I think Archer Reid should fill the darling hole, with the other tall forwards taking the better defenders I think he'd get some good match ups and he can chop out in the ruck. Bo Allan can play multiple positions off the bench, same with Johnston and Chesser, they also add something different if used as mids. Shanahan can probably play both ends as a third tall and I think with his VFL form he's shown he's ready. I dropped a lot of the older guys, they probably get in over Johnston and chesser, but I just don't like them.

[@BDub2024]

I don't disagree with your defence. I think Bazzo should be in the starting 22 and he can play a mobile key defender role. They will probably run Baker and Duggan down back too. I'd like Hough to have the occasional run up the ground to assist with his long term development. Hunt does play his best footy at half back but there is a squeze for numbers. Could Dewar or Brockman play a skillful Jetta like half back in the future.

[@BDub2024]

You've made all these 2024 draftee kids leap frog other kids in the team, which is unlikely. Gross Allen and Shanahan won't play too much I don't reckon. The mids lack a balance as the Alexander guy said. They are all high intensity front runners. Don't accumulate possessions as a link man and don't like tackling much. Agreed Bazzo is better than Maric, but its smart to tran maric up. Yeo won't be dropped but is likely to be injured and may be forced to have time in defence as well. Jack Williams will be the third tall up forward. I can't see how Archer Reid will play unless there are injuries. Even JWilliams and AReid i too top heavy up forward. bo allen needs wafl ressies time and a chance to develop as a midfielder in a lower competition. Chesser is really an inside mid but there are no places. No spots for Shanagan yet.

[@anappropriatehandle]

@@BDub2024 I did hear Baker might have been training with the backs, but didn't know if it was true

[@anappropriatehandle]

@BDub2024 yeah lol, I just like this draft class more I guess, I'd do the same for my team, I'd have draper immediately jump our other young mids

[@BDub2024]

@@anappropriatehandle this draft class is good for the eagles this year. Eagles have had three good drafts in a row, but need a few more and in strife ith the midfield still

[@stallon720]

Not bad, youve got the best 23 players pretty close imo, its mainly their positions/roles that I disagree with All the talk is Baker will be a defender, he brings some ground ball ability to what is otherwise a very tall backline, the only defender you named who is sub 190cm was Duggan who isnt known for his defensive ability. No guarantees Allan starts in round 1 in this case. I think Graham will be that defensive mid, not Baker. Also has been some talk that Duggan is training with the midfielders. Potentially Graham, Duggan, Yeo, Kelly, Hewett and Reid as the 6 mids is my guess at this stage. Yeo, Hewett and Reid all probably sit in the 40-60% midfield time going forward, so plenty of space for 3 others to roll through. Duggan and Graham to play the more accountable roles. If mcqualter does bring in something resembling the old Richmond game style, we probably dont care about accumulators so much. We have a bunch of young mids who can be 25 touch average once they get to their prime which I think is enough. Hall will be ahead of all of Gross, Grego, Davis, etc. A years extra development and he brings accumulation and hard ball gets, so Reid and Yeo dont have to do the hard ball stuff. That should provide the separation they need Like the Hutchinson call, I am very bullish on him. Maric wont be in as a defensive option, I think Ginbey will be that 3rd tall. Maric should be using his elite boot to attack, and Ginbeys kick is pretty hit and miss, hes just an elite athlete. I think you forgot Flynn, hes still our best ruckman when fit and firing. I think he starts round 1. Idk what Petrucelli is, hes not in my best 23, I think he might get forced out by one of the kids, or Cole takes that spot.

[@BDub2024]

Baker will be half back. But I'd prefer him in the middle and half forward myself. We need hard tackling and accountable small mids and half forwards. Graham and Baker can set that example. Bo Allen I'd like him to work on his midfield craft at WAFL to turn into a regular wingman. Like what they did with Hall this year. Jury out on Hutchinson. He played one good half! But I liked how he could keep finding himself where the ball was. so can clearly read the play. Fumbled a bit though. Needed 12 months in the system. Ginbey not tall enough as third tall, though they may try him in that role. Good for Ginbey's experience to grow as a player, but its a waste considering his running and elite speed and fitness. Ginbey is only 191cm. Maric's development as a defender will help him long term and is a good emergency should players go down with injuries. Agreed with Flynn. Petch is in his last chance saloon. Speed saves him but he could be out next year.

[@stallon720]

@@BDub2024 Baker is the ground level player in the backline, we have literally nobody good at ground level back there wthout him, one of our biggest issues. Allan will be an inside mid in 2-3 years time, his traits, size and the way he plays is almost identical to Yeo. Ginbey is 191cm, Maric is 193ish(the website is wrong). Ginbey has the leap and athleticism to make up for his lack of height. Most teams 3rd tall is in the 190-194cm region anyway.

[@BDub2024]

@@stallon720 Yes that's what McQualter was saying about Baker being good at ground level with control. Still, I'd rather have Baker around the ball and to stop the source and provide some defensive ability around the middle and forward line. Graham and Owies will help. I thought Allan looked like a wing to me, at least in the short run he needs some experience there. The only guys that have shown anything there has been Hunt Ginbey and Maric. Hunt is good but we need to develop youngsters there. Ginbey is being given at least 12 months in defence. Maric not really suitable and is being groomed more forward/defence. So I'd like Allan to have a run at it later in the year, after having some WAFL time. I see Chesser as an inside mid or tagger, but he can't get a game. Not sure where Hall will play. Long is considered too small for wing, but I would have thought he'd be good enough.

[@stallon720]

@@BDub2024 Hamish Davis is our winger of the future, or we draft one next year. Baker played his best footy in the backline at Richmond, and we have more of a need for him in the backline than anywhere else. Add Graham and Duggan into the middle, and add Owies plus Hewett/Reid to the forward line and we are covered on every line. Long is a long shot to be anything tbh. He is a midfielder who is too small to be a midfielder, so he plays forward. Hes enthusiastic but hes no guarantee

[@BDub2024]

@@stallon720 Or Davis may be a future forward. We need to keep getting midfielders and pace. Baker may play his best in defence at Richmond. But I just think we need accountable midfielders more than another half back, especially considering we're going to have Ginbey plus either Maric or Bazzo probably down there too. And we want to develop youngsters like johnston and co too. Our problem relates to wingmen in particular I reckon. After two years trialling Ginbey Ledwards Chesser Gaff Hunt, we're back to square one again. I half agree with you on Long. Though I'm not sure if he's too small. You need variety around the ball and I hope he has a chance on the wing at one time.

[@BDub2024]

Overall the side is pretty good. I think Flynn will be the number one ruckman though. Not sure if Allen will be as good as some other youngsters, and I'd expect him to play more WAFL.

[@FoLlOwThEwHiTeRaBbIt1]

I would include Matt Flynn in the lineup if he is fit and in peak form. Jack Williams, with his exceptional kicking ability, is a standout talent who promises to be highly impressive this season and in the years ahead.

[@wrangazz]

Thoughts on maric on a wing? I really like the kid and hope he can find a place in the 22

[@jpw5029]

Long will be a great player, excellent decision maker

[@jaybourne2200]

Hopefully Tom Gross and Clay Hall can be those midfield accumulaters the Eagles need.

[@rickbartlett4881]

Nailed the bit about Kelly Reid Yeo together are poor defensively… Baker and Graham will help with that but It sounds like Baker will start Back…

[@nicolacantatore7095]

Graham also played as a tagging role for Richmond and stopped few good midfielders this year then got injured be interesting if the eagles use him there

[@BDub2024]

I think he is needed more as a pressure forward and a defensive mid. I wouldn't use him as a tag.

[@nicolacantatore7095]

@ I know what your saying but he did some good jobs as a tagger and we don’t have a tagger in the last couple of years not saying use him every week as a tagger just when a classy mid cuts loose in games use him see how he does

[@BDub2024]

@@nicolacantatore7095 actually last year i thought that cole should have been used as a defensive forward or a tagger. his tackling prowess and mindset would have really added. Also ultimately I think Chesser may play his best footy as an inside mid. If he could take on tagging it could ensure he stays in the team. Chesser is an elite runner, but seems to definitely get lost on the field when a wingman.

[@meow_gamblingaddict]

Wooden spoon coming right up

[@Ben-ij6zv]

For the tigers...💯

[@peterburak1]

Where is Flynn in this squad?

[@ogidy001]

Not having Flynn in the notables is odd - he was pretty clearly going to be the first choice ruckman before he got hurt last year. Long plays if fit, he was excellent in his first year and got hurt last year. Maric is the best kick in that backline (along with Gov) and is a better choice as a distributor than Ginbey. Not sure about the clip ok Gov and Barrass, we won a premiership with that. Barrass is the lockdown plus intercept and Gov is more aggressive. Bazzo is very talented but has suffered on the injury and personal front. I would start Harley in the middle, even in front of TK if the argument is lack of defensive pressure. I like most of the rest of it - Hutchinson on a wing could work.

[@TerrifierStorytime]

Gross can get in but Long can't? Hmm.. Was he not good before getting injured mid season? I'm stunned that Sheed wasn't let go to be honest. The modern game has passed him by.

[@BDub2024]

Brockman is just a lazy footballer and had behavioural issues. He needs to spend a year at WAFL and see the harder working players get consistent games. That might help the message get through. Eagles really need his pace so its disappointing. I wonder if he could every run off half back. Long is a good prospect and I'd expect him to be in the 22 most weeks. Cole is squeezed out by the abundance of small defenders but is an important player. He could be really good at creating defensive pressure up the field in mid and forward line. But now the Eagles have recruited Baker Owies and Graham who are good in that area. Archer Reid is very highly regarded. Clay Hall will end up playing most weeks I would think. There will be injuries.

[@georgepappas4628]

Mini is a good coach, but he hasn't got a heap to work with. Richmond and WC will be fighting for the spoon, but with Richmond, there is a heap more upside.

[@BDub2024]

It is going to take Richmond a long time though. they need to get the kids in quickly next year as well, and then try to bring in some experience to support the kids. Eagles will rise quicker, but unless they do some very good drafting won't have enough elite talent.

[@bunningsnag6110]

Are you kidding me? This team is leagues better than Richmond

[@r1ftz793]

Don’t need Cripps in the side, eagles have enough players that can rotate through the forward line, I would rather play Davis he gets a lot of the ball and can play wing

[@BDub2024]

Davis is way down the pecking order. They should try to give games to guys recruited in the previous years that haven't had a chance.

[@r1ftz793]

@ I don’t know about that, he was rated 30th in the draft + the only players that deserve games from the previous drafts are Archer, Harvey, bazzo and Long

[@BDub2024]

@@r1ftz793 Johnston Rawlinson Dewar Long Hall Brockman Chesser etc are ahead of him currently for starters. I know they aren't all small forward types and some are more midfielders.

[@r1ftz793]

@ none of these guys accumulate much of the football

[@BDub2024]

@@r1ftz793 I thought you were referring to small forwards. Johnston needs some time to develop at half back, I'm not sure if he's ready for wing. There will be no half back spots free. Rawlinson may not be good enough to make it. Dewar a lot of potential and could move to wing or half back (like Jetta). Brockman a disappointment to date with attitude and effort. Hall not sure. Long hard running forward, a bit like Cripps. I wonder if he could have a stint on wing. Chesser doesn't know how to find the ball on the wing. He is clearly an inside mid or a tagger.

[@JonGarrood]

Apparently Sheed's ankle/foot is no good....

[@barnz4523]

Wouldn't surprise me to see them push us (Richmond) for pick 1. That starting 22 is horrible. There's just no xfacor in their side besides Reid. None of the young guys coming through are that exciting. If I had to predict they go all out for Chad Warner and offer Sydney whatever they want to get him. Not sure that's the right move as their list looks years off it. They should've kept pick 3 and drafted Jagga or Draper

[@stallon720]

Youre dreaming, Richmond was comfortably the worst team this year, and has lost nearly all of their best players. The eagles have added experience and accountability to a side that struggled with consistency more than anything. The perfect additions to improve now Richmond have pick 1 locked up already, and it wont be close

[@pletsas6243]

@@stallon720 Not sure on this. I think this west coast team is also arguably worse. Richmond were ravaged with injuries last year as well. Eagles lost Barrass, Darling and Gaff retired - didn't add match at all in the draft that will impact this season - only Allan. Owies and Graham are C grade players, and Baker is great. West coast just has far too many players that aren't near the standard still.

[@pletsas6243]

Taranto, Hopper and Prestia all missed half a season. Lynch (most important player) and Gibcus entire season. Tigers also added a lot of talent this year that will come in and play some good footy (Not star but solid contributions). The difference in backlines is astronomical. Richmond will have this as their back 6, whilst West Coasts is a shambles. Broad Gibcus Vlastuin Short Balta Brown Richmond having Nank in the ruck probably makes the midfields somewhat comparatively with Hopper, Taranto and Prestia,. West Coast's forward line is actually pretty solid imo, and has a difference in standard similar to the backlines. Anyway it's a rebuilding season for both sides, but Richmond seems to have high talents in all areas ready, whereas West Coast talent acquisiton has been pretty subpar thus far - Just Reid, with Ginbey, Hewett, Chesser all been pretty underwhelming + Shanahan and Allan

[@BDub2024]

@@pletsas6243 Eagles small defence is solid. Their tall defence is average to good, but unfortunately has 5 tall options that are all injury prone. Midfield is the biggest weakness overall. Tall forwards are strong and will help win games. Small forwards have potential but have the attitude of not wanting to chase, pressure and play team defence. In fact that's the biggest weakness of the whole team. A midfield that's not accountable and lacking class and pace. And small forwards that are all front runners. Solve this over another 3 drafts hopefully, and you'll see improvement.

[@stallon720]

​@@pletsas6243 Gaff will make 0 effect, he barely played this year. Barrass is a hole to fill, but Edwards arguably balances the defence better. Darling isnt much of a loss, I have no idea why he got so many games. He was the "4th tall" in the forward line, swapping him out with Owies will improve our forward line. Added Baker, Graham and Owies, theyre not superstars but they fill roles that we needed to fill. The eagles were good enough to match better teams this year, but there was a few areas of the game that we struggled. The 2 most notable were transition running and accountability in the middle. Thats exactly what Graham, Owies and Baker provide. We also have a LOT of kids coming through who are getting to their 2-3-4th seasons, their impact will only increase, Elijah Hewett in particular is a HUGE gain, one of the best players from the 2022 draft who was hampered by injury for so long. I have no doubt he will be in the top 5 from that draft in 10 years time when people do their re-drafts.

[@eaglefruit]

yewww

[@bored_and_lazy]

I'd say the reason why West Coast gave up so many forward 50 marks was more due to the high quality of the entries allowed by the midfield. Maric isn't potentially going down back because of a lack of forward ability, its mainly because if there's one place West Coast is stacked it's in the forward line. He's too good to not be in the team, so they're trying to find a role for him.

[@DylanAlexanderFollowsDraft]

Yeah don’t disagree with anything you’ve said there!

[@BDub2024]

Maric was average up forward, but there is an abundance of tall forwards with Waterman, Edwards, J Williams and Archer Reid. Also, B Williams may end up there too. Maric is being trialled on wing and across defence due to his really good disposal. Also, there is the risk that the tall defenders will be injured as they're all injury prone. Maric could play on the third talls.

[@BDub2024]

Agreed Bored and lazy.

[@protoindoeuropean]

Rough for west coast

[@BuR70N]

Dewars name is pronounced Dee-wa

[@Dog-fs6ld]

bruz is claiming Hamish davis is a midfielder bruhhhhh

[@BazParkes-x5h]

Are people seriously writing Noah Long off? 😂😂

[@BDub2024]

He will be in the top 25 for sure. I think I'd like him to be given a shot on the wing, as it will be tough for him as a half forward with competition. Cripps will be playing less this year which might help, but Owies and Graham are in.

[@BazParkes-x5h]

@@BDub2024 Ah sorry, just a Bigfooty WCE board meme relating to Long. Still, think he'll be very good. Hope to see him push into the midfield this year. Despite his size, tackles like an absolute beast and is a very smart player.

[@Bally0207]

@@BazParkes-x5hBigfooty memes

[@Adam-m4z2r]

The only things I would change is drop Duggan and Petrucelle. Have Allan start at half back and just bring in two young guys.

[@stallon720]

Duggan isnt going anywhere, he doesnt excel in any role in particular but hes still in our top 7/8 players comfortably, as a bit of an all-rounder

[@Adam-m4z2r]

@stallon720 I disagree, he has poor disposal that hurts the team more than it helps. I'm sure he will start round 1 but I can easily see a scenario where he isn't in the team by the end of the year.

[@stallon720]

​@@Adam-m4z2r Youre basing your take off a false premise. Duggans disposal is actually fine. Its not elite but its FAR from bad. Idk why this idea gets thrown around so much by Eagles fans, its like people dont actually watch the games properly. If you look at the stats you'd see

[@BDub2024]

Duggan is one of their best players most weeks. Notwithstanding captain. He is definitely needed for the next 3 years to handle the transition and rebuild.

[@Adam-m4z2r]

@stallon720 There must be some premise to his poor disposal if that's what he's known for. When he turns the ball over, he always does it in the most dangerous areas of the ground. More often than not, it results in opposition scoring.